Italian police seize 450mln euros of assets in anti-mafia raids March 5, 2013 - 20:36 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italian police say they have seized 450mln euros ($590mln) of assets and arrested 20 people in anti-mafia raids, BBC News reported. Among the assets seized were companies and holiday villages, the police say. The raids were prompted by investigations begun in 2008 and centre on the 'Ndrangheta crime network and its activities in tourism. Italian media reports say that Spaniards were among those arrested, as well as one person suspected of having links to the IRA. The raids were made early on Tuesday morning. Arrests were made on suspicion of offences including mafia activity and re-investment of illicit assets. The police say their investigations revealed "an extensive and complex network of Italian and foreign companies" which enabled crime gangs to become involved in the ownership and development of "dozens" of real estate ventures and tourist resorts. Some of the resorts were located in the coastal areas of the Calabria region - renowned for their beauty. The businesses had forged links between the families of the 'Ndrangheta and "important Spanish entrepreneurs", the police say.   Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads.   Partner news |  Latest news Kazakhstan welcomes Yerevan, Baku’s agreement to meet in Almaty  Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has welcomed the agreement of Baku and Yerevan to hold negotiations in Almaty.Armenia offers to temporarily host, preserve Gaza manuscripts The Armenian Foreign Minister has said Yerevan is ready to help preserve manuscripts from the conflict zone in Gaza.Aliyev says no need for mediators in Armenia-Azerbaijan process Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev believes that Baku and Yerevan do not mediators in the process of normalizing relations.Aram I supports Karekin II’s “patriotic position” Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia Aram I has expressed support for the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. |
