Watch CBS News

Reputed Gambino Underboss Arrested In Brooklyn In Connection With Italian Extortion Case

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police have arrested the reputed underboss of the Gambino crime family in Brooklyn after he allegedly tried to extort more than $1 million from an Italian businessman.

Italian law enforcement officials tracked down Francesco Palmeri, 61, in New York, and investigators from both the U.S. and Italy moved in to arrest him, 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported.

Reputed Gambino Underboss Arrested In Italian Extortion Case

Palmeri allegedly traveled twice to Italy to bully the businessman to pay up on a supposed $1.23 million loan made in the 1980s. The executive also received threatening letters signed by "friends in Brooklyn," authorities said.

Palmeri was among eight reputed mobsters who were arrested in connection with the investigation.

He was jailed in Manhattan on Thursday, Papa reported.

You May Also Be Interested In These Stories

(TM and © Copyright 2014 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2014 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.