Organized Crime in Italy

THE GODFATHER

 

The Sicilian Mafia, also simply known as the Mafia and frequently referred to as Cosa Nostra by its members, is an Italian, Mafia-terrorist-type, organized crime syndicate and criminal society originating in the region of Sicily, dating to the 19th century. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organisational structure and code of conduct. The basic group is known as a "family", "clan", or cosca.  Each family claims sovereignty over a territory, usually a town or village or a neighbourhood (borgata) of a larger city, in which it operates its rackets. Its members call themselves "men of honour", although the public often refers to them as mafiosi. The Mafia's core activities are protection racketeering, the arbitration of disputes between criminals, and the organizing and oversight of illegal agreements and transactions.  By the 20th century, following wide-scale emigration from Sicily, the organization acquired a strong presence in other countries in North and South America.

When North America is stated, it means the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA or the 48 contiguous States.

Organized crime in Italy and its criminal organizations have been prevalent in Italy, especially Southern Italy, for centuries and have affected the social and economic life of many Italian regions since at least the 19th century.

There are five major native mafia-like organizations currently operating and heavily active in Italy. Among the oldest and most powerful of these organizations, having started to develop between 1500 and 1800, include: 

1. Cosa Nostra (the original "Mafia" or the Sicilian Mafia) of Sicily
2. Ndrangheta of Calabria (who are considered to be among the biggest cocaine smugglers in Europe)
3. Camorra of Naples and Campania
4. Stidda of Sicily
5. Sacra Corona Unita of Apulia

Just in case you are interested...   and, According to the Global Financial Integrity Group, Global Organized Crime in 2017 was a $1.6 trillion to $2.2 trillion business...

The organized crime in Italy is just the tip of the iceberg...