Hundreds of German police carry out raids targeting organized crime
Hundreds of German police officers have conducted raids targeting Mafia and other organized crime networks, with simultaneous operations in Italy, authorities said on Tuesday.
Raids were ongoing in the western states of Baden-Württemberg, Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saarland.
Police said suspects were detained during the operation.
The operation results from investigative cooperation with Italian authorities to combat organized crime.
The Stuttgart public prosecutor’s office and the police are to hold a press conference at 2 pm (1200 GMT) at the district administration office in Waiblingen.
Approximately 170 individuals in Baden-Württemberg are believed to have ties to criminal organizations, including Mafia groups such as the ‘Ndrangheta, Cosa Nostra and Camorra.
Many are concentrated around Lake Constance and the greater Stuttgart area.
Criminal groups exploit the state’s economic and geographical advantages for various illegal activities.
Offences documented range from fraudulent food trading to drug trafficking, weapons violations, money laundering and tax evasion.
While no evidence of cooperation between different organizations has been found within Baden-Württemberg according to the Interior Ministry, Italian anti-Mafia experts believe temporary alliances do sometimes arise.
