Aargau gardener in Federal Criminal Court – member of 'Ndrangheta?
A 59-year-old gardener from Freiamt is standing trial in Bellinzona. He is alleged to have worked for the powerful Anello-Fruci clan for two decades.
Trial begins in Bellinzona: Aargau man allegedly served as Swiss representative of 'Ndrangheta
The trial against a 59-year-old gardener from Aargau began on Monday before the Federal Criminal Court in Bellinzona. According to SRF, the Italian citizen, who to this day operates a business in Freiamt, is alleged to have acted as representative and logistician of the Anello-Fruci clan from there – one of the most powerful families of the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta.
According to the indictment filed by the Federal Prosecutor's Office, the man maintained close contact with Mafia boss Rocco Anello and was knowingly involved in criminal activities from 2001 to 2020. He is said to have functioned as the clan's contact person in Switzerland and to have participated in drug and weapons trafficking. Additionally, he allegedly intimidated individuals when collecting debts and protection money by invoking the Mafia.
The indictment lists a series of further allegations: importation, acquisition and storage of counterfeit money, receiving stolen goods, as well as violations of the Weapons Act and the Narcotics Act. On a logistical level, he is said to have procured wiretap-resistant telephones and organised vehicles and accommodation for clan members.
Connection to pizzeria raid six years ago
The defendant is considered a suspected accomplice of the former owner of a pizzeria in Muri AG, whose case made headlines six years ago. During a raid on the Freiamt restaurant, more than 20 weapons were seized at that time and cars were removed. Media reported at the time that Mafia boss Rocco Anello came and went from the pizzeria and even had a reserved parking space in the underground garage at his disposal.
The former pizzeria operator was subsequently sentenced by Italian courts to 17 years in prison. Anello himself received a prison sentence of 24 years in Italy.
Investigations against a total of 13 persons in Switzerland
The current case is part of extensive investigations in which a total of 13 persons in Switzerland have been proceeded against. Not all proceedings are being conducted here – part of them fall within the jurisdiction of Italian authorities.
The Federal Criminal Court is competent as the first instance because it involves organised crime with international and inter-cantonal connections. The defendant is at liberty, but must regularly report to Aargau authorities.
What sentence the Federal Prosecutor's Office is specifically seeking will only be announced during the course of the proceedings. Swiss law provides for a maximum of ten years imprisonment for supporting a criminal organisation. Eight trial days are scheduled for the proceedings, with two further days as reserve. The judgement will be delivered at a later date. The presumption of innocence applies.
Source: SRF