In a large-scale operation in several European countries, police targeted the Italian ‘Ndrangheta mafia. Arrests and house searches were also carried out in Belgium, including in Genk, Maasmechelen and Pelt (all in Limburg Province). The investigation was launched in Belgium in 2018.
Police say the operation targets Italian organised crime and specifically members of the ‘Ndrangheta. These mafiosi are suspected of money laundering, tax evasion, drug smuggling and fraud, among other things.
“The operation is being carried out by a joint investigation team involving Europol and Eurojust,” police sources say. Besides Germany, authorities from Italy, Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain also took part.
According to Italian police, 108 arrest warrants were issued. The majority of arrests were made in Italy. Nine others were arrested in Germany, six in Belgium, three in France and another three in Portugal, Romania and Spain.
In addition to the arrests, several house searches also took place. In Belgium, police reportedly raided 19 locations in Genk, two in Maasmechelen and one in Pelt.
