Posted on 06/07/2006 10:39:52 PM PDT by Pikamax
"Cosa Nostra, perhaps because of its links to the United States, and in no small measure because of the Godfather books and films, continues to exercise an irresistible fascination. It was demonstrated most recently by the publicity given to the arrest of its "boss of bosses", Bernardo Provenzano.
But the evidence suggests that, while the Sicilian Mafia, like the US Mafia, has been fading to a shadow of its former self, the little-known 'Ndrangheta (pronounced "en-drang-ay-ta") has been taking over as Italy's true public enemy number one and has become a criminal empire with global clout.
For a start, it is bigger than the Mafia. Most estimates put its strength at 6,000-7,000 men against 5,000 for Sicily's Cosa Nostra. But Nicola Gratteri, a prosecutor who has specialised in tracing the Calabrian syndicate's international ramifications, reckons the figure for the 'Ndrangheta is an underestimate. "Altogether in the world, I would say it has maybe 10,000 members," he says at his office in the regional capital, Reggio Calabria."
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
I've never heard of them either. Thanks for the info.
I have been retired awhile but was Federal LE for 33+ years. The Mafia (LCN) ain't dead, they are just smarter. They moved into legitimate businesses as they outlined in Appalacia in 1959 if I recall right. Soem current lines involve fiber optics, underground wires, waste removal, catering for various casinos, and travel such as air and cruise lines, DoD contracts etc.
You may be told theiir leaders are in jail, they cannot operate as they did and the organization is declining or powerless, BS. They use the old tactics but in business.
Welcome to FR. Do you have more info?
looks indian rather than italian.
Good read, thanks for the post. They sound like bad actors.
bump for reference
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