Chicago mafia 'takes major hit'

Joey 'the Clown' and Frank 'the German' have not been found

Fourteen alleged mobsters have been charged with crimes including 18 murders, in one of Chicago's biggest ever anti-mafia crackdowns.

One of the suspects was found dead on Monday, while two others were said to have escaped arrest.

Two of those indicted were retired policemen, accused of exposing police informers to other mafia members.

"Today the Outfit takes a hit," said US Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald, referring to the branch once run by Al Capone.

All 14 suspects are charged with racketeering, which carries a maximum 20-year prison term.

Eleven are charged with conspiracy to murder, and other counts include extortion, illegal gambling, threats, violence, bribery, intimidation and controlling unions, dating back to 1969.

Film 'mistake'

Two of the murders in question were dramatised in Martin Scorsese's film Casino.

Anthony "the Ant" Spilotro and his brother Michael were killed in Chicago and then buried in a cornfield in the state of Indiana in 1986, Mr Fitzgerald said.