Chinese couple shot dead in mafia-style assassination in Rome over designer fakes

A Chinese couple were shit dead in Rome Monday night in what is to be believed the first execution-style killing of Chinese mafia members in Rome. Zhang Dayong, 53, was killed along with his girlfriend Gong Xiaoquing, 38, were shot outside their apartment in the Pigneto district of Rome. They were shot at a close range in the head and chest with at least six rounds from a 9mm weapon. No suspects were arrested.

Police suspect the assassination was part of an ongoing gang war over fake goods market that includes counterfeit Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton designer handbags and clothes.

Investigators said the dead man worked for Zhang Naizhong, who is on trial in Florence over allegations he coordinated illegal operations across Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. Zhang Dayong was allegedly a debt collector and enforcer, and was previously based in the town of Prato in Tuscany.

The trial is a result of a 2018 investigation called “China Truck” looking into trafficking of people and textiles tied to Chinese mafia-style gangs across Europe, according to Italy’s Anti-Mafia Directorate, which conducted the original investigation, CNN reported.

The double homicide is being investigated as a revenge killing, police said adding that the murder could signal a break in allegiances among the “cartels” that run the garment sector.

Gun violence is extremely rare in Italy, even in cases involving organized crime, where strict gun laws make it difficult to own or carry firearms.