'Ndrangheta: 12 arrests, including entrepreneurs

(ANSA) - REGGIO CALABRIA, JUL 26 - Twelve people, including presumed affiliates of the 'Ndrangheta and colluding entrepreneurs, were arrested during an operation conducted by the DIA and the Guardia di Finanza of Reggio Calabria, on the direct by GiovanniBombardieri.

The operation, called "Planning", made it possible to defeat a criminal association that allegedly saw allies, entrepreneurs and families of the 'Ndrangheta aimed at infiltrating some gangs in the construction sector and in large-scale food distribution.

Arrests and searches, as part of the operation, also in Lombardy, Abruzzo and Lazio.

   The infiltration of the gangs would have occurred through the covert participation of their exponents in the economic initiatives managed and organized through companies fictitiously registered to third parties, but also through the entrusting of supply services to entrepreneurs expression of the criminal association.

The arrests were made in execution of a precautionary custody order issued by the district investigating judge at the request of the DDA.

The arrested are accused, in various capacities, of mafia association and external complicity in the same crime, as well as of criminal association, use of money of illicit origin, self-laundering and fraudulent transfer of values, all crimes aggravated by mafia methods.

At the center of the investigation the clan of '

ndrangheta dei DeStefano and its economic relations and interests with some entrepreneurs of Reggio Calabria.

Eight of the 12 people involved in the operation ended up in prison, while four were placed under house arrest for the erestanti.

   The operation also led to the seizure of movable and immovable property for a value of over 32 million euros.

The assets consist of 27 companies, one of which is based in Slovenia and the other in Romania, 31 real estate units and various company quotes and financial resources.

The investigation that led to the 12 arrests and the seizure of assets was conducted by the deputy prosecutors of the Dda of Reggio Calabria StefanoMusolino and Walter Ignazitto.

(HANDLE).