Italy's tax police had seized nearly half a billion euros worth of assets generated by organized crime activities and money laundering in the first half of this year, Xinhua reported.
According to a report published by the police on Wednesday, tax authorities seized more than 475 million euros (665 million U.S. dollars) worth of assets, as well as 431 kilograms of illicit drugs. The tax police also arrested 141 people, while 533 others are under investigation.
"The results were achieved as a result of coordinated and persistent action and analysis of criminal activities and economic and financial activities, carried out in collaboration by several departments and a number of national and international institutions," the tax police said in a statement.
"Using the latest advanced computer applications they are able to have at their disposal a geographical map of criminal organizations, to identify areas of influence of Mafia groups in the region," the police said.