’Ndrangheta: A Reticular Organization

Abstract

The dangerousness of the Calabrian Mafia, the ’Ndrangheta, has long been underestimated. Consequently, there has been lack of attention in developing strategies, conducting research, and analyzing its actions. Until recently the Calabrian Mafia had been perceived as a minor criminal organization, as an expression of a residual outdated society; hence, a modern analysis was not conducted, it has been considered more “primitive” compared to the Sicilian and Neapolitan Mafia. This primitiveness is in direct opposition to the success that ’Ndrangheta has shown in the last decades, in particular with its capacity of territorial expansion along with its integration into transnational illegal activities. In recent times, ’Ndrangheta has been recognized as one of the most powerful criminal organization, thanks to several judicial inquiries not only in Calabria, but also in the central and northern regions of Italy. These inquiries illustrate an articulated presence in the territory, a unique organizational structure, and strong connections with the legal, economic, political, and government institutions.