A group of 13 members of the Italian ‘Ndrangheta organisation suspected of drugs trafficking and money laundering will have to stand trial.
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The Federal Prosecutors Office said the group, which has been active in Switzerland since at least 1994, would also have to face charges of smuggling weapons between the two countries.
The total value of laundered money is estimated at SFr15 million ($17 million) as well as 14 kg of cocaine and 285 weapons.
Investigations have been underway since 2002. More details came to light in 2003 when a currency dealer disappeared with millions of francs that had been invested in two financial companies in Zurich.
Among the accused is the presumed boss of the ‘Ndrangheta clan in Switzerland.
No date for the trial at the Federal Criminal Court has been set.
The Swiss justice authorities have repeatedly warned that Italian crime syndicates are increasing their activities in Switzerland.
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