Major mafia italy list. Italian mafia
Hardly anyone today has not heard of the mafia. In the middle of the nineteenth century, this word entered the dictionary of the Italian language. It is known that in 1866 the authorities knew about the mafia, or at least what was called by this word. The British consul in Silicia reported to his homeland that he was constantly witnessing the activities of the mafia, which maintains links with criminals and owns large sums of money...
The word "mafia" most likely has Arabic roots and comes from the word: mu`afah. It has many meanings, but none of them comes close to the phenomenon that soon came to be called the "mafia". But there is another hypothesis for the spread of this word in Italy. Allegedly, this happened during the uprisings of 1282. There were civil unrest in Sicily. They went down in history as the Sicilian Vespers. During the protests, one cry was born, which was quickly picked up by the protesters, it sounded like this: “Death to France! Die, Italy! If you make an abbreviation in Italian from the first letters of the words, it will sound like "MAFIA".
The first mafia organization in Italy
Determining the origins of this phenomenon is much more difficult than the etymology of the word. Many historians who have studied the mafia say that the first organization was created in the seventeenth century. In those days, secret societies were popular, which were created to fight the Holy Roman Empire. Others believe that mafia sources are like mass phenomenon worth looking for at the throne of the Bourbons. Because it was they who used the services of unreliable persons and robbers, who did not require large remuneration for their work, in order to patrol parts of the city that were distinguished by increased criminal activity. The reason that the criminal elements in the service of the government were content with little and did not have large salaries was that they took bribes so that the violation of the laws did not become known to the king.
Or maybe the Gabelloti were the first?
The third, but no less popular hypothesis of the emergence of the mafia points to the Gabelloti organization, which acted as a kind of intermediary between the peasants and the people who owned the land. The Gabelloti representatives were also obliged to collect tribute. History is silent about how people were selected for this organization. But all those who ended up in the bosom of Gabelloti were dishonest. Soon they created a separate caste with their own laws and codes. The structure was unofficial, but it had a tremendous influence in Italian society.
None of the theories described above have been proven. But each is built on the same common element- a huge distance between the Sicilians and the government, which they considered imposed, unjust and alien, and, naturally, they wanted to remove.
How did the mafia originate?
In those days, the Sicilian peasant had absolutely no rights. He felt humiliated in his own state. Majority ordinary people worked on latifundia - enterprises owned by large feudal lords. Work on the latifundia was hard and poorly paid physical labor.
Dissatisfaction with power spun like a spiral that one day had to go off. And so it happened: the authorities ceased to cope with their duties. And the people chose a new government. Positions such as amici (friend) and uomini d`onore (people of honor) became popular, becoming local judges and kings.
Honest Bandits
An interesting fact about the Italian mafia is found in Brydon Patrick's book Journey to Sicily and Malta, which was written in 1773. The author writes: “The bandits have become the most respected people on the whole island. They had noble and even romantic goals. These bandits had their own code of honor, and those who violated it died instantly. They were loyal and unprincipled. To kill a person for a Sicilian bandit does not mean anything if the person had guilt behind his soul.
Patrick's words are relevant to this day. However, not everyone knows that once Italy almost got rid of the mafia once and for all. This happened during the reign of Mussolini. The head of the police fought the mafia with its own weapons. The government knew no mercy. And just like the mafiosi, she did not hesitate before the shot.
World War II and the rise of the Mafia
Perhaps if the Second World War, we would not talk now about such a phenomenon as the mafia. But, ironically, the landing of the Americans in Sicily equalized the forces. For the Americans, the mafia became the only source of information about the location and strength of Mussolini's troops. For the mafiosi themselves, cooperation with the Americans practically guaranteed freedom of action on the island after the end of the war.
We read about similar arguments in the book “The Great Godfather” by Vito Bruschini: “The Mafia had the support of allies, so it was in her hands that the distribution of humanitarian aid - a variety of food products. For example, in Palermo, food was transported on the basis that five hundred thousand people live there. But, since the majority of the population moved to a quieter countryside near the city, the mafia had every opportunity to bring the remaining humanitarian aid after the distribution to the black market.
Help the mafia in the war
Since the mafia practiced a variety of sabotage against the authorities in peacetime, with the outbreak of war, it continued such activities more actively. History knows at least one documented case of sabotage, when the Goering tank brigade, which was stationed at the Nazi base, refueled with water and oil. As a result, the engines of the tanks burned out, and the vehicles ended up in the workshops instead of the front.
post-war period
After the allies occupied the island, the influence of the mafia only increased. "Intelligent criminals" were often appointed to the military government. In order not to be unfounded, here are the statistics: out of 66 towns, the main ones in 62 were people from the underworld. The further flourishing of the mafia was associated with the investment of previously laundered money in business and its increase in connection with the sale of drugs.
Individual style of the Italian mafia
Each member of the mafia understood that his activity was fraught with risk, so he made sure that his family did not live in poverty in the event of the death of the "breadwinner".
In society, mafiosi are very severely punished for ties with the police, and even more so for cooperation. A person was not accepted into the mafia circle if he had a relative from the police. And for appearing in public places with a representative of law and order, they could be killed. Interestingly, both alcoholism and drug addiction were not welcomed in the family. Despite this, many mafiosi were fond of both, the temptation was very great.
The Italian mafia is very punctual. Being late is considered bad manners and disrespectful to colleagues. During meetings with enemies, it is forbidden to kill anyone. They say about the Italian mafia that even if families are at war with each other, they do not seek cruel reprisals against competitors and often sign peace agreements.
Italian mafia laws
Another law that the Italian mafia honors is family above all, no lies among their own. If a lie was uttered in response to a question, it was believed that the person had betrayed the family. The rule, of course, is not without meaning, because it made cooperation within the mafia safer. But not everyone adhered to it. And where a lot of money was spinning, betrayal was an almost obligatory attribute of a relationship.
Only the boss of the Italian mafia could allow members of his group (family) to rob, kill or loot. Visiting bars without an urgent need was not welcomed. After all, a drunk mafioso could blurt out too much about the family.
Vendetta: for the family
Vendetta is revenge for a transgression or betrayal. Each group had its own ritual, some of them are striking in their cruelty. It did not manifest itself in torture or terrible murder weapons, as a rule, the victim was killed quickly. But after death, they could do anything with the body of the offender. And they usually did.
It is curious that information about the laws of the mafia as a whole became public only in 2007, when the father of the Italian mafia, Salvatore La Piccola, fell into the hands of the police. Among the financial documents, the boss also found the charter of the family.
Italian mafia: names and surnames that went down in history
How not to remember which is associated with drug trafficking and a network of brothels? Or, for example, who had the nickname "Prime Minister"? Italian mafia surnames are known all over the world. Especially after Hollywood filmed several stories about gangsters at once. It is not known which of the things shown on the big screens are true and which are fiction, but it is thanks to films that these days it has become almost possible to romanticize the image of the Italian mafia. By the way, the Italian mafia likes to give nicknames to all its members. Some choose their own. But the nickname is always associated with the history or character traits of the mafiosi.
The names of the Italian mafia are, as a rule, the bosses who dominated the whole family, that is, they achieved the greatest success in this hard work. Most of the gangsters who did the dirty work, the stories are unknown. The Italian mafia exists to this day, although most Italians turn a blind eye to this. Fighting it now, when the twenty-first century is in the yard, is practically pointless. Sometimes the police still manage to catch the "big fish" on the hook, but most mafiosi die of natural causes in old age or are killed by a gun in their youth.
New "star" among the mafiosi
The Italian mafia operates under cover of obscurity. Interesting Facts about her is a rarity, because the law enforcement agencies of Italy are already experiencing problems in order to learn at least something about the actions of the mafia. Sometimes they are lucky, and unexpected or even sensational information becomes public.
Despite the fact that most people, having heard the words "Italian mafia", remember the famous Cosa Nostra or, for example, the Camorra, the most influential and cruel clan is the 'Ndrangentha. Back in the fifties, the group expanded beyond its own area, but until recently remained in the shadow of its larger competitors. How it happened that 80% of the drug trafficking of the entire European Union was in the hands of the 'Ndrangenta - the gangsters themselves are also surprised. The Italian mafia "Ndrangenta" has an annual income of 53 billion.
There is a myth very popular among gangsters that the 'Ndrangentha has aristocratic roots. Allegedly, the syndicate was founded by the Spanish knights, who had the goal of avenging the honor of their sister. Legend has it that the knights punished the culprit, while they themselves were imprisoned for 30 years. In it they spent 29 years 11 months and 29 days. One of the knights, once free, founded the mafia. Some continue the story with the assertion that the other two brothers are just the bosses of Cosa Nostra and Camorra. Everyone understands that this is just a legend, but it is a symbol of the fact that the Italian mafia appreciates and recognizes the connection between families and adheres to the rules.
mafia hierarchy
The most revered and authoritative title sounds something like "boss of all Bosses." It is known that at least one mafioso had such a title - his name was Matteo Denaro. The second in the hierarchy of the mafia is the title of "king - boss of all bosses." It is awarded to the boss of all families when he retires. This title does not carry privileges, it is a tribute. In third place is the title of the head of a single family - don. The Don's first advisor, his right-hand man, bears the title "Counselor". He does not have the authority to influence the state of affairs, but the don listens to his opinion.
Next comes the deputy don - formally the second person in the group. In fact, he comes after the adviser. Kapo - a man of honor, or rather, the captain of such people. They are mafia soldiers. As a rule, one family has up to fifty soldiers.
And finally, the little man is the last title. These people are not yet part of the mafia, but they want to become one, so they carry out small tasks for the family. Youths of honor are those who are friends for the mafia. For example, those who take bribes, dependent bankers, corrupt police officers and the like.
Image copyright EPA Image caption Alleged gang leader Carmine Spada (center) was detained in Rome in January
Italian police, as part of an anti-mafia campaign, raided and arrested dozens of people in the Naples region, Rome and the Sicilian Agrigento.
The detainees are accused of smuggling, extortion, contract killings, bribes to politicians, organizing prostitution, and stealing art. The list of crimes is extensive.
And what is the Italian mafia today?
"GoatHostra - Sicilian mafia
The Sicilian gangs created a model that was then adopted by mafia groups around the world. They developed into a formidable force in Sicily in the 1800s, and their power and sophistication steadily grew thereafter.
"Cosa Nostra" is translated from Sicilian as "our business". This was the name of the first mafia, the basis of which was laid by family clans.
She is known for her code of honor, omerta, which implies absolute loyalty. The informers were threatened with torture and death, and their relatives were punished.
Even today, mafia members in Sicily are recruited to resolve commercial disputes and recover stolen goods, preferring their services to the slow-moving court machine. However, for many, the “protection” practiced by the mafia is hated, when entrepreneurs are forced to pay for the “protection” of their business.
Cosa Nostra gained notoriety in the United States by racketeering and feuding with other gangs in Chicago, New York and other cities. The group was able to gain a significant foothold through the counterfeit liquor trade during the Prohibition period in the 1920s.
The FBI claims that the American crime syndicate as a whole is not connected to the Italian clans. The main source of income for Cosa Nostra is the heroin trade.
If today you say the word "mafia", then many will immediately remember the movie "The Godfather" with Marlon Brando. In Sicilian, the word "mafia" is related to the word "courageous". Often the term is used incorrectly and for other purposes, in relation to all organized criminal groups.
Some mafia Italian organizations operate in other countries, competing with other equally brutal mafia gangs from Russia, China, Albania and other countries. In some cases, the gangs coordinate their actions and then share the booty.
Cosa Nostra has made its way into local and state politics, not only in Italy, but also in the United States.
But even in Italy, high-profile corruption scandals do not always involve the mafia. A high-profile trial in Rome revealed a grandiose corruption scheme, but the mafia was not involved in it.
According to the FBI, Cosa Nostra and three other major mafia groups - Camorre, 'Ndrangheta and Sacra Corona Unite - now have 25,000 members. In total, 250 thousand people are connected with them in the world.
When "Cosa Nostra" headed Godfather Salvatore Riina, the group was essentially at war with the Italian state.
Image copyright AFP Image caption A memorial has been erected at the site where prosecutor Falcone died at the hands of Cosa NostraIn May 1992, Riina's men blew up the car of prosecutor Giovanni Falcone near Palermo. As a result, the prosecutor himself, his wife and three bodyguards died.
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Two months later, the new prosecutor, Paolo Borsellino, was also assassinated. His car was blown up in Palermo.
Riina died in prison in November 2017 at the age of 87. He was serving a life sentence.
Image copyright AFP Image caption This mafia-owned villa near the town of Corleone in Palermo has been confiscated and turned into a hotel.Cosa Nostra has also reached out to some EU economic projects in Sicily through local contractors. In 2010, a BBC investigation revealed that, among other business projects, the mafia structure received funds from wind farms.
The Sicilian society is not going to give up. The anti-mafia group Libera Terra is engaged in business projects, including the hotel business, with funds seized from the mafia.
Federico Varese, who specializes in mafia studies at the University of Oxford, said that now Cosa Nostra is engaged in sheltering overnight stays for migrants, which are funded by the state.
But some migrant gangs are trying to compete with the mafia in areas like prostitution, Varese told the BBC. He added that the Italian police in Sicily are putting "tremendous pressure" on the mafia.
"Camorra" - Neapolitan mafia
The Camorra clans in Naples and Caserta have approximately 4,500 members.
Them main sphere activities - drugs. The members of the gang are extremely cruel. They also extort money from construction firms, toxic waste disposal companies, and clothing manufacturers. These are, among other things, workshops, in which the Chinese mainly work, who are engaged in counterfeiting popular clothing brands.
Image copyright AFP Image caption These dilapidated houses in the Neapolitan district of Scampia are the famous hangout of the "Camorra"In 2006, the book "Gomorrah" was published, in which the Italian journalist Roberto Saviano documented everyday life and principles of the group.
Shortly after the book's release, Saviano began receiving threats. Today he lives under the protection of the authorities: there are always bodyguards near Saviano, and his place of residence is not disclosed.
In an interview with American CBS radio, Saviano said that Camorra and 'Ndrangheta differ from Cosa Nostra in less strict hierarchy and younger leaders, and "much more blood" in their activities. According to Saviano, today these two groups are stronger than Cosa Nostra and less involved in politics than it is.
The Camorra's extensive network of drug dealers operates even in Spain, but the center of the syndicate has always been in the poor areas of Naples, such as Scampia and Secondigliano.
Image copyright Getty Images Image caption Roberto Saviano with bodyguards at the 2013 film festivalAlso, gang clashes in Ostia, one of the poor suburbs of Rome, are associated with the Camorra. A few months ago, a scandal erupted in Italy after a member of the Spada mafia clan, with the camera turned on, headbutted a TV journalist.
As Professor Varese notes, in the structure of the Camorra clans, traditionally important role women play - they usually do the work of couriers and "accountants" who issue money to clan members.
Calabrian mafia - "Ndrangheta"
Calabria - the "toe" of the Italian "boot" on the world map - is one of the poorest regions of Italy. The province is located near Sicily, and "Ndrangheta" began its existence as an offshoot of "Cosa Nostra".
The name of this group comes from the Greek "andragatia", which means "valor".
The FBI estimates that there are about 6,000 members of the 'Ndrangheta today.
Image copyright AFP Image caption Pasquale Condello, one of the 'Ndrangheta leaders, was arrested in 2008.The 'Ndrangheta specializes in cocaine smuggling. Professor Varese says the group is directly linked to Mexican and Colombian gangs. By some estimates, the 'Ndrangheta controls up to 80% of the cocaine trade in Europe.
The 'Ndrangheta also has influence in northern Italy - the group controls part of the criminal business in the vicinity of Turin. In Calabria, the 'Ndrangheta is accused of stealing much of its aid to the poor.
In 2007, in Duisburg, Germany, the 'Ndrangheta showed their cruelty. Six Italians associated with the syndicate were killed in the city. The criminals left their bodies in two cars not far from the Italian restaurant.
Apulian mafia - "Sacra Corona Unita"
The smallest of the Italian mafia clans, the Sacra Corona Unita (United Holy Crown), is based in Apulia, in southeastern Italy.
According to the FBI, the group includes about two thousand members, and its specialization is the smuggling of cigarettes, weapons, drugs and people.
The geographical position of Puglia makes the region an ideal port for smuggling from the Balkans. It is believed that the Apulian clans are closely connected with the Eastern European organized crime groups.
The world has long been fighting the state against criminal clans, but the mafia is still alive. Currently, there are many criminal gangs, each of which has its own boss and mastermind. Criminal authorities often feel unpunished and create real criminal empires, intimidating civilians and government officials. They live by their own laws, the violation of which often leads to death. This article presents 10 famous mafiosi who really left a noticeable mark on the history of the mafia. 1. Al Capone
Al Capone was a legend in the underworld of the 30s and 40s. of the last century and is still considered the most famous mafia in history. The authoritative Al Capone inspired fear in everyone, including the government. This American gangster of Italian origin developed a gambling business, was engaged in bootlegging, racketeering, and drugs. It was he who introduced the concept of racketeering.
When the family moved to the US in search of a better life he had to work hard. He worked in a pharmacy and a bowling alley, and even in a candy store. However, Al Capone was attracted to the nocturnal lifestyle. At 19, while working at a pool club, he made a cheeky comment about the wife of felon Frank Galuccio. After the ensuing fight and stabbing, he was left with a scar on his left cheek. Daring Al Capone learned to skillfully handle knives and was invited to the "Gang of Five Trunks". Known for his brutality in the massacre of competitors, he organized the Massacre on Valentine's Day, when, on his orders, seven tough mafiosi from the Bugs Moran group were shot dead.
His cunning helped him get out and avoid punishment for his crimes. The only thing he was jailed for was tax evasion. After leaving prison, where he spent 5 years, his health was undermined. He contracted syphilis from one of the prostitutes and died at the age of 48.
2. Lucky Luciano
Charles Luciano, born in Sicily, moved with his family to America in search of a decent life. Over time, he became a symbol of crime and one of the toughest gangsters in history. Since childhood, street punks have become a comfortable environment for him. He actively distributed drugs and at the age of 18 he went to prison. During the prohibition of alcohol in the United States, he was a member of the Gang of Four and was involved in the smuggling of alcohol. He was a poor immigrant, like his friends, and ended up making millions of dollars in crime. Lucky organized a group of bootleggers, the so-called "Big Seven" and defended it from the authorities.Later, he became the leader of the Cosa Nostra and controlled all areas of activity in the criminal environment. Maranzano's gangsters tried to find out where he was hiding drugs and for this they tricked him into taking him to the highway, where they tortured, cut and beat him. Luciano kept the secret. The bloodied body with no signs of life was thrown to the side of the road and after 8 hours it was found by a police patrol. In the hospital, he received 60 stitches and saved his life. After that, they began to call him Lucky. (Lucky). 3. Pablo Escobar
Pablo Escobar is the most famous violent Colombian drug lord. He created a real drug empire and established the supply of cocaine around the world on a huge scale. The young Escobar grew up in the poor areas of Medellin and began his illegal activities by stealing tombstones and reselling them to resellers with erased inscriptions. In addition, he sought to earn easy money on the drug and cigarette trade, as well as counterfeiting. lottery tickets. Later, theft of expensive cars, racketeering, robberies and kidnappings were added to the scope of criminal activity.
At 22, Escobar has already become a famous authority in poor neighborhoods. The poor supported him as he built cheap housing for them. Becoming the head of a drug cartel, he earned billions. In 1989, his fortune was more than 15 billion. During his criminal activities, he was involved in the murders of more than a thousand policemen, journalists, several hundred judges and prosecutors, various officials. 4. John Gotti
John Gotti was known to everyone in New York. He was called the "Teflon Don", because all the accusations miraculously flew away from him, leaving him unstained. This was a very quirky mobster who worked his way from the bottom to the very top of the Gambino family. Thanks to its bright and elegant style also earned the nickname "Elegant Don". During the management of the family, he was engaged in typical criminal cases: racketeering, theft, carjacking, murders. Right hand The boss in all crimes has always been his friend Salvatore Gravano. In the end, this was a fatal mistake for John Gotti. In 1992, Salvatore began to cooperate with the FBI, testified against Gotti and sent him to prison for life. In 2002, John Gotti died in prison from throat cancer.
5. Carlo Gambino
Gambino is a Sicilian gangster who led one of the most powerful crime families in America and led it until his death. As a teenager, he began to steal and engage in extortion. Later switched to bootlegging. When he became the boss of the Gambino family, he made it the richest and most powerful by controlling such lucrative properties as the state port and airport. During its dawn of power, the Gambino criminal group consisted of more than 40 teams, and controlled the major cities of America (New York, Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and others). Gambino did not welcome drug dealing by members of his group, as he considered it a dangerous business that attracted a lot of attention.6. Meir Lansky
Meir Lansky is a Jew born in Belarus. At the age of 9 he moved with his family to New York. From childhood, he became friends with Charles "Lucky" Luciano, which predetermined his fate. For decades, Meir Lansky has been one of America's most important crime bosses. During Prohibition in America, he was involved in the illegal transportation and sale of alcoholic beverages. Later, the "National Crime Syndicate" was created and a network of underground bars and bookmakers was opened. For many years, Meir Lansky developed a gambling empire in the United States. In the end, tired of the constant supervision of the police, he leaves for Israel on a visa for 2 years. The FBI wanted him extradited. At the expiration of the visa, he wants to move to another state, but no one accepts him. He returns to the US, where he is awaiting trial. The charges were dropped, but the passport was cancelled. Last years lived in Miami and died in hospital of cancer. 7. Joseph Bonanno
This mafia took special place in criminal world America. At the age of 15, the Sicilian boy was left an orphan. Illegally moved to the United States, where he quickly joined the criminal circles. Created and ran the powerful Bonanno crime family for 30 years. Over time, he began to be called "Banana Joe". Having achieved the status of the richest mafioso in history, he voluntarily retired. He wanted to live the rest of his life in peace in his own luxurious mansion. For a while, he was forgotten by everyone. But the release of the autobiography was an unprecedented act for the mafiosi and again riveted attention to him. They even put him in jail for a year. Joseph Bonanno died at the age of 97, surrounded by relatives. 8. Alberto Anastasia
Albert Anastasia was called the head of the Gambino, one of the 5 mafia clans. He was nicknamed the Chief Executioner because his faction Murder, Inc. was responsible for over 600 deaths. He hasn't been in jail for any of them. When a case was brought against him, it was not clear where the main witnesses for the prosecution disappeared. Alberto Anastasia liked to get rid of witnesses. He called Lucky Luciano his teacher and was devoted to him. Anastasia carried out assassinations of the leaders of other criminal groups on Lucky's order. However, in 1957, Albert Anastasia himself was killed in a barbershop by order of his competitors. 9. Vincent Gigante
Vincent Gigante is a well-known authority among mafiosi who controlled crime in New York and other major American cities. He left school in the 9th grade and switched to boxing. He got into a criminal group at the age of 17. Since then, his ascent in the underworld began. First he became a godfather, and then a consoler (adviser). Since 1981, he became the leader of the Genovese family. Vincent was nicknamed "The Nutty Boss" and "King of Pajamas" for his inappropriate behavior and walking around New York in a bathrobe. It was a simulation of a mental disorder. For 40 years he avoided prison by pretending to be crazy. In 1997, he was nevertheless sentenced to 12 years. Even while in prison, he continued to give instructions to members of the criminal gang through his son Vincent Esposito. In 2005, the mafioso died in prison from heart problems.
10. Heriberto Lazcano
For a long time, Heriberto Lazcano was on the list of wanted and most dangerous criminals in Mexico. From the age of 17 he served in the Mexican army and in a special squad to combat drug cartels. After a couple of years, he went over to the side of drug gangsters when he was recruited by the Gulf cartel. After a while, he became the leader of one of the largest and most authoritative drug cartels - Los Zetas. Due to his boundless cruelty against competitors, bloody murders against officials, public figures, police and civilians (including women and children), he was nicknamed the Executioner. More than 47,000 people died as a result of massacres. When Heriberto Lazcano was assassinated in 2012, all of Mexico breathed a sigh of relief.
A lot has been written about the Italian mafia and gangsters who were part of the well-known criminal organization Cosa Nostra. literary works and films were made that surrounded them with an aura of invincibility. It is characteristic that the exclamation of one of the heroes of the popular domestic comedy about the adventures of Italians in Russia “The Mafia is immortal!” accepted by many as an indisputable fact. Is this so, and did justice succeed, if not in defeating evil, then at least inflicting tangible blows on it?
Term taken from Sicilian slang
In the middle of the XIX century Italian language enriched himself with a new word for himself - "mafia" (mafia). He received this “gift” from the dialect spoken by the inhabitants of Sicily, as well as the smaller Mediterranean islands adjacent to it. There was a tradition there to call so arrogant and self-confident hooligans, who, meanwhile, were distinguished by fearlessness, enterprise and pride.
Over time, this term has become so rooted in most of the world's languages that it has attracted the attention of linguists. They established its relationship with a number of slang (slang) expressions that were of Arabic origin, which denoted all sorts of criminal elements or, more simply, the same gangsters.
Italian mafia - haven for criminals
A slightly different interpretation of the word "mafia" is given by the famous Italian writer Mario Puzo, whose subject of detailed study was the Italian mafia. The film "The Godfather", based on his novel of the same name, at one time successfully went around the world's television screens.
The author of the sensational work claims that in its true meaning this Sicilian term is translated as "refuge". It is likely that he is right, especially if we take into account the specifics of the criminal community he designated, which was a kind of family that united criminal groups.
What is an omerta?
It was a strictly centralized organization, all members of which unquestioningly obeyed a single leader (the godfather) and were obliged to be guided by a common code of conduct for all, called “omerta” and somewhat akin to the modern thieves notions of the Russian criminal world.
Before continuing the conversation about what the Italian mafia was, it is necessary to dwell in some detail on the laws that underlay the life of its members. This will help in many ways to understand the motives of certain of their actions.
Laws set within the mafia
So, in addition to the principle of autocracy mentioned above, the omerta established a life-long membership in the organization of all those who were once accepted into its ranks. the only good reason to get out of the mafia could be death. For each mafioso (member of this organization), justice is the decision of the head of the organization, and not the state judiciary.
Betrayal was punishable by death not only for the one who dared to make a denunciation, but also for all his relatives. And finally, the insult inflicted on one of the members of the mafia was considered as an insult to the entire organization, and therefore entailed the inevitable death of the offender.
The last point created a certain illusion of security among the bandits and made it possible to consider the mafia really a refuge, if not from criminal liability, then at least from the revenge of the victims of their arbitrariness. In reality, omerta was a means of controlling the leaders of the organization over all its members and intimidating ordinary members.
The structure of the criminal community
In my own way internal device"Cosa Nostra" was a strictly defined vertical of power, at the top of which was its head, called the don. This position was elective, and the entire Italian mafia was unquestioningly subordinate to the don. The movie "The Godfather" is the best illustration of the power that this man was endowed with.
His closest assistants were two - the underboss, who acted as a deputy, and in the event of the death of the owner, temporarily took his place, and the consigliere - a personal adviser both on legal issues and in organizing a business.
Below in the hierarchy were the commanders of the fighting gangster groups, who bore the title of caporegime. In their submission were the direct executors of all criminal deeds - soldiers. Companions closed the list - these were persons who had not yet become full members of the mafia, for whom something like a probationary period was established. All lower members of the mafia were obliged to unquestioningly obey their superiors. Breaking it fundamental principle was punishable by death.
In addition, it is known about the Italian mafia that its constituent communities, called families or clans, extended their influence to any specific territories, such as Sicily, Naples, Calabria, etc. Attempts to manage in foreign areas were considered a violation of the same omerta and punished in the most cruel way. It is important to note the following important detail: only purebred Italians could be members of such mafia clan families, and in Sicily - only native Sicilians. They were engaged in almost all types of criminal activity: racketeering, drug trafficking, prostitution control, etc.
Robin Hoods of the underworld
It is generally accepted that the Italian mafia was formed in the middle of the 19th century and the prerequisite for its appearance was the extreme weakness of the state structures of the Sicilian kingdom, which was then ruled by the Bourbon dynasty. During the previous two centuries, the territory of the state repeatedly fell under foreign domination, as a result of which the native Sicilians were subjected to exploitation and repression.
This situation has become fertile ground for the emergence of different kind gangster groups engaged in robbery of wealthy foreigners. In fairness, it should be noted that at a certain stage, following the example of the legendary Robin Hood, they generously shared the loot with their poor fellow villagers, which quickly gained universal support and approval. If necessary, the bandits provided fellow countrymen with money loans and helped to settle all sorts of conflicts with the authorities.
Thus, a social base was created, on which the Italian mafia, so well-known today, subsequently developed. In the future, its development was facilitated by the influx of funds caused by the expansion of the business associated with the production and export of citrus crops.
Mafia exported overseas
At the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, due to the difficult economic situation that prevailed in Sicily, many of its inhabitants (including bandits) were forced to emigrate abroad, and primarily to the American continent. There, across the ocean, criminal structures formed back in their homeland, having received a new life, began to develop intensively.
The Italian mafia in the United States, maintaining its previously established traditions, soon became one of the elements of American society and continued to exist in parallel with the Sicilian, of which it was an integral part.
It is widely known, for example, for its role in the life of American trade unions, control over which was one of the important components of the criminal business. In the fifties, the well-established tandem "mafia - trade unions" was so strong that the government made a number of significant concessions, which were demanded of it by both representatives of workers and gangsters. At the same time, it is known that almost 30% of drug trafficking was under the control of the latter in the country.
The Italian mafia, which had so rapidly developed its activities across the ocean before the war, in the sixties was forced to withstand fierce competition from other criminal groups that appeared in the United States and consisted of African Americans, Chinese, Colombians, and Mexicans. This largely undermined its financial base and weakened its former power.
Mussolini against the mafia
At home, the Italian mafia received the strongest rebuff to its actions in 1925, when the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, who seized power in the country, set himself the task of completely destroying criminal structures to strengthen control over its southern regions. To this end, he appointed the prefect of Palermo - the main city of the Sicilian region - his fellow party member Cesare Mori, who later earned the nickname "iron prefect".
He was given such complete freedom of action that even the observance of elementary laws was not made an obligation. Taking advantage of such extraordinary powers and not constrained by any moral standards, the newly appointed prefect fought the criminals with their own methods. It is known, for example, that, having besieged entire cities, he, forcing members of the mafia to surrender, used women and children as hostages and, in cases of disobedience, mercilessly shot them.
Crime family responses
Fascist propaganda hastened to announce that, as a result of the measures taken, they had defeated the Italian mafia, which was previously considered invulnerable to justice. However, such statements turned out to be a clear exaggeration. Despite the fact that she really suffered significant damage and many mafiosi replenished the number of emigrants, it was not possible to completely defeat her, and after some time this evil revived in an even greater volume.
It is known that Mussolini's attempt to eradicate the mafia caused a response from her, and subsequently this criminal organization, cooperating with the Anglo-American troops, played a very positive role, making a tangible contribution to the struggle of the Italian people against fascism.
Cooperation between state and criminal structures
One of characteristic features organized criminal groups, called the mafia, is their merging with state authorities. This started in Italy before World War II. In 1945, the result of the separatist tendencies that had gripped the country in previous decades was the granting of significant autonomy to Sicily, and in the local elections that followed soon there was a sharp confrontation between representatives of left and right parties.
Since it was known that the mafia was extremely hostile to socialists and communists, their opponents - the Christian Democrats - used its services to intimidate voters and force them to vote for the deputies they needed. This vicious practice became a tradition, as a result of which right-wing parties remained in power throughout the post-war period.
All-out war on crime
A new stage in the fight against this ingrained evil came in the sixties and seventies. This was the period when the evolution of the democratic system, which began in Italy, also touched Sicily. A full-scale war was then declared against crime, in which the Italian mafia became the main opponent for the judiciary.
The film directed by Domiano Domiani "Octopus", released on screens in March 1984, in all details presents a picture of those years filled with arrests of mafia leaders, police raids and, as a result, the murders of judges, prosecutors and other servants of the law.
Successes of Italian justice
In subsequent decades, the Italian authorities continued the struggle they had begun with the same persistence. Its apogee is considered to be 2009, when several key figures were arrested at once, under whose control almost the entire Italian mafia was. The names of these people - the Pasquale brothers, as well as Carmine and Salvatore Russo - for many years terrified their compatriots. As a result of the operational actions of the police, along with them, the second most important person of the criminal syndicate, Domenico Racciuglia, ended up in the dock.
Other criminal structures in Italy
It should be noted that in addition to the main criminal organization, bearing the name "Cosa Nostra" ("Our business") in the Sicilian dialect, there are other Italian mafias, the list of which is quite extensive. It includes such criminal structures as Camorra, Sacra Corona Unita, 'Ndrangheta and a number of others.
The leader of the last of them, Salvatore Coluccio, who, according to Interpol, was one of the ten most dangerous criminals in the world, was also arrested in 2009. Even a special bunker, built by him in a remote mountainous region of the country, equipped with the latest technology and equipped with an autonomous life support system, did not save him from the hands of justice.
And today, among the criminal structures operating in various countries of the world, the Italian mafia occupies a special place. Photos of its most famous leaders, replicated in different times means mass media are included in this article. This is the famous Al Capone - the legend of the underworld of the thirties and forties, and John Gotti, who traded in contract killings all his life, but at the same time earned the nickname Elegant John, as well as Carlo Gambino - a born Sicilian who headed the most powerful criminal family in America, distributing influence in many countries of the world. The common fate of these people was the prison, where many members of the organization they created also ended their lives.
What couldn't the Italian mafia do?
And only in one thing was the Italian mafia powerless - in Russia, it failed to take control of anything. Under the communists, such an idea was absurd due to the peculiarities of the political and economic structure of the country, and in the post-Soviet period, when domestic politics was reoriented to the capitalist way, its own “godfathers” appeared in it. They created crime families that inherited the style of the Italian mafia and surpassed it in many ways.
A little history of the mafia
Each business has its own development, and each development is determined by the people involved in this business, especially if it is “Our business”. And the origins Italian mafia go back to the 9th century, when "robin hood" detachments protected the Sicilian peasants from the oppression and extortion of feudal lords, foreign raiders and pirates. The authorities did not help their poor, so they only called for help mafia and trusted in her. In return, a considerable bribe was paid, the unspoken laws put forward by members of the "security" groups were carried out, but, on the other hand, the poor were given guaranteed protection.
Why did crime families become known as "mafia"
There are two versions origin of the word "mafia". According to the first, under the influence of the Arab flair (either military or trade relations Sicily with representatives of the Arab countries), the root of the word means "refuge", "protection". According to the second version, suffering Sicily foreign invaders trampled along and across, and in 1282 there was an uprising, the motto of which became: “Death to France! Breathe Italy! (Morte alla Francia Italia Anelia). Anyway, mafia- a primordially Sicilian phenomenon, and identical criminal groups in other parts of Italy and the world were called differently, for example, "Ndragetta" in Calabria, "Sacra Corona Unita" in Apulia, "Camorra" in Naples. But, the “mafia” today, like the “jacuzzi”, “jeep” and “copier”, has become a household name, so any criminal organization is called it.
How did the mafia get into power?
As an organization, the mafia crystallized only in the 19th century, when the peasants, who did not want to obey the exploitative Bourbon regime ruling at that time, “blessed” mafia for political exploits. Thus, in 1861, the mafia officially took over the status of a ruling force. Having made their way into the Italian parliament, they got a chance to influence the formation of the political and economic course of the country, and the mafiosi themselves were transformed into the so-called aristocracy.
Beginning in the 20th century, members of criminal organizations began to promote "their senators" to parliament, secretaries to city councils, for which they were generously thanked. The carefree “bathing in money” might have continued further if the Nazis had not come to power. Head of Italy Benito Mussolini did not endure mafia in power, and indiscriminately began to imprison by the thousands. The rigidity of the dictator, of course, has borne fruit, Italian mafiosi sunk to the bottom. 
In the 1950s and 1960s, the mafia perked up again, and the Italian government had to start an official fight against crime by creating a special body, the Antimafia.
And the mafiosi dressed in expensive suits of businessmen, building their work on the principle of "iceberg" where the official chain of sporting goods could be engaged in the underground trade in drugs or weapons, prostitution, "protection" of other business. But, even today nothing has changed, this is what happens in some areas of Italy to this day. Over time, some "businessmen" have seriously promoted their restaurant and hotel business, food production.
In the 80s, a fierce bloody struggle began between criminal clans, where such a huge number of people died that most of the survivors prefer to work only in the field of legal business, maintaining omerta, "mutual responsibility", and other signs of a valid mafia organization.
But, the mafia has not left the stage to this day. In southern Italy, 80% of firms pay bribes to their "roof", just as it is impossible to start a business without enlisting the support of local authorities. Carrying out "cleansings", the Italian government regularly sends city, regional and national officials from key posts accused of collaborating with the mafia to prisons.
How Italian mafiosi moved to America
Beginning in 1872, as a result of extreme impoverishment, the Sicilians, in search of a better life, emigrated to America in armies. And, lo and behold, the introduced “dry law” worked into their hands. They began to sell illegal liquor, having accumulated capital, they bought up enterprises in other areas of activity. So, in a short time, the money turnover of the Sicilians in America began to exceed the turnover of the largest American corporations. The American, originating from Sicily, the mafia is called "Cosa Nostra / Cosa Nostra", which means "Our business". This name is also used by those who returned from America to their homeland Sicilian crime family.
The structure of the Italian mafia
boss or godfather- the head of the family, a criminal clan. Information about all the affairs of his family and the plans of enemies flocks to him, and is elected by voting.
Henchman or underboss- the first assistant to the boss or godfather. Appointed solely by the boss himself and is responsible for the actions of all caporegime.
Consigliere- the chief adviser of the clan, whom the boss fully trusts.
Caporegime or capo- the head of the "team", which works in a single area controlled by the family-clan.
Soldier- the youngest member of the clan, who was recently "introduced" into the mafia. Teams of up to 10 people are formed from the soldiers, controlled by a kapo.
Partner in crime- a person who has a certain status in mafia circles, but is not yet considered a member of the family. Can act, for example, as an intermediary in the sale of drugs.
Laws and traditions honored by mafiosi
In 2007, the famous godfather of Salvador Lo Piccolo was arrested, who was found to have "The Ten Commandments of Cosa Nostra", which describes the traditions and laws of members of the mafia clan.
Ten Commandments of Cosa Nostra
Each group "works" in a certain area and other families do not interfere with their participation.
Newcomer initiation ritual: a finger is wounded and the icon is poured with its blood. He takes the icon in his hand, they set it on fire. The beginner must endure the pain until the icon burns. At the same time, he says: "Let my flesh burn, like this saint, if I break the laws of the mafia."
The family cannot include: policemen and those who have policemen among their relatives.
Family members respect their wives, do not cheat on them, and never look at the wives of their friends.
Omerta- Mutual responsibility of all members of the clan. Joining the organization is for life, no one can get out of business. At the same time, the organization is responsible for each of its members, if someone offended him, she and only she will administer justice.
For an insult, it is supposed to kill the offender.
Death of a family member- an insult that is washed away with blood. Bloody revenge for a loved one is called "vendetta".
The kiss of death- a special signal given by mafia bosses or capos and meaning that this family member has become a traitor and must be killed.
Code of Silence- a ban on disclosing the secrets of the organization.
Betrayal is punishable by the murder of the traitor and all his relatives.
Thinking about this topic, I conclude:
Despite the untold treasures found, only the poor of the Italian south coast dream of such a career development. Indeed, with a simple calculation, it turns out that it is not so profitable: members of a criminal group have to calculate the costs of protecting themselves and their families, unfastening bribes, constant confiscation of goods, and this at a constant risk to their lives and all family members. A halo of mystery, supported by heartbreaking rumors for many decades, was shrouded in the whole secret mafia system. Is it really worth it?
Svetlana Conobella, from Italy with love. 
