Italy's police said they froze assets worth 146 million euros ($153 million) owned by Superjet International, a joint venture between Russia's Sukhoi and Leonardo, as the country chases businesses hit by EU sanctions against Moscow.

The move targets Sukhoi's 90% stake in the joint venture and other assets including five aircraft, Italy's finance police said. The 10% stake owned by Leonardo has not been frozen, they said.

Superjet international is based in Venice and employs around 140 workers in Italy. ($1 = 0.9527 euros)

(Reporting by Francesca Landini, Emilio Parodi, Angelo Amante; writing by Francesca Landini, editing by Maria Pia Quaglia)