German authorities raid alleged Chechen crime ring

BERLIN – German authorities have conducted raids in three states against asylum-seekers, primarily from Chechnya, suspected of having formed a criminal organization.

The dpa news agency reported Wednesday that the raids were co-ordinated by police in Saxony and focused on several cities in the eastern state. Raids were also carried out in Thuringia and Rhineland-Palatinate.

Saxony officials say 16 suspects are believed to have formed a criminal organization focused on blackmail and other activities.

Further details weren’t immediately released.

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