Anti-mafia operation in Reggio Calabria: 79 people arrested
A joint operation by law enforcement has resulted in the arrest of 79 individuals linked to Reggio criminal syndicates, with charges ranging from drug trafficking to money laundering.
Anti-mafia operation in Reggio Calabria: 79 people arrested
This morning in Reggio Calabria an operation was launched that resulted in the execution of 79 restrictive measures: 73 people have been remanded in custody, whilst a further 6 must remain under house arrest with precautionary custody. The ordinances were signed by the investigating magistrate of the Calabrian capital, on the proposal of the local District Anti-Mafia Prosecution. Details of the investigation were disclosed by the State Police.
The detainees are suspected of being members of a mafia-type association, as well as managing the illicit drug trade, committing extortion, possessing weapons including military-grade arms, laundering dirty money, committing robbery and concealing illicit assets. The investigations focused particularly on the De Stefano, Tegano, Condello and Logiudice clans.
The investigations revealed that the historic families of the city district have entered into a federative alliance, whilst remaining under the aegis of the criminal group that dominates the Archi neighbourhood. Alongside these central organisations, investigators also identified individuals active in the hillside peripheries, in the areas of Ortì, Aretina, Oliveto and Croce Valanidi.
According to the reconstruction, members of the syndicates would meet in secret assemblies to redefine the balance of power, distribute illicit profits, settle disputes with other groups and organise initiation ceremonies for new members. Their territorial dominion was exercised through threats, racketeering against business owners, drug dealing and laundering of criminal proceeds through straw men.
One aspect that struck investigators concerns infiltration into the railway contracts sector. The syndicates allegedly influenced the firms contracted for maintenance and cleaning of trains at the Reggio terminal, interfering in personnel management, hiring procedures and dialogue with trade unions, in order to maintain control of the sector.
Two organisations dedicated to the sale of cocaine, heroin and cannabis were also identified. One was based in the Santa Caterina district and supplied the whole region, headed by a member of the Tegano clan. The other operated in Arghillà under the guidance of a convicted mafia offender, who continued to direct activities even from prison.
During the raids, several illegal weapons were seized, including sawn-off shotguns and pump-action rifles. Searches were also carried out outside the province and six businesses linked to the suspects were confiscated. The operation involved officers from Mobile Squads, special units and canine units from multiple Italian cities.
Source: Google News IT — Crime (it)