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 Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. 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". Partner news | Armenia, Turkey discuss restoration of historic bridge The meeting took place on May 17 in Ashgabat on the sidelines of an international conference of ministers of culture. India wants Armenia’s proposals on use of Chabahar port India is expecting proposals from Armenia regarding the use of Chabahar port in Iran, Indian ambassador says. EU welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan “progress” The EU has welcomed “progress” made in the framework of the Armenia-Azerbaijan border delimitation process. Belarus opposition leader slams Lukashenko for Karabakh trip Belarusian opposition politician Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya has harshly criticized the visit of Lukashenko to Karabakh. |