An Aberdeen councillor yesterday said the report naming the city as a stronghold for an Italian crime syndicate highlighted the need for Police Scotland to focus on high-level offences in the north-east.
Former city council leader, Barney Crockett, said the new national force had to take heed of organised crime outside the central belt.
The report by the Transcrime research centre indicated the Camorra Mafia group, which originated in Naples, could have holdings in Aberdeen’s catering, food retail and property sectors.
Mr Crockett said: “I believe half the recorded crime in Scotland happens within the Sheriffdom of Greater Glasgow, but some of the more serious crime might be happening within Aberdeen.
“I think it’s important that police Scotland gets that aspect.
“The thing that strikes me most forcibly is that Aberdeen is being identified with London in being a key focus for organised crime, and the reason for that is obviously the economic dynamism in this area.”
He added that the Camorra was among the world’s “very dangerous organisations” and “a presence we should be aware of”.
Mr Crockett said: “We all of us have to be vigilant. There’s a huge amount of organised crime in Europe. And the money here does attract people.”