ROME, May 10 (UPI) -- Italian police arrested a major Neapolitan crime boss Tuesday and seized $860 million in assets, the government said.
Justice Minister Angelino Alfano told ANSA the apprehension of Feliciano "Scarface" Mallardo and six associates had "annihilated" the Mallardo crime family, based in the town of Giugliano outside Naples.
Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said the law enforcement strategy of asset seizures was "striking the Mafia in the heart."
Investigators said the Mallardos had shifted their activities to the Rome area, investing heavily in construction.
In northern Campania and southern Lazio, between Naples and Rome, the gang had taken over whole sectors, including coffee production, gambling and beverage and pharmaceutical distribution, authorities said. A coffee factory near Castel Volturno, which produced a brand forced on strip clubs, was among the many assets impounded.
Authorities said they seized 900 apartments, 23 companies, 200 bank accounts and dozens of luxury cars and motorcycles.
