Thirty Nigerians suspected to be members of the Black Axe confraternity with links to the Mafia, have been arrested by the police in Italy.
Italian police reported that the Nigerians were arrested late on Monday after an intensive investigation showed they have been operating in many regions of the country.
The suspects, according to the police, face almost 100 criminal charges including mafia association, drug trafficking, illegal immigration, prostitution and Internet fraud.
“Among those detained was the Black Axe’s alleged leader in Italy, a 35-year-old Nigerian man who lived in L’Aquila, in the central Abruzzo region,” the statement said, noting that the suspect’s name was not given for security reasons.
“There is evidence that the members had a direct connection with the Nigerian gang, drawing on the same vocabulary, symbols and affiliation rituals,” the statement added.
“The police operation started as a probe in L’Aquila, and involved the search of more than 25 domestic residences.
“All those seized were Nigerian nationals and arrests were carried out across Italy.
“Most of their crimes were committed on the Internet, including using bitcoins on the dark web to purchase the numbers of cloned credit cards, which were used for online shopping sprees.”
Italian Interior Minister, Luciana Lamorgese, who commended the police for tracking down and arresting the gang said in a statement:
“This proves the ability of the judiciary and police forces to fight against old and new mafia groups which are trying to extend their criminal reach and expand their business.”
Italy catches 30 suspected mobsters from Nigerian Black Axe mafia clan
Italy catches 30 suspected mobsters from Nigerian Black Axe mafia clan
The 30 Nigerian nationals face almost 100 charges including drug trafficking, prostitution, and illegal immigration. Among those detained was the group’s Italian leader, an unnamed 35-year-old.
