(ANSA) - Rome, November 30 - Authorities in Rome started the demolition of eight illegally built villas belonging to members of the Casamonica criminal clan early on Tuesday. The operation on the east side of the Italian capital was 10 months in the planning, involved 600 municipal police and begin in the presence of Mayor Virginia Raggi. "Today we are clearing and knocking down eight illegal villas," Raggi, a member of the 5-Star Movement (M5S), said via Facebook.
"It is the end to 30 years of disrespect for the law and a strong signal against crime and the Casamonica clan".
Interior Minister and Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini hailed the operation. "It's a good sign for Rome," the League party leader said.
"Law and order is returning to pieces of the city. The gravy train (for criminals) is over".
Demolition of eight Rome Casamonica-clan villas begins
End of 30 years of disrespect for the law says Rome Mayor Raggi