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View Full Version : Mafia Godfather Found In Preston (Wanted For 4 Murders)



y2krog2000
18-05-2007, 11:36 AM
A wanted real-life Mafia godfather has been arrested in Preston on suspicion of four murders.

Gennaro Panzuto, 32, went on the run a year ago following a bloody mob war between rival clans in Naples, Italy.

He was traced to a flat in Preston, Lancashire, following months of undercover work by Italian police, working with the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency.

Armed officers detained him at a property near the town centre after telephone calls made by his family from public phone boxes in Naples showed up his hideout.

Italian police sources said Panzuto had used Mafia funds to set up shoe shops and clothing outlets in Manchester and London, which he was using as a cover and to launder money.

He was embroiled in a deadly battle between his own clan, the Pincirillos, and the Missos which resulted in the deaths of 20 people in three months.

Panzuto is suspected of involvement in four of the murders.

Vittorio Pisano, chief of the Naples Flying Squad, said: "Panzuto is a very senior Mafia member and his arrest is of great significance.

"He was the head of the Pincirillo clan which he took over from his uncles of the same name when they were arrested two years ago.

"Panzuto is also wanted for extortion, illegal possession of firearms and Mafia association."

He added: "Preston seems a rather unusual place to hide out as mostly these criminals prefer the South of France or Spain.

"I have never heard of a Mafia man being held in Preston before."

Panzuto is understood to be in custody in the town, awaiting an extradition hearing

Mafia Godfather Arrested - In Preston - Yahoo! News UK (http://uk.news.yahoo.com/skynews/20070518/tuk-mafia-godfather-arrested-in-preston-45dbed5.html)

and

BBC NEWS | UK | Lancs arrest over mafia killings (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/6668035.stm)