Brazilian police arrested a suspected senior member of the New York Mafia's Gambino clan who is wanted in the United States, authorities said today.
Mr John Edward Alite (44) also known as John Alletto, was arrested in a beachside district of Rio de Janeiro late last night as he walked in the street, a federal police spokeswoman said.
"It was a prepared action. The man has been living in Copacabana (district) since last December on a tourist visa that has already expired," she said.
Federal police officers working with Interpol arrested Mr Alletto, thought to head an arm of the Cosa Nostra criminal organization in New York, with help from FBI agents.
He was in federal police custody in Rio awaiting extradition.
Mr Alletto is wanted in the United States on suspicion of controlling illegal businesses, illegal gambling, extortion, drug trafficking and homicide.
Brazil has long fought to put an end to the country's reputation - Rio's in particular - as a haven for international criminals.
Criminal legend Ronnie Biggs, the British "Great Train Robber," lived in Rio for years after escaping from prison. In 2001 he surrendered to police after 36 years and returned to England, where he is serving the remainder of his 30-year sentence despite declining health.