Jan 12 2009
Police probe Mafia links in Lancashire
INTELLIGENCE on Italian Mafia links to Lancashire has been gathered by police.
Officers have been accumulating intelligence on individuals over the past 18 months which has been passed on to Italian authorities for offences committed abroad.
Police suspect there are a number of people living within the county who have links to Italian organised crime groups, some of which are currently under investigation for serious criminality including witness intimidation and money laundering.
Detectives said the investigations led to the arrest of Chorley man Giuseppe Persico, 34 at Faro Airport, Portugal, on behalf of the Italian authorities for drug trafficking in October 2008.
A police spokesperson said: “We are convinced that there are people in Lancashire who have knowledge about individuals that are linked to the Italian mafia.
“These people could be involved in serious and organised crime at the highest level and I would ask anyone who knows who these people are, or has any information that could help with our inquires to contact us.
“We rely on the help of our local communities to come forward and tell us what they know. “ Information to police on 08451 25 35 45 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Police probe Mafia links in Lancashire – 3:33pm Monday 12th January 2009 – By Sally Henfield – This story was found at: http://www.thelancasterandmorecambecitizen.co.uk/news/4041428.Police_probe_Mafia_links_in_Lancashire/
