Italy Strike against the Mafia: 130 million euros seized

Italian police have seized more than 130 million euros in a crackdown on the Mafia. According to the authorities, the raid was directed against branches of the criminal organizations 'Ndrangheta and Camorra, particularly in Rome, which were involved in money laundering.

A total of 18 suspects were arrested. More than 50 others are under investigation. They are accused in particular of money laundering from criminal activities, usury and extortion. More than 500 officers were involved in the operation in Rome and several other Italian cities.

The 'Ndrangheta from Calabria and the Camorra from Naples, together with the Cosa Nostra from Sicily, have been among Italy's most powerful criminal groups for many decades. All three organizations have long been active far beyond their former territories, including in other countries. The worldwide turnover of the 'Ndrangheta alone is estimated at more than 50 billion euros per year, mainly through the drugs business.

SDA