Record-breaking Convictions: Over 200 Mobsters Imprisoned in Italy's Landmark Mafia Trial

In the largest mafia trial in Italy in 30 years, an Italian court has handed down sentences totaling 2,200 years to over 200 members of a crime gang. This historic trial commenced in January 2021, taking place in a secure facility in the southern town of Lamezia Terme. With the defendants represented by over 400 lawyers and supported by approximately 900 witnesses, the trial garnered significant attention.

On Monday, a panel of three judges announced their verdict after deliberating on the fate of the 338 accused since the trial concluded on October 16. According to Italian news outlet Ansa, it took the court one hour and 40 minutes to deliver their rulings. Out of the accused, 207 mobsters were sentenced to jail while over 100 were acquitted. The jail time includes five life sentences and three 30-year sentences in total.

During the trial, a milestone was set with 42 women being prosecuted, marking the highest number ever in a mafia case. Out of these, 39 were found guilty.

The court proceedings revealed fascinating aliases bestowed upon several defendants, such as "The Wolf," "Fatso," "Sweetie," and "Lamb Thigh." These unique monikers were recorded in approximately 24,000 wiretapped conversations, as testified during the trial.

The following individuals were convicted: Giancarlo Pittelli, a former lawmaker of Forza Italia; Giorgio Naselli, a former police chief; Michele Marinaro, a former financial police officer; Gianluca Callipo, a former mayor; and Luigi Incarnato and Pietro Giamborino, former regional councilors. This information is outlined in the sentencing document, which CNN has viewed.

The trial took place in a specially-built bunker in Lamezia Temre, southern Italy, amid safety concerns.

Valeria Ferraro/AP

The mobsters, linked to Italy's infamous Nrangheta crime organization, were found guilty of mafia association, extortion, bribery, and five counts of murder. The trial was named Rinascita Scott, in honor of Scott W. Sieben, the American special agent who played a crucial role in exposing the connections between Colombia's cartels and Nrangheta.

The Ndrangheta, headquartered in Calabria, Italy, is widely regarded as the dominant mafia organization in the country and one of the most influential criminal networks worldwide. With a vast network of members and affiliates across the globe, as confirmed by the Italian DIA, it has established itself as a formidable force. Europol recognizes its exclusive control over drug trafficking in Europe.

Throughout the lengthy trial spanning two years and 10 months, the three judges resided under constant police protection.

CNNs Christian Edwards contributed reporting.