The Italian mafia is shifting away from armed confrontations to establish dominance in various territories. Instead, they are pursuing partnerships in drug trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering, as indicated in the annual report released today by the Directorate of Investigation against the Mafia (DIA).
Both the Sicilian Cosa Nostra and the Neapolitan Camorra are forming alliances, both domestically and internationally, while the Drangheta, based in Calabria, is increasingly focused on controlling public projects, according to the report.
“The coexistence has created synergies that have gradually developed and can now manage tensions and frictions,” stated DIA chief Michele Carbone at a recent press conference.
He cautioned that mafia infiltration poses a threat to public works associated with the national recovery plan following the Covid-19 pandemic, including plans for a major bridge connecting Sicily to the mainland and preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The DIA report also highlights the technological advancements among mafia members, who now utilize encrypted communication and employ drones to maintain contact with prisoners. They exploit social media to occasionally demonstrate their power with the aim of attracting and recruiting marginalized youth.
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