Italian police have seized two restaurants in Rome as part of a major anti-mafia raid in the city.

The owner of both establishments was arrested on suspicion he was acting as a front for the mob.

During the country’s economic slump, up-market eateries are being increasingly targeted by mafia gangs as an easy way to launder money.

It is estimated that organised crime gangs own 5,000 restaurants across the country, earning up to 15 billion euros annually from the food industry.