Senior Chinese underworld figure shot dead in ‘mafia-style execution’ in Rome

A senior Chinese underworld figure has been shot dead with his partner in a mafia-style execution in Rome, police said.

Officers in the Italian capital suspect the killing of Zhang Dayong and his companion Gong Xiaoqing is part of the long-running so-called “Coat Hanger Wars” within Italy’s Chinese criminal networks.

The turf war is a violent struggle between Chinese criminal factions originally centered in the northern city of Prato, close to Florence, for the lucrative fashion logistics market.

Dayong, 53, also known as “Asheng,” was found dead alongside Xiaoqing, 38, outside their home in the eastern Rome neighbourhood of Pigneto on Monday.

The couple allegedly had ties to China’s infamous “Triad” gangs, CNN reports, citing an Italian law enforcement agency.

They were reportedly shot in the back of their heads while riding bicycles by unidentified assailants on a motorcycle.

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Dayong was involved in managing underground gambling, loan-sharking and enforcement operations in Rome, according to prosecutors.

Investigators said he worked for Naizhong Zhang, who is on trial in Florence following an investigation into accusations he co-ordinated illegal operations across Italy, France, Germany, and Spain.

Zhang had garnered a near-monopoly in distribution of goods across much of Europe through threats and violence against Chinese company owners, anti-mafia prosecutors said.