The History of the Mafia: Origins and development in Italy and globally.
The History of the Mafia: Origins and development in Italy and globally
introduction
Mafia is a term, which is often associated with Italian organized crime groups. But the roots of this concept go back much deeper than just the country itself. In this article we will look at the origins and development stories of the Mafia in Italy, as well as its global impact.
Origins: From the Camorra to the Cosa Nostra
The history of the mafia begins in late 19. century, when many Italian immigrants emigrated to America and laid the foundations for a criminal underground structure. The first official website well-known organized crime group in New York was the “Camorra”, founded 1893 by Italian immigrants, to protect their interests in the new environment and expand their influence.
However, over time, another center of power emerged: The Sicilian Cosa Nostra organizations, which were initially built up from small gangs to complex corporate structures. They always looked upward and tried to expand their control over large parts of Italian society.
The development of the Cosa Nostra
After the Second World War, Cosa Nostra gained influence, especially in Sicily. There was collaboration between various Sicilian and southern Italian mafia groups, to jointly exercise political power and obtain letters of protection from law enforcement authorities.
However, in the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. justice system began to change, For the first time, major investigations were carried out to clear up mafia machinations. These so-called “Mafia ads” (USA gegen Cosa Nostra) were hidden by New York prosecutors behind the facade of a corruption trial, so as to reveal the true nature of the fraud.
The global spread
Over time, mafia structures spread around the world and became closely associated with other criminal organizations. An important step in this was the Sicilian ones “Mafia-Killers” (Formed groups of killers, who work for Cosa Nostra), whose actions were not limited to Italy.
Along with other criminal organizations, like the Russian Mafiya or Mexican cartels, They created international networks and networks. They often controlled valuable markets, from drugs to weapons, and took advantage of their position, to exert political influence.
Legal aspects
Many countries have specific laws against mafia activities. These were often made directly in coordination with the judicial bodies and also offer expanded investigative powers, knows z.B. Telephone tapping.
It should be noted, that many laws were passed by the respective state government. The Mafia's international connections also led to the creation of a globalized investigative network between different countries and organizational structures.
Protection money, Demos, games & Risks
For a deeper understanding, awareness of the influence of the mafia on various aspects of life is required. The mafia operation itself cannot be compared to slot machines or lottery games. These are criminal organizations, those through protection money, Theft and prostitution make profits.
So far we have only focused on the phenomenon of the mafia from Italy. But what exactly is it?? How do they act and how do their actions change our society?
In the next sections, the structure and networking of these criminal organizations will be examined in even more detail.
Collaboration and connections
Collaboration between different mafia groups creates a huge global network. They exploit their strategic position, to have influence on the globalized goods market and to control important zones of the world economy.
An example situation would be the connection between southern Italian organized crime (Mafiosi) and American underground organizations, such as by Italian immigrant groups in New York. Together they created an extensive network of goods trade, Theft and protection money.
Organizational structure
The organization itself is based on a caste-like system, with guides (Forests), middle levels of the leading mafiosi, subordinates (Educated groups) and other subcontractors. This complex structure allows the main actors, to extend their control across multiple industries.
influence on the political scene
These criminal groups also controlled large parts of the political landscape through protection money or direct influence. Die “Should you vote for mafia bureaucrats??”-Debate gained public attention over time and made things clear, how important a change in political dynamics is.
Political reactions & Law enforcement actions
Various measures have been taken in Italy. These were associated with various forms of restrictions for the mafiosi, knows z.B. Introduction of the “Antimafia law” in the year 1971.
Through the efforts of the judiciary, things became increasingly difficult for the mafia, carry out their activities in compliance with their legality. In this way, important parts of their structure and influence could be successfully broken down.
Finally
The term “Mafia” is often in the media with images of criminals, violence and illegal gambling. But it is not just a criminal scene - rather a complex system of networks and structures.
We hope, This information gave a better insight into the reality of the mafia.
