13 suspected members of 'Octopus' crime gang arrested
PR dla Zagranicy
Peter Gentle
08.03.2013 09:40
Police have arrested 13 men thought to be involved in the 'Lodz octopus' organised crime gang, who were involved in kidnap, robbery, car theft and dealing in firearms between 1997 to 2007.
Police make arrests in Lodz after three-year investigation: photo - lodzka.policja.gov.pl
The men, aged between 37 and 55 years-old, were arrested in the cities Lodz and Olsztyn on Thursday.
“Some of the suspects were detained at their homes, some were overpowered on the street after their vehicles were stopped,” a police spokesman has said.
Charges to be brought against the men, after a three-year investigation by Lodz police, include planting explosives in a restaurant in Piotrkowska Street in May 1998 and at Lodz University in December of the same year.
The men are also accused of kidnapping a businessman and demanding ransom in 2000, and robberies with violence at jewellery and clothing stores.
They face up to 15 years in prison if convicted. (pg)
source: TVP