European police operation targets 'Ndrangheta mafia

European police targeted the Italian 'Ndrangheta mafia in a large-scale operation in several countries on Wednesday morning. Suspects were also arrested in Belgium.

The operation is aimed at Italian organised crime, specifically members of the 'Ndrangheta organised crime group. They are suspected of money laundering, tax evasion, drug smuggling and fraud, among other things.

"The proceedings are being conducted by a joint investigation team involving Europol and Eurojust," according to German police. As well as Germany, authorities from Italy, Belgium, France, Italy, Portugal and Spain took part in the operation.

According to Italian police, 108 arrest warrants were issued, with the majority of arrests being made in Italy. Nine were arrested in Germany, six in Belgium, and three each in France, Portugal, Romania and Spain.

The 'Ndrangheta has roots in the southern Italian region of Calabria but also operates abroad. It is considered one of the most powerful gangs in Europe.

^{© KENZO TRIBOUILLARD / AFP}