15 March 2010 - 10H41  

Dozens held in European crackdown on Russian mafia
A Spanish policeman inspects a property in Castelldefels, after 28 suspected members of the Russian mafia were arrested near Barcelona in 2005. Spanish police said at least 69 people have been arrested in a crackdown on the Russian mafia in several European countries.
A Spanish policeman inspects a property in Castelldefels, after 28 suspected members of the Russian mafia were arrested near Barcelona in 2005. Spanish police said at least 69 people have been arrested in a crackdown on the Russian mafia in several European countries.

AFP - At least 69 people have been arrested in a crackdown on the Russian mafia in several European countries, Spanish police said on Monday.

They said 24 people were detained in Spain in the operation, which was "ongoing".

At least 45 others were arrested in "different European countries".

In Spain, the operation was led by a special police unit aimed at fighting drug trafficking and organised crime.

Spanish national radio said most of those held were Russians and were arrested for laundering the proceeds of drug-trafficking and corruption.

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