The Black Axe: Italy Faces Chilling New Organised Crime Group More Ruthless Than The Mafia

Simon Osborne at the British newspaper the Daily Express reports on a new organized crime threat in Italy.

The Black Axe - a Nigerian criminal network that rules by fear - is involved in drug dealing, prostitution and the fraudulent transfer of money between Europe and Nigeria.

And the ruthless organisation is now working alongside the Sicilian mafia - the notorious and powerful Cosa Nostra - after striking a deal with underworld bosses in the island’s capital Palermo and buying the rights to operate in designated areas. 

Deputy prosecutor Leonardo Agueci said: "Cosa Nostra tolerates the Nigerian mafia in Palermo. Cosa Nostra allowed the Nigerians to organise a subordinate structure they were tolerated as long as they didn’t come outside their perimeter.” 

You can read the rest of the piece via the below link:

http://www.express.co.uk/news/world/734772/Black-Axe-Mafia-Cosa-Nostra-Sicily-Palermo-Italy-Nigeria-Lagos

A Pervasive Cancer: Italy's New President Vows To Fight Organized Crime

The BBC News offers a piece on the new Italian president, who vows to fight organized crime.

Italy's new President, Sergio Mattarella, has promised to fight corruption and organised crime in his first speech since being sworn in on Tuesday morning.

The former judge told parliament the two issues were "absolute priorities".

Mr Mattarella, whose own brother was killed by the Mafia, described organised crime as a "pervasive cancer" that trampled on people's rights.

You can read the rest of the piece via the below link:

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-31116734