Italian police have carried out raids across the country, arresting some 30 people suspected of operating for the Nigerian Black Axe mafia syndicate, APA reports citing BBC.
Police say they face about 100 charges including drug and people trafficking, prostitution and internet fraud.
The gang allegedly used the Bitcoin cryptocurrency to carry out clandestine financial transactions on the dark web.
Black Axe emerged from Nigeria in the 1970s, where they carried out rape, mutilation, and ritual murders.
They went on to build a powerful international network.
"There is evidence that the members had a direct connection with the Nigerian gang, drawing on the same vocabulary, symbols and affiliation rituals," Italian police said.
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