Spain busts Romanian mafia ring, 297 arrested

MADRID, Mar 17 (Reuters) Spanish police have arrested a mafia ring of nearly 300 Romanians in one of their biggest operations against foreign criminals.

The network was organised by one leader, known as Iorgu I or Talanu, with several lieutenants, and operated in eight of Spain's 17 regions, the Interior Ministry said today.

''The crimes for which these mafia groups are accused include violent robbery, forgery and fraudulent use of credit cards, drug trafficking, falsifying documents, illegal possession of weapons, prostitution and offences against worker rights,'' Interior Minister Jose Antonio Alonso told a news conference.

Spanish police arrested 283 people and Romanian authorities detained another 14.

REUTERS DKS PM1751