Chinese police are being sent to the streets of Rome and Milan in an effort to crack down on the Asian crime syndicates operating in Italy.
The gangs are thought to be behind counterfeit goods, drug trafficking and extortion.
Italian police are hoping that working with colleagues from China will lead to improved relations with the Chinese communities in Italy and more information about criminal activities.
Milan and Rome have the largest number of Chinese residents, an estimated 28,360 and 16,099 respectively, out of a total of some 266,000 across the nation.
Social integration between Chinese, even second-generation, and Italians is reported to be low.
Two Chinese officers will take part in an initial two week experiment which may be rolled out in future.
