Italian police seize €1.6bn in assets from family suspected of mafia linksJuly 8, 2015 - 14:13 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Italian police say they have seized more than €1.6 bn in assets from five Sicilian siblings suspected of links to the mafia, BBC News reports. The five are thought to have been helped by the criminal group to secure public construction contracts. Police in the regional capital Palermo say it is one of the largest raids they have ever carried out. Analysts say Sicily's Cosa Nostra and other mafia groups have expanded their activities during Italy's recession. Among the assets seized are bank accounts, property and furniture. The five - three brothers and two sisters - are all in their sixties and seventies. They worked as laborers in the early 1980s but went on to become billionaires, Italian media reported. 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 | Cyprus parliament honors Armenian genocide victims Acting House President Zacharias Koulias noted that April 24 marks the “black anniversary” of the Armenian genocide. Armenia PM, France envoy discuss regional matters Issues related to the consistent development of Armenia-France cooperation were discussed. Azerbaijan razes historic Armenian church to ground Azerbaijan has demolished the historic Armenian Church of St. John the Baptist (known as Kanach Zham). Russia to begin assessing migrant workers' speaking skills Rosobrnadzor is planning to change the Russian language exam for migrant workers and include an assessment of speaking skills |