FBI holds Chicago mobsters over 20 murders

Several Chicago mobsters thought to be responsible for nearly 20 unsolved murders dating back to the Seventies have been held by the FBI.

The operation saw the most organised-crime figures ever charged in a single case in Chicago, and came after one of the alleged gangsters gave evidence against his own brother.

Nick Calabrese, 62, secretly recorded his 68- year- old brother Frank talking about the Mafia's involvement in the killings.

One lawyer, Patrick Fitzgerald, said: "Today the Outfit [Mafia] takes a hit." The "Operation Family Secrets" charges include 18 of murder. Two former Chicago law enforcement officials are among the 14 people identified.

Seven people are accused of participating directly in the killings, while the other seven face charges including using intimidation and acquiring explosives.

The arrests stem from killings that took place between 1970 and 1986, including the 1974 murder of Daniel Seifert, who was scheduled to testify against Joey Lombardo, alleged head of the Chicago Mafia.

Another of the cases involves the killings of Anthony Spilotro and his brother Michael. The pair were buried alive and their deaths later became the basis of the film Casino.

The FBI said the indictments did not signal the end of the Mafia in Chicago, but would have a "significant impact".