By MOZTIMES
Maputo (MOZTIMES) – The Mozambican authorities announced on Friday a large scale operation against organised crime, involving an Italian businessman, Umberto Sartori and his associates.
The action of the National Criminal Investigation Service (SERNIC), coordinated with the Attorney-General’s Office (PGR), has resulted in the seizure of guns, ammunition and documents, which strengthen the indications of trafficking, forgery and money laundering.
At a Maputo press conference, the Sernic spokesperson, Hilário Lole, confirmed that the operation was undertaken on the basis of search and arrest warrants issued by the Maputo City Law Court.
“We are facing a situation that demands absolute clarity. The public has the right to know what is really at stake”, declared Lole, at the press conference held at the site of the searches.
Lole said the targets of the operation were not detained, although there are strong signs of their involvement in a transnational criminal network.
“Firearms, assorted ammunition, computers, cell phones and documents were seized, and are now being submitted to forensic examination”, he added.
Lole stresses that SERNIC will continue to operate together with the security forces and the other bodies of the administration of justice to fight against organised crime.
“We want to leave a very clear warning”, he declared. “We will remain intransigent towards all those who persist in criminal activity, because they will be duly detained and charged”.
The operation, which the authorities regard as sensitive, boosts the commitment of the Mozambican state in facing trafficking and money laundering networks which operate beyond the country’s borders.
“We are speaking here of a case that involves the fight against organised crime, trafficking and money laundering”, Lole said. “These are very sensitive questions, which demand more investigation”.
Lole also thanked civil socity for its collaboration. “The participation of society is fundamental, through whistle blowing and sharing information of operational interest,” he said.
The case remains under investigation while the authorities are trying to determine the size of the network, and its international reach. (MT)
