Gardaí join forces with Italians to fight 'mafia-style' gangs

Security sources say Gerry 'The Monk' Hutch is "playing games" by leaving the country

'The answer to transnational crime is in transnational effective law enforcement collaboration,' said Garda Assistant Commissioner Michael McElgunn. Picture: Moya Nolan

Gardaí have joined forces with Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate to target top-level “mafia-style” drug and money-laundering gangs operating across Europe, including Ireland.

Detectives hope the agreement will give them an opportunity to talk to drug baron turned Italian State witness Raffaele Imperiale, who was once a major associate of Kinahan cartel bosses.