Mafia suspect extradited to Italy

Gennaro Panzuto has been extradited to Italy from the UK

An alleged mafia boss suspected of four murders in Italy has been extradited from the UK, according to City of Westminster Magistrates' Court.

Gennaro Panzuto, 32, was arrested in Garstang near Preston, Lancs, by the UK's Serious Organised Crime Agency.

Vittorio Pisano, chief of Naples Flying Squad, described him as a "very senior Mafia member" whose arrest was of "great significance".

Mr Panzuto will also be questioned about extortion and firearms claims.

Melanie Cumberland, for the Italian government, has previously described Mr Panzuto in court as an "armed mafia associate".

Covert recordings

She told the court a secret recording made in February 2005 shows Mr Panzuto plotting a murder of a man called Graziano Borelli.

Mr Panzuto is heard saying: "As soon as possible, he goes out, we have to shoot him. We have to kill him in the hall."

A separate recording from December 2005 shows him blackmailing a bingo club owner to get 3,000 euros (£2,040) of renovation work done.

Mr Panzuto was traced to his flat and arrested on 16 May by armed officers following months of undercover work by the Italian police and the Serious Organised Crime Agency.