Naples police arrest 'loan sharks charging 100% interests'

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 24 - Carabinieri police in Naples coordinated by DDA anti-mafia investigators have arrested 14 people for allegedly lending money to people in dire financial straits with monthly interest rates of 100%, investigative sources said Tuesday.
    A preliminary investigations judge (GIP) issued 15 arrest warrants, including for a suspect who is wanted by police, on charges of usury and extortion.
    The victims identified by police are two men residing in the Poggioreale district of the southern port city who contracted debts with interests rates often exceeding 100% a month, the sources said.
    Eight people were detained in prison while the remaining suspects were placed under house arrest.
    Carabinieri police are looking for the 15th suspect. (ANSA).