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Europol arrests 13 Georgian kingpins

In Italy which was the centre of the operation seven people were arrested

THE HAGUE, June 19 (Itar-Tass) - Europol reports on Wednesday about the arrest of 18 members of the so-called Russian-speaking mafia, 13 of whom are crime bosses from the Georgian city of Kutaisi.

Europol sees this as one of the most significant blows against clans controlled by the world elite of Russian-speaking organized crime.

According to its press service, Italy where seven people were arrested was the centre of the operation. Also arrests were made in the Czech Republic (two people), France (one person), Hungary (one person), Lithuania (five) and Portugal (two). Police also seized weapons, drugs and 100,000 euros in cash. Law enforcement agencies of Belgium, Germany and Poland offered support in the operation coordinated by Europol.

Europol officers stress that the arrests came as a result of 18 months of coordinated work of intelligence services from all countries of the European Union. This is the first occurrence in Europe when so many crime bosses were arrested at the same time, the police service marks. According to Europol, the operation continues and further arrests are expected.

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