Rivals for several years, main mobster groups have been struggling to control drug trafficking and prostitution flows in Europe
The Italian mafia is moving away from violent wars for territorial control to dedicate itself to collaboration in drug trafficking, prostitution and laundering of capital. The information was advanced on Tuesday by the Directorate of Antimalia (Day) Investigation in its annual report on organized crime groups.
According to the document, Cosa Nostra, from Sicily, and the Camorra, from the Naples area, are forming alliances inside and outside Italy, while the ‘Nrangheta, headquartered in Calabria – the “jump” of the Italian boot – is increasingly centered on the control of large public works. “Coexistence favored synergies that have become progressively structured,” Michele Carbone director Michele, said at a press conference.
These structures, added carbone, have become “capable of absorbing overlays, tensions and frictions”, which reinforces the capacity for cooperation between different mobster groups. The evolution for collaboration models over violent confrontation represents, according to the report, a deep strategic change.
Among the most targeted sectors by mobster organizations is that of construction. In 2024, this sector was the target of 38% of antimalic administrative measures, with investigations in about 200 shipyards linked to public works. Targets of possible infiltration include projects funded by the Postcovid recovery funds of the European Union, preparations for the 2026 winter Olympics and the construction of the bridge that aims to connect Sicily to the continent.
Regarding this last work, Michele Carbone assured that the day is ready to act. “Soon will begin all antimaphy prevention activities linked to the construction of the bridge over the Messina Strait,” said the official.
The report also highlights the growing technological sophistication of Italian mafias, which use encrypted communication channels and maintain contact with prisoners through drones. At the same time, Chinese “parallel banking” networks are increasingly used in capital bleaching. Alongside this, the recruitment of marginalized young people to integrate the so -called “Baby Gangs” is enhanced by power exhibitions on social networks, used as a tool for seduction and intimidation.
