Reggio Calabria anti mafia raid nets 79 suspects linked to historic 'Ndrangheta clans

Rome – Italian anti mafia prosecutors have arrested 79 people in a major operation targeting some of the most powerful 'Ndrangheta clans in Reggio Calabria, dealing a significant blow to the De Stefano, Tegano and Condello crime families.

More than 500 officers from the Carabinieri and State Police took part in coordinated dawn raids across the province on Tuesday. Seventy three suspects were remanded in custody, while six were placed under house arrest.

The investigation, led by the Reggio Calabria District Anti Mafia Directorate (DDA), focuses on the activities of the historic De Stefano, Tegano, Condello and Logiudice clans, as well as other affiliated criminal groups operating in the area.

Prosecutors have accused the suspects of a range of offences, including mafia association, conspiracy to traffic drugs, extortion, robbery and the illegal possession and carrying of firearms, all aggravated by alleged mafia methods and the aim of facilitating the 'Ndrangheta.

Investigators said the inquiry uncovered the criminal organisations' extensive economic interests, ranging from international drug trafficking to systematic extortion of local businesses and entrepreneurs.

According to prosecutors, the investigation also confirmed the continued existence of a federation linking the historic Reggio Calabria clans operating in the city's central district. The groups are alleged to have coordinated their activities while remaining subordinate to the leadership of the Archi clan.

Police said they also mapped several peripheral 'Ndrangheta groups operating in the hilly districts of Ortì, Aretina, Oliveto and Croce Valanidi, which were allegedly affiliated with the city's dominant criminal organisations.

Evidence gathered during the investigation suggests that several suspects attended secret mafia meetings where leadership positions were reassigned, criminal profits divided and disputes between rival groups settled. Prosecutors allege that initiation ceremonies and the conferral of traditional 'Ndrangheta ranks also took place during these meetings.

The investigation alleges that the clans exercised tight control over the local territory through intimidation, extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering and financial support for imprisoned associates, with each member carrying out responsibilities according to their rank within the organisation.

A significant part of the inquiry focused on public procurement contracts linked to the maintenance and cleaning of trains and industrial facilities at Reggio Calabria's railway hub. Investigators believe the sector was strategically important for the clans, which allegedly influenced contractors, hiring and dismissals of workers, and exploited trade union relationships to maintain control and secure financial benefits.

The investigation also identified what prosecutors describe as the current leadership of the criminal group operating in the Arghillà district. Authorities allege the faction has become the armed wing of the Archi clans, intervening to resolve internal disputes and enforce the authority of Reggio Calabria's traditional mafia families.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the operation, saying the fight against organised crime "is and will continue to be an absolute priority for the Government."

The investigation remains ongoing, and all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.

PS