Swiss court tries alleged mafia operative over arms and drugs
Monday 31st August 2026 on 06:30 in
Switzerland
The trial of a 59-year-old landscaper accused of working for the ’Ndrangheta begins Monday at the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona, SRF reports. Prosecutors allege that the Italian national traded in weapons and drugs and acted as the mafia clan’s representative in Switzerland.
The accused lives in the Freiamt region of Aargau, where he still runs a business. According to the Federal Prosecutor’s Office indictment, he maintained close contact with mafia boss Rocco Anello and served as the Swiss contact for the Anello-Fruci clan.
Prosecutors allege that the landscaper worked consciously for the ’Ndrangheta in Switzerland from 2001 to 2020 and took part in criminal activities. He is also accused of intimidating people while collecting debts and protection money on behalf of the mafia.
The charges include importing, acquiring and storing counterfeit money, handling stolen goods, violating weapons legislation and violating the Narcotics Act. The indictment also says he obtained secure telephones and organised vehicles and accommodation for clan members.
The case is part of a broader investigation into the Calabrian ’Ndrangheta, in which Swiss authorities investigated 13 people. Some cases fall under the jurisdiction of Italian authorities.
The former owner of a pizzeria in Muri, Aargau, was sentenced by Italian courts to 17 years in prison. During a raid at the restaurant in summer 2020, authorities seized more than 20 weapons and removed several cars. Mafia boss Anello was reportedly a regular visitor and had a reserved parking space in the underground garage. He has since been sentenced to 24 years in prison in Italy.
The Federal Criminal Court is the court of first instance in the landscaper’s case and handles organised crime cases with international or inter-cantonal links. The accused remains free and must report regularly to Aargau authorities to prevent him from absconding.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office will disclose the sentence it is seeking during the trial. Supporting criminal organisations can carry a prison sentence of up to 10 years. Eight days of hearings are planned, with two additional days held in reserve. The presumption of innocence applies, and the verdict will be announced at a later date.