Italy’s anti-mafia police arrest at least 40 in raidsNovember 18, 2014 - 15:56 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Anti-mafia police have arrested at least 40 people in raids targeting groups in northern Italy linked to the 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate. For the first time, police were able to film secretive initiation rites where operations were decided, reports said, according to BBC News. Three groups were under investigation, based north of Milan, in the provinces of Como and Lecco in Lombardy region. Most of the arrests were in northern Italy, but some of the men were detained in Sicily. The 'Ndrangheta is based in Calabria, in the far south "toe-end" of Italy. Details of the recording of the mafia meeting were due to be given on Tuesday by Italian police. But Italian media said three groups were present at the time, from small villages in Como and Lecco. During the meeting, those presented organised their hierarchy and allotted roles to each other. The 'Ndrangheta are known to have distinctive initiation rites and an elite membership known as "Santa". The recording of the Santa ceremony in northern Italy was unprecedented, reports said. Milan anti-mafia prosecutor Ilda Boccassini led the investigation, which involved phone intercepts as well as secret filming. Those arrested by a special police unit were being held on suspicion of belonging to the mafia and extortion, as well as carrying unlicensed guns. Related links: 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 | The Power of One Dram to benefit Road of Life charity The companies inform that the May beneficiary of The Power of One Dram is the “Road of Life” charitable organization. Ucom General Director gives lecture at French University in Armenia The General Director of Ucom Ralph Yirikian delivered a lecture at the French University of Armenia. 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. |