169 mafia members arrested in Italy, Germany

Some 169 suspected members of the Italian 'Ndrangheta gang have been arrested in Italy and Germany as part of a joint operation, police said.

German police arrested 11 of them in Baden-Wurttemberg, Bavaria, Hessen and North Rhine-Westphalia, the Federal Criminal Police Office said.

The arrested were aged between 36-61, and were allegedly linked to the Farao-Marincola clan from the Calabrian town of Ciro, the Italian police said on Tuesday.

They are one of the most powerful Calabrian mafias in northern Italy, with ramifications in Germany, Efe news reported.

The group has been accused of attempted murder, extortion and money laundering, among other crimes.

The criminal organisation managed to exert an influence on important Italian economic and business sectors, such as the production and sale of fish, wine and confectionery, waste collection and funeral services.

It was capable of managing millions of euros, according to the police.

Assets worth $59.64 million were seized during the police operation, which was coordinated by prosecutor Nicola Gratteri.

The network, whose central operations took place in Ciro and the surrounding area, allegedly invested its profits in northern Italy and Germany.

--IANS

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