Marseille anti-crime officers arrested

An unknown number of police officers from Marseille's Anti-Crime Brigade were arrested this morning in conjunction with an investigation by France's National Police General Inspectorate (IGPN) into theft, extortion, aggravated assault, and drug possession. According to reports the IGPN is searching brigade premises, in particular officers' locker rooms. Prosecutors in Marseille opened a preliminary inquest at the start of 2012 regarding alleged corruption in the brigade in northern areas of Marseille, brought to light by internal complaints. According to press sources a police officer denounced the brigade to local newspapers after being stripped of his title in March. He was expelled for letting a dealer with drugs in his possession go free, without informing his superiors, or prosecutors.