The Italian Mafia has long been one of the most notorious and enduring organised crime entities in the world. Its influence extends far beyond the borders of Italy, creating complex challenges for law enforcement and intelligence agencies worldwide. Understanding the intelligence and law enforcement considerations related to Italian Mafia organizations is crucial for effectively combating their criminal activities and mitigating their impact on society, economies, and political systems. 

This article explores the complex relationship between intelligence agencies and Italian Mafia organisations. It examines the structures and operations of these criminal groups, the challenges they pose to law enforcement, and the strategies used to combat them. By understanding these dynamics, we gain a better appreciation of the sophisticated nature of the fight against organised crime and the need for strong intelligence and law enforcement frameworks.

1 The Structure and Evolution of Italian Mafia Organizations

The Italian Mafia is not a monolithic entity but rather comprises several distinct organizations, each with its own history, structure, and operational methods. The three main groups are Cosa Nostra, ‘Ndrangheta and Camorra. A fourth significant group is the Sacra Corona Unita.

1.1 Cosa Nostra

For over a century, the Sicilian Mafia—Cosa Nostra—has shaped not only Italy’s criminal landscape but also influenced global organized crime. Once perceived as protectors of the poor against oppressive rulers, these clans evolved into violent, profit-driven enterprises deeply embedded in both society and state institutions. From its early days as rural “families” to their post-WWII revival—reportedly aided by the U.S. to counter communism—Cosa Nostra adapted quickly, shifting from agrarian extortion to urban infiltration and international drug trafficking.

Over time, violence gave way to strategy, with the mafia embracing invisibility through a “strategy of submersion,” embedding itself in legitimate industries across Italy—from tourism and energy to betting and agriculture—while perfecting sophisticated money laundering schemes. Omertà, the code of silence, remains a powerful weapon, allowing the group to maintain secrecy and shield its criminal enterprises. The COVID-19 pandemic and the rise of cryptocurrencies have offered new opportunities for infiltration and laundering, as seen in Cosa Nostra’s interest in Bitcoin, NFTs, and even food distribution in poor neighborhoods to gain public support.

Despite historic victories by the Italian state—especially through the bravery of pentiti (mafia defectors or informants) like Tommaso Buscetta and the sacrifice of anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino—Cosa Nostra remains resilient. It currently counts an estimated 5,000 affiliates and 20,000 collaborators across Europe and North America. Alarmingly, recent intelligence indicates growing cooperation between the Sicilian Mafia and other powerful groups like the ’Ndrangheta, making the fight against Italian organised crime more complex and transnational than ever. [source, source]

1.2 ‘Ndrangheta

The ‘Ndrangheta originated in the rugged, impoverished region of Calabria in southern Italy. While its roots stretch back centuries, concrete evidence of its organised criminal activity emerged in the late 19th century. Unlike other Italian mafia groups, the ‘Ndrangheta built a structure based on blood ties and family clans. This made the organisation highly resistant to infiltration and betrayal.

1.2.1 Early Criminal Activities and Post-War Expansion

In its early years, the ‘Ndrangheta focused on local crimes like cattle theft, extortion, and territorial control within Calabria. After World War II, emigration from the region helped spread the group’s influence beyond southern Italy. In the 1960s and 1970s, the syndicate expanded into cigarette smuggling and high-profile kidnappings for ransom.

The 1973–1974 kidnapping of John Paul Getty III, the teenage grandson of American oil billionaire J. Paul Getty, was a turning point for the ’Ndrangheta. He was abducted in Rome and held for five months in Calabria, with the group eventually receiving a large ransom. The case gained international attention and helped fund the ’Ndrangheta’s rise in global drug trafficking. This and similar operations generated substantial ransoms that provided the financial foundation for the ‘Ndrangheta’s next evolutionary phase. By the 1980s, the group had begun establishing direct relationships with Latin American drug cartels, strategically positioning itself in the global cocaine trade. [source]

1.2.2 Global Reach and Organisational Structure

The ‘Ndrangheta’s international expansion continued through the 1990s and 2000s. During this time, the group established operations in over 40 countries across every continent. Key events highlighting their global presence include the 2007 Duisburg massacre in Germany and a record-breaking ecstasy seizure in Melbourne, Australia, also in 2007. A unique structure—decentralized but disciplined—enabled them to expand globally. This allowed clans to act independently while remaining loyal to the larger organisation. [source, source]

1.2.3 How the ’Ndrangheta Uses Money and Legal Businesses

Today, the ‘Ndrangheta has emerged as the most powerful Italian mafia organization, with annual revenues estimated at approximately $60 billion by 2014, a figure exceeding the GDP of several countries. Their criminal empire now encompasses drug trafficking (controlling an estimated 80% of Europe’s cocaine market), money laundering, extortion, embezzlement, illegal waste disposal, and human trafficking.

A distinguishing feature of the ‘Ndrangheta’s success has been its sophisticated infiltration of legitimate economies. The organization launders its vast criminal profits through investments in construction, agriculture, hospitality, and public services. A network of complicit professionals often supports these activities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group showed its adaptability. It exploited struggling businesses, invested in healthcare-related sectors, and used cryptocurrencies to move drug money. [source]

1.2.4 Vulnerabilities and Recent Crackdowns

Despite their historical protection through omertà (code of silence) and familial loyalty, recent years have shown potential vulnerabilities in the ‘Ndrangheta’s armor. International law enforcement initiatives, such as Operation “Pollino” and Interpol’s I-CAN (Interpol Cooperation Against ‘Ndrangheta), have resulted in hundreds of arrests, including key figures like Rocco Morabito. Perhaps more significantly, prosecutor Nicola Gratteri has noted a small but growing number of defectors—particularly women and younger members disillusioned with the criminal lifestyle—who have begun cooperating with authorities.

The battle against the ‘Ndrangheta remains difficult. Many countries still underestimate its economic and political influence. However, cracks are beginning to show in its once impenetrable structure. These small changes offer hope in the fight to dismantle Italy’s most powerful and far-reaching mafia group. [source]

1.3 Camorra

The Camorra, based in Campania, is one of Italy’s most dangerous and decentralized mafia groups, consisting of around 180 independent clans. Unlike other mafias, it lacks a central leadership, leading to internal feuds but also flexibility. Originating in 19th-century Neapolitan prisons, it rose to power after WWII through black market dealings and later expanded into drug trafficking, extortion, and political corruption.

Today, the group runs a multi-billion-euro enterprise and launders money through real estate, tourism, and the restaurant sector. Notable laundering cases include the Pizza Ciro chain and 14 Rome restaurants linked to the Moccia clan. The Camorra has also exploited the COVID-19 crisis to infiltrate struggling businesses. Internationally, it operates across Europe and beyond, using systems like hawala to launder money through Dubai. Its deep-rooted political ties and fragmented structure make it hard to dismantle, but efforts by prosecutors and grassroots organizations have reclaimed assets and raised awareness. Nonetheless, tackling the Camorra requires long-term commitment to addressing corruption, poverty, and state absence.

The Camorra increasingly targets vulnerable youth, especially children of clan members or those from impoverished communities, using social media to lure them with images of luxury and power. Recruits start with minor crimes but are quickly drawn into drug trafficking and violence, with harsh consequences for disobedience. This strategy ensures a steady supply of loyal members and future leaders, especially when older bosses are arrested. Internationally, the Camorra operates in countries such as the U.S., the UK, Luxembourg, and across the Balkans. It also collaborates with groups like Al-Qaeda and Albanian gangs, trading drugs for weapons and forged documents. Its decentralized structure, global connections, and use of technology make it a serious threat. Poverty, corruption, and weak state presence in affected areas reinforce this danger. [source, source]

1.4 Sacra Corona Unita

The Sacra Corona Unita (SCU) is based in the Puglia region of southeastern Italy. It is the least known of the four major Italian mafia groups but remains dangerous and influential. The group was founded in the late 1970s by Camorra boss Raffaele Cutolo. It later evolved into a coalition of local gangs aiming to control regional criminal activities. The SCU organizes itself into three ritualistic levels, including a secretive leadership tier. Authorities estimate it includes around 2,000 members across 50 clans.

Its criminal portfolio includes drug and arms trafficking, extortion, smuggling, money laundering, and human trafficking, with strong connections to Albanian, Russian, Chinese, Colombian, and Japanese criminal networks. The SCU’s geographic location makes it a key player in smuggling routes between Eastern Europe and Italy, and its influence has seeped into legitimate businesses, especially in agriculture, tourism, and transport. Though it reached its peak in the 1990s, a series of successful law enforcement operations have weakened the group. Still, its adaptability, reliance on violent rituals, and ability to exploit migrant routes and legitimate industries make it a persistent threat to Italy’s security and economic integrity. [source, source]

2 Intelligence & Law Enforcement Considerations

Between 2025 and 2027, international efforts have intensified to disrupt the global networks of the Ndrangheta. This group is one of the world’s most powerful and far-reaching criminal organizations. Originally from Calabria, the ’Ndrangheta now operates in over 84 countries. Its influence continues to grow through drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, and the rigging of public contracts.

2.1 I-CAN: A Coordinated Multinational Response

To counter this growing threat, the I-CAN initiative (Interpol Cooperation Against ’Ndrangheta) was launched in 2020. It is funded mainly by the Italian Department of Public Security and supported by countries such as Germany. I-CAN coordinates a multilateral law enforcement response. It uses INTERPOL’s analytical tools and databases, which now include over 65,000 entities linked to ’Ndrangheta networks. The project helps police forces share intelligence and carry out joint operations.

As of early 2025, the I-CAN project has led to the arrest of 108 ‘Ndrangheta members. These include high-profile fugitives like Edgardo Greco, a convicted double murderer caught in France after 16 years on the run. Another is Rocco Morabito, one of the world’s top drug traffickers, who was rearrested in Brazil after escaping from prison in Uruguay.

I-CAN also played a key role in Operation Eureka (2023), a major investigation across six European countries. The operation uncovered around $27 million in illicit funds linked to drugs, weapons, and money laundering. It resulted in over 150 arrests. By promoting intelligence sharing, real-time data access, and coordinated action, I-CAN stands as one of the most advanced global strategies to fight the ’Ndrangheta and its criminal empire. [source, source]

2.2 German-Italian Operation: April 2025

In a major joint operation between German and Italian authorities in April 2025, 36 individuals were arrested across Germany for suspected ties to the powerful ’Ndrangheta mafia. Among those detained was a 46-year-old police officer from the Aalen Police Department, accused of leaking confidential information. The raids, conducted at 40 locations in states including North Rhine-Westphalia and Baden-Württemberg, are part of a broader investigation that began in 2021 targeting the Calabria-based group, which operates extensive criminal networks across Europe and beyond. [source, source]

2.3 Cosa Nostra Crackdown: February 2025

In February 2025, Italian police launched a massive crackdown on the Sicilian mafia, arresting nearly 150 individuals in what has been described as the largest operation against Cosa Nostra since 1984. Over 1,200 officers carried out dawn raids across Palermo and surrounding areas, targeting 183 suspects accused of crimes, including mafia association, extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal gambling.

Despite being weakened by decades of enforcement and overshadowed by the more powerful ’Ndrangheta, Cosa Nostra still maintains territorial control in parts of Sicily. The investigation revealed how clans coordinated drug trafficking operations, enforced the traditional “pizzo” extortion system, and used encrypted smartphones to avoid detection. Weapons and evidence of violent enforcement methods were also discovered. The operation highlighted how the mafia continues to recruit young members and infiltrate institutions—one court clerk was arrested for leaking case files. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised the effort, calling it a testament to the state’s ongoing commitment to fighting organised crime. [source, source]

3 Operation Eureka

On 3 May 2023, authorities carried out a major coordinated operation across ten countries. They arrested 132 members of the ’Ndrangheta in what is considered the largest international action ever taken against the group.

Supported by Europol and Eurojust, the operation involved over 2,770 officers. Raids took place in Belgium, Germany, Italy, France, Portugal, Spain, Slovenia, Romania, Brazil, and Panama. The targets were powerful clans based in San Luca, Calabria—the ’Ndrangheta’s stronghold.

These families were involved in a wide range of crimes, including drug and firearms trafficking, money laundering, tax evasion, and sheltering fugitives. Some of those arrested were on the EU’s Most Wanted list.

The network was found to be collaborating with Colombian Gulf Clan cartels, arms suppliers in Pakistan, and criminal organizations in Ecuador and Brazil, using the hawala system to move illicit profits and pay for massive cocaine shipments. Criminal proceeds were laundered through investments in real estate, hospitality, supermarkets, and car wash businesses across Europe and South America. The operation also uncovered plans involving the exchange of Soviet-made Kalashnikovs for cocaine, showcasing the group’s deep involvement in arms trafficking. Eureka further demonstrated the increasing use of encrypted communication platforms by criminal networks and the growing capacity of European agencies to intercept and analyze them. 

Europol analyzed encrypted communications and sent mobile teams to support the raids. Eurojust helped set up joint investigation teams and issued European Investigation Orders. It also coordinated actions in real time. This operation, known as Operation Eureka, was a major success. It marked a key step in dismantling the ’Ndrangheta’s financial and operational networks across borders. [source, source, source]

4 Interpol’s Silver Notice 

In addition to traditional arrest-focused operations, international law enforcement is increasingly targeting the financial infrastructure of organized crime. A major development in this area came in January 2025 when INTERPOL issued its first-ever Silver Notice—a new tool aimed at identifying and recovering assets linked to serious criminal offenses, including mafia-related activities. While Red Notices are used to locate and arrest individuals. In contrast, Silver Notices focus on tracking and seizing illegally obtained assets. These include crypto wallets, offshore accounts, vehicles, and real estate. With over 99% of global criminal assets still unrecovered, this initiative marks a major shift. It aims to weaken mafia groups by cutting off their financial power.

The notice can be used in cases of drug trafficking, money laundering, corruption, and organized crime, making it particularly relevant for groups like the ’Ndrangheta, Camorra, and Cosa Nostra, all of which invest heavily in legitimate businesses to launder profits. [source, source, source]

5 The Future of Combating Italian Mafia Networks

Despite major breakthroughs in recent years—such as high-profile arrests and new tools like INTERPOL’s Silver Notice—the fight against Italian mafia groups remains complex and urgent. As these syndicates grow more global and sophisticated, law enforcement must keep evolving to stay one step ahead.

Groups like the ’Ndrangheta, Camorra, and Cosa Nostra have shown remarkable adaptability. They embed themselves in fragile economies and use cryptocurrencies to move money. They exploit transnational smuggling routes to expand their reach. Their use of encrypted communication and complex financial networks makes them harder to track. Corruption of state actors adds another layer of difficulty. These tactics will continue to challenge intelligence and law enforcement agencies worldwide.

Emerging tools like the Silver Notice could play a key role in the future. Once expanded beyond its pilot phase, it may help target the financial lifelines of mafia groups. Combined with AI-assisted financial forensics and blockchain analysis, it offers new possibilities. Stronger asset seizure laws will also help. Together, these tools allow law enforcement to strike where it hurts most: the money.

6 Conclusion

Looking ahead, future efforts must emphasize financial disruption, real-time intelligence sharing, and multinational cooperation. Initiatives like Operation Eureka and I-CAN show what’s possible through cross-border cooperation. However, more permanent and structured frameworks may be needed.

At the same time, younger generations are being targeted—especially through social media. This makes prevention even more urgent. New strategies must focus on education, community support, and social development. These efforts are key to reducing the recruitment of future mafia members.

In the long run, defeating Italian mafia groups will take more than arrests and asset seizures. Lasting change means tackling the root causes. Poverty, corruption, and weak governance create space for these groups to grow. Weakening those conditions is essential to stopping them for good. Organized crime continues to transcend borders, so too must the strategies designed to dismantle it.