03:50Germany: 18 arrested in police anti-mafia raids as part of European operation against 'ndrangheta
German police officers detained 18 people, as part of an anti-mafia European operation, during early morning raids on Wednesday in several cities within the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The arrests were part of an international operation carried out in multiple European countries targeting the Italian 'Ndrangheta mafia.
"As a result of the operation, more than 50 properties were searched and 18 individuals have been arrested. Law enforcement officials conducted searches in multiple locations, including large stores, houses, and flats, in several cities," North Rhine-Westphalia Minister for Internal Affairs Herbert Reul said at a press conference in Dusseldorf on Wednesday.
The Director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Criminal Police Office Ingo Wunsch said that the operation represents a 'major blow' against Ndrangheta members.
"This is a major blow against the Ndrangheta members. It is crucial to note that our work is not yet complete. We will continue the investigation as there is still a significant amount of progress to be made. Today's success shows that we are capable of achieving great things, and we should take pride in our accomplishments thus far," he stated.
According to several European police departments, more than 30 people were reportedly arrested in Germany, while over 100 in Europe. as part of the crackdown on the Italian 'Ndrangheta mafia.
The Calabria-based 'Ndrangheta mafia is one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the world.
According to media outlets' estimates, the mafia controls about 80 per cent of Europe's cocaine traffic.
03:50German police officers detained 18 people, as part of an anti-mafia European operation, during early morning raids on Wednesday in several cities within the state of North Rhine-Westphalia.
The arrests were part of an international operation carried out in multiple European countries targeting the Italian 'Ndrangheta mafia.
"As a result of the operation, more than 50 properties were searched and 18 individuals have been arrested. Law enforcement officials conducted searches in multiple locations, including large stores, houses, and flats, in several cities," North Rhine-Westphalia Minister for Internal Affairs Herbert Reul said at a press conference in Dusseldorf on Wednesday.
The Director of the North Rhine-Westphalia Criminal Police Office Ingo Wunsch said that the operation represents a 'major blow' against Ndrangheta members.
"This is a major blow against the Ndrangheta members. It is crucial to note that our work is not yet complete. We will continue the investigation as there is still a significant amount of progress to be made. Today's success shows that we are capable of achieving great things, and we should take pride in our accomplishments thus far," he stated.
According to several European police departments, more than 30 people were reportedly arrested in Germany, while over 100 in Europe. as part of the crackdown on the Italian 'Ndrangheta mafia.
The Calabria-based 'Ndrangheta mafia is one of the wealthiest and most powerful in the world.
According to media outlets' estimates, the mafia controls about 80 per cent of Europe's cocaine traffic.