Italy arrests 40 in security swoop after UK plot
ROME, Aug 11 (Reuters) Italian police have arrested 40 people linked to Islamic groups after increased security checks following a foiled plot in Britain to blow up transatlantic airliners, the Interior Ministry said today.
The ministry said in a statement that 28 people were detained because their residency papers were not in order and 12 for other minor offences. A ministry source said none had been detained on terrorism-related charges.
The arrests were carried out in several Italian cities yesterday and today. Authorities also expelled 114 immigrants as part of the same operation.
Italy has stepped up security after news of the plot foiled in Britain yesterday, even though no special measures have been taken.
Today, police searched the houses of 15 foreigners, most of them Pakistanis, the statement said.
Reuters AD VP0050