Crime and Punishment final

Uno Bianca Gang

• A gang led by three Savi brothers (two were police officers) who carried out over 100 robberies, 24 murders, and 102 injuries from 1987–1993.

• They exploited their police positions to evade capture and manipulate investigations.

• When caught, the police initially refused to believe that officers could be responsible.

• Eventually, all members were sentenced, but internal police denial delayed justice.

Untouchables:
The police, because they refused to investigate or believe that fellow officers could be guilty.

Stefano Cucchi

• Stefano Cucchi was arrested for drug possession (the pills were for epilepsy) and was brutally beaten by police while in custody.

• He died from his injuries, but his case was ignored until 2019 when media pressure forced a retrial.

• Out of 12 people (6 police, 6 doctors) only 2 officers were convicted.

• Many forged documents and false testimonies delayed justice.

Untouchables:
The police and hospital staff, who covered for each other through falsified evidence and silence.

G8 Summit Protest (2001, Genoa)

• Peaceful protests against globalization turned violent due to extreme police brutality (tear gas, beatings).

• Many protestors were severely injured; one was killed.

• Some officers were convicted, but most escaped punishment or claimed self-defense.

• Media exposure revealed systemic abuse of power and human rights violations.

Untouchables:
The police, protected by the state despite clear evidence of violence.

The years of Lead

• A violent era (1960s–1980s) in Italy marked by terrorism, bombings, assassinations, and political extremism from both left and right.

• The Red Brigades kidnapped and murdered politician Aldo Moro.

• Innocent civilians often died in bombings.

• Government, extremist groups, and intelligence agencies were all involved, creating confusion and cover-ups.

Untouchables:
Politicians, neofascist groups, and security officers, who were often protected or hidden behind the government’s shadow.

Elisa Claps

• Elisa disappeared in 1993 after meeting Danilo Restivo at a church.

• Her body wasn’t found for 17 years — in the attic of the same church, which had refused earlier searches.

• Restivo fled to the UK (protected by his father’s influence), killed another woman, and was later convicted in both countries.

• The Church’s refusal to cooperate and local corruption delayed justice.

Untouchables:
The Church and Restivo’s influential family, who obstructed the investigation.

Emanuela Orlandi

• A 15-year-old Vatican City girl who disappeared in 1983.

• Linked to Vatican financial scandals, organized crime, and the attempted assassination of the Pope.

• Over decades, no body or solid evidence was ever found.

• The Vatican allegedly withheld information and blocked investigations.

Untouchables:
The Vatican hierarchy and Vatican Bank, protected by religious and political immunity.

I Celestini di Prato ( Orphanage Scandal)

• A Catholic orphanage in Prato run by Father Leonardo where children were abused, neglected, and tortured.

• Investigations in the 1960s exposed medical malpractice, lack of training, and cruel punishments.

• Some staff were convicted but received reduced sentences; Father Leonardo was acquitted.

• Society’s devotion to the Church shielded him from blame.

Untouchables:
Father Leonardo and Church supporters, protected by blind faith and social loyalty.

Maglina Gang

• A powerful Roman crime syndicate (1970–1980s) connected to politicians, secret services, and the Church.

• Controlled drug trafficking, money laundering, and assassinations.

• Deep corruption made investigations nearly impossible until internal collapse and witness testimony exposed them.

• Over 100 members were arrested, but leadership faced little real consequence.

Untouchables:
The gang’s high-ranking leaders, shielded by political and institutional connections.

Monster of Florence

• A series of serial killings (1960–1980s) targeting couples in Florence.

• Investigations were botched, with evidence tampered and suspects framed.

• Possible links to cults, elites, or corruption, but nothing proven.

• Authorities appeared more interested in closing the case than finding the truth.

Untouchables:
The Vinci family and possibly elite conspirators, protected by influence and investigative corruption.

Amand Knox and Merdith Kercher Case 

In 2007, British student Meredith Kercher was murdered in Perugia, Italy. Her roommate Amanda Knox and Knox’s boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were accused, while Rudy Guede’s DNA was the only one found at the scene.
Police mishandled evidence and pressured Knox into a false confession. Despite years of trials and media sensationalism, Knox and Sollecito were fully exonerated in 2015.

Untouchables

Italian police and prosecutors, especially Giuliano Mignini, who faced no real consequences for evidence tampering, false accusations, and media manipulation.

Maxi Trials

• Massive anti-mafia prosecution: Started in 1986 in Palermo, involving 475 defendants accused of belonging to Cosa Nostra, covering murders, extortion, and drug trafficking.

• Historic convictions: In 1987, the court handed down 338 convictions (including many life sentences), legally recognising Cosa Nostra as a structured organisation for the first time.

• Major impact: The trial marked a breakthrough in Italy’s fight against the Mafia, weakening Cosa Nostra’s power, inspiring further anti-mafia efforts, but did not end organised crime entirely.

Mafia only kills in summer

• Coming-of-age story in mafia Palermo: Follows Arturo growing up and falling in love, set against the backdrop of real-life mafia crimes in Palermo from the 1970s to 1990s.

• Mafia’s social power & untouchability: Shows how Cosa Nostra infiltrates politics, institutions, and everyday life, making criminals seem untouchable and their violence a normalized part of society.

• Resistance and awareness: Highlights the courage of anti-mafia magistrates, journalists, and citizens who challenge the mafia’s invulnerability, revealing the human cost of organized crime.