In the shadowy realm of organized crime, few names evoke as much fear and intrigue as the ‘Ndrangheta. Hailing from the sun-drenched region of Calabria in Southern Italy, this clandestine syndicate has risen to become one of the most formidable and influential mafia groups in the world. With a complex web of operations spanning continents, the ‘Ndrangheta commands vast wealth and wields considerable power, leaving an indelible mark on both Italy’s social fabric, and the global underworld.
Get ready to uncover the secrets behind the power, wealth, and legacy of the ‘Ndrangheta.
Origins and Structure
The roots of the ‘Ndrangheta can be traced back centuries, evolving from traditional agrarian societies into a sophisticated criminal enterprise. Unlike other Italian mafia groups such as the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra) or the Camorra, the ‘Ndrangheta is highly decentralized, organized into tightly-knit clans known as ‘ndrine’. These ndrine operate autonomously, each with its own hierarchy and leadership structure, making it notoriously difficult for law enforcement to dismantle the organization as a whole.
At the apex of the ‘Ndrangheta’s hierarchy sits the ‘Capo Crimine’, or ‘the boss of bosses’, who oversees the co-ordination of activities among the various ndrine. Below them are the ‘contabile’, responsible for managing the finances, and the ‘sottocapo’, who serve as deputies to the Capo Crimine. Beneath them are the ‘picciotti’, or foot soldiers, who carry out the organization’s day-to-day operations.
Illegal Activities
The ‘Ndrangheta’s criminal empire is built on a diverse portfolio of illicit activities, with drug trafficking serving as its primary source of income. Leveraging its strategic location in Calabria, the syndicate controls a significant portion of the global cocaine trade, smuggling narcotics from South America into Europe and beyond. This lucrative trade has allowed the ‘Ndrangheta to amass immense wealth and influence, infiltrating legitimate businesses and corrupting public officials along the way.
In addition to drug trafficking, the ‘Ndrangheta is involved in a wide range of criminal enterprises including extortion, money laundering, arms trafficking, and illegal gambling. The organization’s reach extends far beyond Italy’s borders, with operations spanning across Europe, and even into Australia and Canada.
Code of Silence
Central to the ‘Ndrangheta’s power is its strict code of silence, known as ‘omertà’. Members are bound by a solemn oath of loyalty and secrecy, forbidding them from co-operating with law enforcement or betraying their fellow Mafiosi under any circumstances. Violating this code carries severe consequences, often resulting in swift and brutal retaliation against the offender and their family.
Members and Notable Figures
While the identities of many ‘Ndrangheta members remain shrouded in secrecy, several notable figures have emerged over the years, each wielding significant influence within the organization. Among them are:
Domenico Oppedisano: once considered the ‘boss of bosses’ of the ‘Ndrangheta, Oppedisano was arrested in 2010 as part of a major police crackdown on the syndicate’s leadership.
Antonio Pelle: Known as ‘Tony Bad Leg’ (Ntoni Gambazza in Italian), was a powerful ‘Ndrangheta boss who operated out of the Calabrian town of San Luca before his arrest in 2007. Before his arrest, he reached one of the highest ranks in the organization, ‘Vangelo’.
Rocco Morabito: Dubbed the ‘cocaine king of Milan’, Morabito was a high-ranking member of the ‘Ndrangheta involved in international drug trafficking. He was captured in Uruguay in 2017 after being on the run for over two decades.
The ’Ndrangheta mafia controls most of Europe’s illegal cocaine trade. Today, a so-called mafia maxi-trial convicted more than 230 people for involvement with the mafia, with about 100 of the defendants being acquitted. https://t.co/j4F3IiiGTv pic.twitter.com/qLID0tLMu3
— Financial Times (@FT) November 20, 2023
Giuseppe Commisso: A prominent ‘Ndrangheta boss with ties to Canada, Commisso was arrested in 2018 as part of a joint operation between Italian and Canadian authorities.
These individuals represent just a fraction of the ‘Ndrangheta’s sprawling network, which continues to adapt and evolve in the face of relentless law enforcement pressure. Estimates of ‘Ndrangheta membership vary widely, with some sources suggesting tens of thousands of members from various clans. However, it’s important to note that these figures are speculative and often based on limited information due to the secretive nature of the organization.
Over 200 Members of ‘Ndrangheta Convicted in Landmark Trial
Italy witnessed a major breakthrough in the fight against organized crime, when in November 2023, over 200 members of the notorious ‘Ndrangheta mafia were convicted in a groundbreaking trial. Held in a specially fortified bunker in Calabria, Southern Italy, the trial saw convictions primarily on charges of drug and arms trafficking, as well as extortion.
This ‘maxi’ trial, spanning nearly three years, brought scrutiny to the activities of over 300 individuals linked to ‘Ndrangheta. While 131 people were acquitted, including former mayor Gianluca Callipo, significant figures such as former Italian lawmaker Giancarlo Pittelli weren’t as fortunate. Pittelli, associated with Silvio Berlusconi’s Forza Italia party, received an 11-year sentence for his involvement with the criminal syndicate.
The convictions highlight ‘Ndrangheta’s immense power, and wealth estimated at a staggering $72 billion in 2021. Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock has labeled ‘Ndrangheta as ‘highly sophisticated’ and ‘one of the most dangerous criminal organizations in the world’, stressing the need for global cooperation to combat its influence.
Despite originating in 18th-century Calabria, ‘Ndrangheta has modernized into a global force, involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and extortion. Notably, the syndicate controls a significant portion of Europe’s cocaine trade, with experts estimating its grip on over 80% of cocaine entering the continent from South America.
The recent convictions are a significant setback for ‘Ndrangheta, yet the syndicate’s deep pockets and extensive networks ensure it remains a formidable foe. As law enforcement agencies intensify efforts to dismantle its operations, the saga of ‘Ndrangheta serves as a stark reminder of the enduring challenge posed by organized crime.
The Legacy of ‘Ndrangheta
With its vast wealth, global reach, and strict code of silence, this secretive syndicate has cemented its status as Italy’s most powerful mafia group. Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies worldwide, the ‘Ndrangheta remains a formidable force, shaping the course of both criminal enterprises and legitimate society alike. As long as its roots run deep in the sun-drenched hills of Calabria, the ‘Ndrangheta will continue to cast a long shadow over the world of organized crime.
