A Chinese couple, allegedly linked to Chinese triad gangs and a territorial dispute by the profitable textile industry, was murdered in Rome on Monday night (14), the Italian Carabinieri said in a statement.
Zhang Dayong, 53, and his wife, Gong Xiaoqing, 38, were shot dead in the back of his neck as they rode their bikes after non -identified perpetrators on a motorcycle opened fire in the Pigneto district in the capital where they were staying.
Police say at least six shots were fired.
Armed violence is extremely rare in Italy, even in cases involving organized crime, where strict weapons laws make it difficult to possess or bear.
According to police, the reason is probably linked to the so-called “hanger war” among Chinese criminal gangs specializing in the textile sector, especially fast fashion factories in the Tuscan city of dish, near Florence, police said at a news conference on Tuesday (15).
Zhang, known for the nickname “Asheng”, was being tried with 78 other people in Florence, accused of coordinating illegal criminal operations in Italy, France, Germany and Spain.
He should give testimony in the coming weeks and, according to documents linked to the lawsuit, is considered the second in charge of one of the most powerful gangs that operate in Europe.
Zhang denied the accusations and CNN contacted your lawyer for comments.
The trial is the result of a 2018 investigation called “China Truck”, which investigates trafficking in people and tissues linked to Chinese mafia gangs across Europe, according to Italy’s antimal direction, which led the original investigation.
The double homicide is being investigated as revenge, police said. No suspects were arrested.
Authorities claim that the murder can signal a rupture in the alliances between the “cartels” that command the clothing sector.
There has been an increase in violence, including a series of attempted murder, criminal fires and Tuscan, Madrid and Paris aggression linked to gangs.
THE CNN contacted the Chinese embassy in Rome for comments.
This content was originally published in Chinese couple is murdered with the “Mafia style” in Rome on CNN Brazil.
Source: CNN Brasil
Bruce Belcher is a seasoned author with over 5 years of experience in world news. He writes for online news websites and provides in-depth analysis on the world stock market. Bruce is known for his insightful perspectives and commitment to keeping the public informed.
