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Feds Arrest Nearly 100 In 'Armenian Power' Bust

GLENDALE (CBS/AP) — Authorities are arresting dozens of suspected members and associates of an Armenian gang in the Southland.

U.S. attorney's spokesman Thom Mrozek said Wednesday that hundreds of local and federal police are making arrests in Glendale and East Hollywood after authorities unveiled a federal racketeering indictment against the gang Armenian Power.

Witnesses say at least one warrant was also served in the Encino area during "Operation Power Outage".

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports an estimated financial losses in LA and Orange counties due to Armenian Power activity totals over $20 million.

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A total of 99 people are being charged in federal and state courts.

The operation targeted a "Eurasian organized crime group" known as Armenian Power, according to the U.S. Attorney's office.

Officials say Armenian Power has been engaged in murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, extortion and other offenses. The gang is also known for identity theft and white-collar fraud.


(TM and © Copyright 2010 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2010 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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.)

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