Two northern New Jersey mayors, several rabbis and other politicians were arrested toay in a federal investigation into public corruption and international money laundering, US authorities said.
Among the approximately 30 people arrested were Hoboken mayor Peter Cammarano, who took office 23 days ago, Secaucus mayor Dennis Elwell, state assemblyman Daniel Van Pelt and Jersey City deputy mayor Leona Beldini, according to the US Attorney's Office in Newark.
Also arrested in the money-laundering investigation were several rabbis in New York and New Jersey, the federal prosecutor's office said.
The international money-laundering was "high volume," it said.
Local television showed images of rabbis and the two mayors taken into federal custody in Newark, New Jersey.
No further details were immediately available from authorities. A news conference was scheduled for later today.
Court appearances for those arrested are expected to begin in the early afternoon.
Reuters
