Mayor held for abetting illegal immigration, fraud

Rome, Oct 2 (IANS/AKI) Police on Tuesday arrested Domenico Lucano, Mayor of Riace, in Italy's southern Calabria region, on charges of aiding illegal immigration and fraudulent management of waste disposal services in the town, prosecutors said.

Lucano was put under house arrest and his partner, Tesfahun Lemlem, was banned from entering their home, the statement said.

Lucan's arrest followed a detailed investigation by tax police which was coordinated by prosecutors in the Calabrian city of Locri, according to the statement.

Lucano gained worldwide fame for welcoming migrants, hundreds of whom have settled in the small town of fewer than 2,000 inhabitants.

About 450 refugees have settled in Riace among the 1,800 inhabitants, revitalising the village and preventing the closure of the village school.

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