Europol coordinates major operation against Italian mafia with 132 arrests across 10 countries

European law enforcement agencies have dealt a major blow to the powerful Italian mafia organization Ndrangheta, with 132 of its members detained in a joint operation across 10 countries. According to a statement by the European Police Service (Europol), the raids involved 2,770 personnel and targeted addresses linked to the criminal network’s activities, which include tax evasion, arms smuggling, bribery, violence, and the majority of Europe’s cocaine trade. The organization also laundered its profits through real estate, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses, with investments in countries including Belgium, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Argentina, Uruguay, and Brazil, according to officials.