A total of 25 people were arrested in Thursday's raid, reports CNN. They are accused of a range of crimes, including extortion, drug trafficking, tax evasion, and money laundering.
The 57-year-old nun had long worked voluntarily at several prisons in and around Brescia in northern Italy. However, she did more than offer comfort and blessings, according to the police.
"Sister Collina" is said to have sent messages and orders between imprisoned mafia bosses and foot soldiers on the outside linked to the influential and violent criminal syndicate 'Ndrangheta in southern Italy, writes CNN. The police accuse the nun of having abused her religious role.
The equivalent of approximately 21 million kronor was seized in the raid, in which 300 police officers and specially trained dogs participated. Weapons and drugs were also seized at several locations in northern Italy.
