'Ndrangheta
44944
223879786
2008-07-06T08:53:24Z
Mafia Expert
1184287
/* Outside Italy */
{{Infobox Criminal organization
|name = 'Ndrangheta
|image = ItalyCalabria.png
|image_size = Calabria in Italy
|caption =
|founded = mid-19th century or earlier
|founding_location = Calabria, Italy
|years_active = 1860s–present
|territory = Italy(north,central and south),France,Germany,Spain,Great Britan,Holland,Belgium,Eastern Europe,United State,Canada,Australia,Colombia, Worldwide
|ethnicity = Italian, Calabrian
|membership = 20,000+
|activities = Drugs, kidnapping, extortion ,loansharking, money laundering,pornography and gambling
|allies = Camorra, Sicilian Mafia , Sacra Corona Unita ,Albanian Mafia ,Drug Cartel
|rivals =
}}
[[Image:Reggiocalabria mappa.png|right|thumb|200px|Map of the province of Reggio Calabria]]
The [[Calabria]]n ''''' 'Ndrangheta''''' (from the [[Greek language|Greek]] word ''andragathía'' for "[[heroism]]" and "[[virtue]]"—"The Honoured Society"), {{pronounced|nˈdraŋɡeta}}, is one of the most powerful and violent [[organized crime]] organizations in [[Italy]]. It is not as famous abroad as the [[Sicily|Sicilian]] [[Cosa Nostra]], and has remained more rural compared to the [[Naples|Neapolitan]] [[Camorra]] and the [[Apulia]]n [[Sacra corona unita]]. While commonly lumped together with the Sicilian Mafia, the 'Ndrangheta operates independently from the Sicilians, though there is contact between the two due to the geographical closeness of Calabria and Sicily.
==Characteristics==
Italian anti-organized crime agencies estimated in 2007 that the 'Ndrangheta has annual [[revenue]] of about [[Euro|€]] 35–40 billion ([[United States dollar|US$]]50–60 billion), which amounts to approximately 3.5% of the [[GDP]] of Italy.<ref name=times>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article1750008.ece Mafiosi move north to take over the shops and cafés of Milan], ''[[The Times]]'', 5 May 2007</ref><ref name=guardian>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/italy/story/0,,1792782,00.html Move over, Cosa Nostra], ''[[The Guardian]]'', 8 June 2006</ref> This comes mostly from illegal drug trafficking, but also from ostensibly legal businesses such as construction, restaurants and supermarkets.<ref name=mon150807>{{fr icon}} [http://www.lemonde.fr/web/article/0,1-0@2-3214,36-944807@51-944809,0.html Six morts dans un règlement de comptes mafieux en Allemagne], ''[[Le Monde]]'', [[August 15]], [[2007]].</ref>
There are approximately 100 of these families, totaling between 4,000 and 5,000 members in Reggio Calabria .<ref name=mon150807/> Most of the groups (86) operate in the province of [[Province of Reggio Calabria|Reggio Calabria]], although a portion of the recorded 70 criminal groups based in the Calabrian provinces [[Province of Catanzaro|Catanzaro]] and [[Province of Cosenza|Cosenza]] also appears to be formally affiliated with the 'Ndrangheta.<ref name=varese/> The families are concentrated in poor villages in Calabria such as [[Platì]], [[Locri]], [[San Luca]], [[Africo]] and [[Altomonte]] as well as the main city and provincial capital [[Reggio Calabria]]<ref name=rep250407>{{it}} [http://www.repubblica.it/2007/01/sezioni/politica/inchiesta-citta/potere-reggioc/potere-reggioc.html La pax della 'ndrangheta soffoca Reggio Calabria], La Repubblica, April 25, 2007</ref>. [[San Luca]] is considered to be the stronghold of the 'Ndrangheta. According to a former 'ndranghetista, "almost all the male inhabitants belong to the 'Ndrangheta, and the [[Sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi|Sanctuary of Polsi]] has long been the meeting place of the affiliates." <ref name=paoli29>Paoli. ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', p. 29</ref> Bosses from outside Calabria, from as far as Canada and Australia, regularly attend the meetings at the Sanctuary of Polsi.<ref name=varese/>
The 'Ndrangheta has had a remarkable ability to establish branches abroad, mainly through migration. The worldwide membership is estimated to be 10,000.<ref name=TorontoSun20050211/> The overlap of blood and mafia family seems to have helped the 'Ndrangheta expand beyond its traditional territory: "The familial bond has not only worked as a shield to protect secrets and enhance security, but also helped to maintain identity in the territory of origin and reproduce it in territories where the family has migrated". '' 'Ndrine'' are reported to be operating in northern Italy, Germany, Belgium, Holland, France, Eastern Europe, the United States, Canada, and Australia.<ref name=varese/> One group of 'ndranghetistas discovered outside Italy was in [[Hamilton, Ontario]], [[Canada]], several decades ago. They were dubbed the Siderno Group by Canadian judges as most of its members hailed from [[Siderno]].<ref name=TorontoSun20050211>
{{cite news
| url=http://www.canoe.ca/NewsStand/TorontoSun/News/2005/02/11/927898-sun.html
| date= Friday, [[February 11]], [[2005]]
| title=Clans here for 50 years
| work=[[Toronto Sun]]
| author=[[Rob Lamberti]]
| accessdate=2007-04-07
}}</ref>
Prosecution in Calabria is hindered by the fact that Italian judges and prosecutors who score highly in exams get to choose their posting; those who are forced to work in Calabria will usually request to be transferred right away.<ref name=guardian/> With weak government presence and corrupt officials, few civilians are willing to speak out against the organization.
==Organizational structure==
[[Image:Ndrangheta code.JPG|right|thumb|200px|Formulas from the code of the ‘Ndrangheta: The three handwritten pages describe the text for the speech held when a member is promoted to a higher ranking. The text reads awkwardly for a native speaker—it is composed in an uncertain Italian with many grammatical and orthographical mistakes.<ref name=mpr0204>[http://www.mpg.de/english/illustrationsDocumentation/multimedia/mpResearch/2004/heft02/2_04MPR_58_63.pdf Crisis among the "Men of Honor"], interview with Letizia Paoli, Max Planck Research, February 2004</ref>]]
Both the Sicilian Cosa Nostra and the 'Ndrangheta are loose confederations of about one hundred mafia groups, also called ''[[cosca|cosche]]'' or families, each of which claims sovereignty over a territory, usually a town or village, though without ever fully conquering and legitimizing its monopoly of violence.<ref name=paoli/>
The principal difference with the Mafia is in recruitment methods. The 'Ndrangheta recruits members on the criterion of blood relationships resulting in an extraordinary cohesion within the family clan that presents a major obstacle to investigation. Sons of ''‘ndranghetisti'' are expected to follow in their father's footsteps, and go through a grooming process in their youth to become ''giovani d’onore'' (boys of honor) before they eventually enter the ranks as ''uomini d’onore'' (men of honor). There are relatively few Calabrians who have opted out to become a [[pentito]]; at the end of 2002, there were 157 Calabrian witnesses in the state witness protection program.<ref name=mpr0204> [http://www.mpg.de/english/illustrationsDocumentation/multimedia/mpResearch/2004/heft02/2_04MPR_58_63.pdf Crisis among the "Men of Honor"], interview with Letizia Paoli, Max Planck Research, February 2004</ref> Unlike the Sicilian Mafia in the early 1990s, they have scrupulously avoided a head-on confrontation with the Italian state.
A 'Ndrangheta crime family is called a ''locale'' (place). A ''locale'' may have branches, called '' [['ndrina]]'' (plural: '' 'ndrine''), in the districts of the same city, in neighbouring towns and villages, or even outside Calabria, in cities and towns in the industrial North of Italy in and around [[Turin]] and [[Milan]]. Sometimes ''sotto 'ndrine'' are established. These subunits enjoy a high degree of autonomy – they have a leader and independent staff. In some contexts the '' 'ndrine'' have become more powerful than the ''locale'' on which they formally depend.<ref name=paoli29>Paoli, ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', p. 29-30</ref> Other observers maintain that the '' 'ndrina'' is the basic organizational unit. Each '' 'ndrina'' is "autonomous on its territory and no formal authority stands above the "'' 'ndrina'' boss", according to the [[Antimafia Commission]]. The '' 'ndrina'' is usually in control of a small town or a neighborhood. If more than one 'ndrina operates in the same town, they form a locale.<ref name=varese>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3757/is_200606/ai_n17176956/print How Mafias Migrate: The Case of the 'Ndrangheta in Northern Italy], by Federico Varese, Law & Society Review, June 2006</ref>
Blood family and membership of the crime family overlap to a great extent within the 'Ndrangheta. By and large, the '' 'ndrine'' consist of men belonging to the same family lineage. [[Salvatore Boemi]], Anti-mafia prosecutor in Reggio Calabria, told the Italian [[Antimafia Commission]] that "one becomes a member for the simple fact of being born in a mafia family," although other reasons might attract a young man to seek membership, and non-kin have also been admitted. Marriages help cement relations within each '' 'ndrina'' and to expand membership. As a result, a few blood families constitute each group, hence "a high number of people with the same last name often end up being prosecuted for membership of a given '' 'ndrina''." Indeed, since there is no limit to the membership of a single unit, bosses try to maximize descendants.<ref name=varese/>
At the bottom of the chain of command are the ''picciotti d’onore'' or soldiers, who are expected to perform tasks with blind obedience until they are promoted to the next level of ''cammorista'', where they will be granted command over their own group of soldiers. The next level is known as ''santista'' and higher still is the ''[[Vangelo|vangelista]]'', upon which the up-and-coming gangster has to swear their dedication to a life of crime on the [[Bible]]. The ''quintino'' is the second highest level of command in a 'Ndrangheta clan, being made up of five privileged members of the crime family who report directly to the boss, the ''capobastone'' (head of command).<ref>[http://americanmafia.com/Feature_Articles_286.html AmericanMafia - The 'Ndrangheta Looms Large]</ref>
==Power structure==
For many years, the power apparatus of the single families were the sole ruling bodies within the two associations, and they have remained the real centers of power even after superordinate bodies were created in the Cosa Nostra beginning in the 1950s (the [[Sicilian Mafia Commission]]) and in the 'Ndrangheta a superordinate body was created only in 1991 as the result of negotiations to end years of inter family violence.<ref name=paoli>[http://www.organized-crime.de/revpao01mafiandrangheta.htm Review of: Paoli, ''Mafia Brotherhoods'']</ref>
Unlike the Sicilian Mafia, the 'Ndrangheta managed to maintain a horizontal organizational structure up to the early 1990s, avoiding the establishment of a formal superordinate body. Information of several witnesses has undermined the myth of absolute autonomy of Calabrian crime families, however. At least since the end of the 19th century, stable mechanisms for coordination and dispute settlement were created. Contacts and meetings among the bosses of the ''locali'' were frequent.<ref name=paoli59>Paoli. ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', p. 59</ref>
At least since the 1950s, the chiefs of the 'Ndrangheta ''locali'' have met regularly near the [[Sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi]] in the municipality of [[San Luca]] during the September Feast. These annual meetings, known as the ''crimine'', have traditionally served as a forum to discuss future strategies and settle disputes among the ''locali''. The assembly exercises weak supervisory powers over the activities of all 'Ndrangheta groups. Strong emphasis was placed on the temporary character of the position of the ''crimine'' boss. A new representative was elected at each meeting.<ref name=paoli59>Paoli. ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', p. 59</ref> Far from being the "boss of the bosses," the ''[[capo crimine]]'' actually has comparatively little authority to interfere in family feuds or to control the level of interfamily violence.<ref name=varese>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3757/is_200606/ai_n17176956/print How Mafias Migrate: The Case of the 'Ndrangheta in Northern Italy], by Federico Varese, Law & Society Review, June 2006</ref>
At these meetings, every boss "must give account of all the activities carried out during the year and of all the most important facts taking place in his territory such as kidnappings, homicides, etc."<ref name=paoli59/> The historical preeminence of the San Luca family is such that every new group or ''locale'' must obtain its authorization to operate and every group belonging to the 'Ndrangheta "still has to deposit a small percentage of illicit proceeds to the ''principale'' of San Luca in recognition of the latter’s primordial supremacy."<ref name=paoli29>Paoli, ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', p. 29-30</ref>
Security concerns have led to the creation in the 'Ndrangheta of a secret society within the secret society: ''[[La Santa]]''. Membership in the ''Santa'' is only known to other members. Contrary to the code, it allowed bosses to establish close connections with state representatives, even to the extent that some were affiliated with the ''Santa''. These connections were often established through the [[Freemasonry]], which the ''santisti'' - breaking another rule of the traditional code - were allowed to join.<ref name=paoli116> Paoli, ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', p. 116</ref><ref name=paoli>[http://www.organized-crime.de/revpao01mafiandrangheta.htm Review of: Paoli, ''Mafia Brotherhoods''</ref>
==Activities==
According to Italian DIA (''Direzione Investigativa Antimafia'', Department of the Police of Italy against organized crime) and [[Guardia di Finanza]] (Italian Financial Police and Customs Police) the "'Ndrangheta is now one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the world."{{Fact|date=August 2007}} Economic activities of 'Ndrangheta include international [[cocaine]] and weapons smuggling, with Italian investigators estimating that 80% of Europe's cocaine passes through the Calabrian port of [[Gioia Tauro]] and is controlled by the 'Ndrangheta.<ref name=guardian/> 'Ndrangeta groups and Sicilian Cosa Nostra groups sometimes act as joint ventures in cocaine trafficking enterprises.<ref name=roth>[http://www.tni.org/archives/tblick/aruba.htm The Rothschilds of the Mafia on Aruba], by Tom Blickman, Transnational Organized Crime, Vol. 3, No. 2, Summer 1997</ref><ref>{{it icon}} [http://droghe.aduc.it/php_artshow_8704.html Uno degli affari di Cosa Nostra e 'Ndrangheta insieme], Notiziario Droghe, May 30, 2005</ref>
Further activities include skimming money off large public work construction projects, [[money laundering]] and traditional crimes such as [[usury]] and [[extortion]]. 'Ndrangheta invests illegal profits in legal [[real estate]] and [[financial]] activities.
===Outside Italy===
Magistrates in Calabria sounded the alarm a few years ago about the international scale of the 'Ndrangheta's operations. It is now believed to have surpassed the traditional axis between the Sicilian and American [[Cosa Nostra]], to become the major importer of cocaine to Europe.<ref name=gua>[http://www.guardian.co.uk/germany/article/0,,2149596,00.html Close family ties and bitter blood feuds], The Guardian, August 16, 2007</ref> Outside Italy 'Ndrangheta operates in several countries, such as:
*[[Argentina]]: In November 2006, a cocaine trafficking network was dismantled that operated in Argentina, Spain and Italy. The Argentinian police said the ‘Ndrangheta had roots in the country and shipped cocaine through Spain to [[Milan]] and [[Turin]].<ref name=cla081106>{{es icon}} [http://www.clarin.com/diario/2006/11/08/policiales/g-04615.htm Mafia calabresa: cae una red que traficaba droga desde Argentina], Clarín, [[November 8]], [[2006]]</ref>
*[[Australia]]: Known by the name "[[Honoured Society|The Honoured Society]]", The 'Ndrangheta controlled [[Italian-Australian]] organized crime all along the East Coast of Australia since the early 20th century. The 'Ndrangheta began in Australia in [[Queensland]], where they continued their form of rural organized crime, especially in the fruit and vegetable industry. After the 1998–2006 [[Melbourne gangland killings]] which included the murder of 'Ndrangheta Godfather [[Frank Benvenuto]], the Honoured Society has reportedly been expelled from [[Melbourne]], losing its territory to the Sicilian backed "[[The Carlton Crew|Carlton Crew]]" and the [[Irish Mob|Irish]] [[Moran family]].
*[[Belgium]]: 'Ndrangheta clans purchased almost "an entire neighbourhood" in [[Brussels]] with laundered money originating from drug trafficking. On [[March 5]], [[2004]], 47 people were arrested, accused of drug trafficking and money laundering purchasing real estate in Brussels for some 28 million euros. The activities extended to the Netherlands where large quantities of heroin and cocaine had been purchased by the Pesce-Bellocco clan from [[Rosarno]] and the Strangio clan from [[San Luca]].<ref name=rep050304>{{it icon}} [http://www.repubblica.it/2004/c/sezioni/cronaca/narcotra/narcotra/narcotra.html A Bruxelles un intero quartiere comprato dalla 'ndrangheta], La Repubblica, March 5, 2004</ref><ref name=llb060304>{{fr icon}} [http://www.lalibre.be/article.phtml?id=10&subid=90&art_id=156758 La mafia calabraise recycle à Bruxelles], ''La Libre Belgique'', [[March 6]], [[2004]]</ref>
*[[Canada]]: In Canada 'Ndrangheta is believed to be involved in the smuggling of unlicensed [[tobacco]] products through ties with criminal elements in cross-border [[Indigenous peoples of the Americas|Native American]] tribes.<ref name=MackenzieInstitute>
{{cite web
| url=http://www.mackenzieinstitute.com/1994/sin-tax-failure9.htm
| title=Sin-Tax Failure: The Market in Contraband Tobacco and Public Safety
| publisher=[[The Mackenzie Institute]]
| author=[[John C. Thompson]]
| date=January, 1994
| accessdate=April 7
| accessyear=2007
}}</ref> According to [[Alberto Cisterna]] of the Italian National Anti-Mafia Directorate, the ‘Ndrangheta has a heavy presence in Canada. "There is a massive number of their people in North America, especially in Canada and Toronto. And for two reasons. The first is linked to the banking system. Canada's banking system is very secretive; it does not allow investigation. So Canada is the ideal place to launder money. The second reason is to smuggle drugs." Like most organized crime, the 'Ndrangheta have found Canada a useful North American entry point given its porous ports and proximity to the United States.<ref name=np241107>[http://www.nationalpost.com/opinion/Story.html?id=119616 Why Italy's scariest Mob loves Canada], National Post, November 24, 2007</ref> A Canadian branch labelled the "[[Siderno Group]]" – because its members primarily came from the Ionian coastal town of [[Siderno]] in Calabria – is based in Canada at least since the 1950s. Siderno is also home to one of the 'Ndrangheta's biggest and most important clans, heavily involved in the global cocaine business and money laundering.<ref name=np241107/> [[Antonio Commisso]], the alleged leader of the Siderno group, is reported to lead efforts to import "''...illicit arms, explosives and drugs...''"<ref name=NathansonSociety>
{{cite web
| url=http://www.yorku.ca/nathanson/CurrentEvents/2005_Q2.htm#Italian
| title=Organized Crime in Canada: A Quarterly Summary
| publisher=[[Nathanson Society]]
| date=April to June, 2005
| accessdate=April 7
| accessyear=2007
}}</ref> Elements of 'Ndrangheta have been reported to have been present in Hamilton, Canada as early as 1911.<ref name=CorriereCanadese20010624>
{{cite news
| publisher=[[Corriere Canadese]]
| title=The twisted code of silence: Part 4 — Murder, extortion and drug dealing exemplified organized crime in Toronto
| author=[[Antonio Nicaso]]
| date=[[June 24]] [[2001]]
| accessdate=2007-04-07
}}</ref>
*[[Colombia]]: 'Ndrangheta clans were closely associated to the [[United Self-Defense Forces of Colombia|AUC paramilitary groups]] which were led by son of Italian immigrants [[Salvatore Mancuso]], who surrendered to [[Alvaro Uribe]]'s government in order to avoid extradition to the USA.<ref name=uni150407>{{es}} [http://www.eluniversal.com.mx/notas/418741.html Tiene Italia indicios sobre presencia de cárteles mexicanos en Europa], ''[[El Universal]]'', [[April 15]], [[2007]]</ref> According to [[Giuseppe Lumia]] of the Italian Parliamentary [[Antimafia Commission]], 'Ndrangheta clans are actively involved in the production of cocaine.<ref name=uni301007>{{es icon}} [http://noticias.eluniversal.com/2007/10/30/int_art_la-mafia-calabresa-p_566264.shtml La mafia calabresa produce su cocaína en Colombia], El Universal (Caracas), [[October 30]], [[2007]].</ref>
*[[France]]
*[[Germany]]: According to a study by the German foreign intelligence service, the [[Bundesnachrichtendienst]] (BND), 'Ndrangheta groups are using Germany to invest cash from drugs and weapons smuggling. Profits are invested in hotels, restaurants and houses, especially along the [[Baltic Sea|Baltic]] coast and in eastern German states of [[Thuringia]] and [[Saxony]].<ref name=dw131106>[http://www.dw-world.de/dw/article/0,2144,2237523,00.html Italian Mafia Invests Millions in Germany], Deutsche Welle, November 13, 2006</ref><ref name=bz111106>{{de icon}} [http://www.berlinonline.de/berliner-zeitung/archiv/.bin/dump.fcgi/2006/1111/politik/0049/index.html Mafia setzt sich in Deutschland fest], Berliner Zeitung, November 11, 2006</ref> Investigators believe that the mafia's bases in Germany are used primarily for clandestine financial transactions. In 1999, the state Office of Criminal Investigation in [[Stuttgart]] investigated an Italian from San Luca who had allegedly laundered millions through a local bank, the Sparkasse Ulm. The man claimed that he managed a profitable car dealership, and authorities were unable to prove that the business was not the source of his money. The BKA concluded—seven years ago—that "the activities of this 'Ndrangheta clan represent a multi-regional criminal phenomenon."<ref name=spi200807>[http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,500785,00.html A Mafia Wake-Up Call], Der Spiegel, August 20, 2007</ref> A war between the two 'Ndrangheta clans Pelle-Romeo (Pelle-Vottari) and Strangio-Nirta from [[San Luca]] that had started in 1991 and resulted in several deaths spilled into Germany in 2007; six men were shot to death in front of an Italian restaurant in [[Duisburg]] on [[15 August]] [[2007]].<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6949274.stm A mafia family feud spills over], ''[[BBC News Online]]'', [[16 August]] [[2007]]</ref><ref>[http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/europe/article2265889.ece How the tentacles of the Calabrian Mafia spread from Italy], ''[[The Times|Times Online]]'', [[15 August]] [[2007]]</ref><ref>[http://www.spiegel.de/international/germany/0,1518,500016,00.html Six Italians Killed in Duisburg], ''[[Der Spiegel|Spiegel Online]]'', [[15 August]] [[2007]]</ref> (See [[San Luca feud]].)
*[[Netherlands]]: [[Sebastiano Strangio]] allegedly lived for 10 years in The Netherlands, where he managed his contacts with Colombian cocaine cartels. He was arrested in [[Amsterdam]] on [[October 27]], [[2005]].<ref name=rep281005>{{it icon}} [http://www.repubblica.it/2005/i/sezioni/cronaca/ndrangheta/strangio/strangio.html 'Ndrangheta, preso ad Amsterdam il boss Sebastiano Strangio], La Repubblica, October 28, 2005</ref><ref name=rep270306>{{it icon}} [http://www.repubblica.it/2006/c/sezioni/cronaca/strangiorientra/strangiorientra/strangiorientra.html 'Ndrangheta, estradato dall'Olanda il boss Sebastiano Strangio], ''[[La Repubblica]]'', [[March 27]], [[2006]]</ref><ref name=tel190807>{{nl icon}} [http://www.telegraaf.nl/binnenland/69258311/Maffiakillers_zijn_hier.html?p=2,1 Maffiakillers Duisburg zijn hier], ''[[De Telegraaf]]'', [[August 19]], [[2007]]</ref> The seaports of [[Rotterdam]] and [[Amsterdam]] are used to import cocaine. The Giorgi, Nirta and Strangio clans from [[San Luca]] have a base in the Netherlands and [[Brussels]] (Belgium).<ref name=sol180807>{{it icon}} [http://www.articolo21.info/rassegne/generale18082007/Art00149.htm Olanda, Paese-rifugio dei killer], Il Sole 24 Ore, August 18, 2007</ref>
*[[Spain]]
*[[United States]]
==History==
In the folk culture surrounding 'Ndrangheta in Calabria references to the [[Garduna]] often appear. Aside from these references, however, there is nothing to substantiate a link between the two organizations. A connection is possible, though, if only through contact to the [[Camorra]] whose possible origins in the Garduna carry more substance. At any rate, the view of the 'Ndrangheta as an heir to the Garduna (which is in turn blown up to a kind of global pirate organization) has certainly existed at times in Calabrian history.{{Fact|date=September 2007}}. The Greek origin of the name 'Ndrangheta derives from the [[Griko]] language, an ancient Greek dialect which is spoken by people in the Calabria.
During the 17th century there was a secret society in Calabria that resembled but was not called 'Ndrangheta. Whether this was the seeds of 'Ndrangheta is speculation.{{Fact|date=September 2007}}
The first certain evidence of 'Ndrangheta derives from shortly after [[Italian unification]] (1861). Thus it is common to give its date of origin as being around this point. Italian unity was not immediately a positive development for southern Italy: the local populace was impoverished while squires from the north took over large southern estates and heavy taxation was imposed. In this situation 'Ndrangheta was either formed or heavily reinforced (if it already existed) by Calabrians who wanted to get even by blackmailing and robbing the rich (see also [[Social bandit]]s).{{Fact|date=September 2007}}
[[Image:Ammazzateci funerali.gif|thumb|right|220px|Anti-'Ndrangheta demonstration in Locri in October 2005.<br>The sign writes: ''and now, kill us all''. (Photo: Adriana Sapone)]]
Until 1975, the 'Ndrangheta operated only in Calabria, mainly involved in extortion and blackmailing. Then a gang war started, killing 300 people. The prevailing faction began to kidnap rich people from northern Italy for ransom. It is believed that [[John Paul Getty III]] was one of their victims, though the kidnappers have never been caught. The "second 'Ndrangheta war" raged from 1985 to 1991. The bloody six-year war between the [[Pasquale Condello|Condello]]-Imerti clan and [[Paolo De Stefano|De Stefano]] allied with the Tegano clan left 600 deaths.<ref name=obs240208> [http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/feb/24/internationalcrime.italy Godfather's arrest fuels fear of bloody conflict], The Observer, February 24, 2008</ref><ref name=rep190208b>{{it icon}} [http://www.repubblica.it/2008/02/sezioni/cronaca/arresto-condello/condello-storia/condello-storia.html Condello, leader pacato e spietato], La Repubblica, February 19, 2008</ref> In the 1990s the organization started to invest in the illegal international drug trade, mainly importing [[cocaine]] from [[Colombia]].<ref name=guardian/>
[[Francesco Fortugno]], popular center-left politician and deputy president of the regional parliament, was openly killed by the 'Ndrangheta on [[October 16]], [[2005]], in [[Locri]]. Demonstrations against the organization ensued, with youthful protesters carrying banderoles of "[[Ammazzateci tutti]]!"—"Kill us all!"<ref>[http://www.sueddeutsche.de/ausland/artikel/572/69503/print.html Im Schattenreich der Krake], ''[[Süddeutsche Zeitung]]'', [[3 February]] [[2006]]. {{de icon}}</ref> The government started a large-scale enforcement operation in Calabria and arrested numerous 'ndranghetistas including the murderers of Fortugno.<ref name=times/>
In March 2006, the national anti-Mafia prosecutor announced the discovery of a submarine in Colombia; it was being constructed on behalf of the 'Ndrangheta for smuggling cocaine.
<ref>[http://www.italymag.co.uk/2006/news-from-italy/current-affairs/mafia-drugs-submarine-seized/ Mafia drugs submarine seized], ''Italy'', 28 March 2006</ref>
The 'Ndrangheta has recently expanded its activities to Northern Italy, mainly to sell drugs and to invest in legitimate businesses which can be used for [[money laundering]]. The mayor of [[Buccinasco]] was threatened when he tried to halt these investments; in May 2007 twenty members of 'Ndrangheta were arrested in [[Milan]].<ref name=times/>
On [[30 August]] [[2007]], hundreds of police raided the small town of San Luca, the focal point of the bitter [[San Luca feud]] between rival clans among the 'Ndrangheta. Over 30 men and women, linked to the killing of six Italian men in Germany, were arrested.<ref>[http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6970067.stm Mafia suspects arrested in Italy] ''BBC News'', [[30 August]] [[2007]].</ref>
==References==
{{reflist|2}}
*Paoli, Letizia (2003). ''[http://books.google.nl/books?id=qX5NfHTWzS0C&dq Mafia Brotherhoods: Organized Crime, Italian Style]'', New York: Oxford University Press ISBN 0-19-515724-9 ([http://www.organized-crime.de/revpao01mafiandrangheta.htm Review] by Klaus Von Lampe) ([http://www.ccja-acjp.ca/en/cjcr/cjcr68.html Review] by Alexandra V. Orlova)
*Varese, Federico. ''[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3757/is_200606/ai_n17176956/print How Mafias Migrate: The Case of the 'Ndrangheta in Northern Italy]'', Law & Society Review, June 2006
== Links related ==
*[[List of 'ndrine]]
*[[List of most wanted fugitives in Italy]]
*[[:Category:'Ndranghetisti]]
==External links==
*{{it}} [http://www.interno.it/dip_ps/dia/pagine/semestrali.htm DIA], with bi-annual reports on organized crime in Italy
*{{it}} [http://www.gdf.it/ Italian Guardia di Finanza Website]
*[http://www.alternatives.com/crime/italmaf.html Italian organized crime groups] ''(Abstracted from: The Global Mafia, The New World Order of Organized Crime)''
*{{it}} [http://www.ammazzatecitutti.org/ Ammazzateci tutti], anti-'Ndrangheta organization
*{{it}} [http://www.camera.it/_dati/leg15/lavori/documentiparlamentari/indiceetesti/023/005/INTERO.pdf Relazione annuale sulla 'ndrangheta], [[Antimafia Commission|Commissione parlamentare di inchiesta sul fenomeno della criminalità organizzata mafiosa o similare]] (Relatore: [[Francesco Forgione]]), February 2008
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[[Category:Calabria]]
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[[Category:Organized crime groups in Italy]]
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