Corrupt officers being sought

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP):

Brazilian security officials say they're conducting a sweep to detain 60 police officers accused of running an extortion racket in Rio de Janeiro's suburbs.

Rio state's security secretariat said 18 civilians are also wanted in connection with the racket, under which market vendors and motorcycle taxi drivers have been forced to pay cash in exchange for being allowed to operate freely.

An anonymous complaint triggered a six-month investigation into the illegal business, which was centred around an open-air market in the poor suburb of Bangu.

The secretariat announced the sweep in a statement yesterday. Rio police have a reputation for corruption and links with organised crime.