A senior Chinese language underworld determine has been shot lifeless along with his accomplice in a mafia-style execution in Rome, police mentioned.
Officers within the Italian capital suspect the killing of Zhang Dayong and his companion Gong Xiaoqing is a part of the long-running so-called “Coat Hanger Wars” inside Italy’s Chinese language legal networks.
The turf warfare is a violent wrestle between Chinese language legal factions initially centered within the northern metropolis of Prato, near Florence, for the profitable trend logistics market.
Dayong, 53, also called “Asheng,” was discovered lifeless alongside Xiaoqing, 38, exterior their dwelling within the japanese Rome neighbourhood of Pigneto on Monday.
The couple allegedly had ties to China’s notorious “Triad” gangs, CNN experiences, citing an Italian legislation enforcement company.
They had been reportedly shot at the back of their heads whereas using bicycles by unidentified assailants on a bike.
Dayong was concerned in managing underground playing, loan-sharking and enforcement operations in Rome, in response to prosecutors.
Investigators mentioned he labored for Naizhong Zhang, who’s on trial in Florence following an investigation into accusations he co-ordinated unlawful operations throughout Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.
Zhang had garnered a near-monopoly in distribution of products throughout a lot of Europe by means of threats and violence towards Chinese language firm homeowners, anti-mafia prosecutors mentioned.