Italian police arrest powerful mobster

A powerful mobster from the Camorra crime syndicate in southern Italy has been arrested, Italian police said today.

Nicola Schiavone was arrested early today in his villa in Casal di Principe, a small town north of Naples where his clan is based.

Local police said he was alone and did not resist arrest.

Schiavone was believed to have taken the helm of the Casalesi clan, a ruthless group responsible for murders, extortion and other trafficking.

He is the son of imprisoned mobster Francesco Schiavone, reputedly the long-time top boss of the clan. Another one of the elder Schiavone's sons was arrested last month.

The Ansa news agency said Nicola Schiavone was wanted in connection with three murders.