Raid on the most terrifying mafia organization in Europe: hundreds of arrests

According to the news from the public broadcaster ARD, which is based on security sources, hundreds of policemen participated in the large-scale operation carried out in 6 countries of the European Union, including Germany, Italy, France and Belgium.

Arrest warrants for 108 people were said to have been executed in the large-scale operation against the Ndrangheta mafia group.

The operation, codenamed “Eureka,” was “the largest international police operation to date against the southern Italian-based Ndrangheta mafia group,” according to the sources.

During the raids, a large quantity of drugs was seized.

Police arrested more than 100 mafia members and sympathizers involved in drug trafficking, illegal arms trade and money laundering.

The criminal group has been charged with money laundering, gang-like tax evasion, gang business fraud and drug trafficking, police said in a statement.

Raid hundreds of points

It was claimed that more than 100 workplaces and residences were raided in Germany alone.

It was noted that the investigation began in 2019 after a pizzeria in Ghent, Belgium, was linked to the mafia.

According to news from the Italian agency ANSA, raids were carried out on people and institutions related to Ndrangheta in Katanzaro, Vibo Valentia, Pescara, Milan, Salerno, Catania, Savona, Bologna, Vicenza, L’Aquila, Ancona, Rome and Cagliari. .

THEY’RE LAUNCHING MONEY WITH REAL ESTATE

Known as one of the most dangerous crime syndicates in Italy, Ndrangheta is believed to have smuggled large amounts of cocaine into Europe from South America, primarily using large commercial container ports in Belgium and the Netherlands.

According to investigators, the group’s money laundering network operates mainly in Germany, Belgium and Portugal, investing in restaurants and real estate in several countries. (AA)