DIA REPORT, COSA NOSTRA ABROAD: THE "CRIMINAL MAP" OF STRATEGIC ALLIANCES Joska Arena Saturday 7 October 2023
In the fight against Sicilian organized crime, the Dia Report (Anti-Mafia Investigation Department) of the "second half of 2022" on organized crime reveals a growing presence and threat of the organization in Europe and in the world. Illicit activities, with a focus on drug trafficking , have deep roots in Sicily, exporting violence and corruption. The DIA emerges as a key structure for international collaboration to counter the expansion of this transnational criminal organization
The Sicilian Mafia rooted in Europe: drug trafficking and illegal activities constantly increasing
Drug trafficking and the illicit activities of the Sicilian mafia are intensifying in various European nations, recent investigations and law enforcement operations reveal.
Netherlands: “Privileged gateway” for South American drugs
Thanks to its internationally trade-oriented economy and advanced logistics facilities, the Netherlands, with its ports of Rotterdam and Schiphol Airport , has become a major European gateway for cocaine from South America . The Calabrian 'Ndrangheta in particular but also other mafias and the Sicilian Cosa Nostra are active in drug trafficking and money laundering, taking advantage of the central location and the Dutch transport network. The recent involvement of high-profile fugitives underlines the complexity of the situation.
Belgium and the Netherlands are the two countries that in particular are intensifying international cooperation with the DIA and law enforcement efforts to stem the tide of drug trafficking and mafia infiltration. The fight is complex, but the authorities are determined to preserve the security and integrity of their territories.
The other EU countries
The problem of Italian organized crime, with particular reference to the Sicilian mafia, continues to extend its roots beyond national borders, with recent reports of illicit activities in several European countries.
Cosa Nostra and its consolidated roots in the United States, Canada and Latin America
United States of America: The mafia presence in America is rooted in history , with Cosa Nostra influencing criminal affairs since the Great Migration. The GAMBINO family, the New York families (BONANNO, COLOMBO, GENOVESE and LUCCHESE), and others have found fertile ground for activities such as drug trafficking.
Recently, a mafia boss from Castellammare del Golfo had his assets seized, highlighting the continued ties between the Sicilian and Italian-American mafias.
The 'Ndrangheta and Campanian and Apulian associations are also involved, with recent operations demonstrating their operational presence in the United States.
Canada: Montreal, Toronto and Thunder Bay are the established theaters of Italian Mafia operations, with Cosa Nostra in Montreal and 'Ndrangheta in Toronto and Thunder Bay. Illicit activities range from drug trafficking to usury, from extortion to gambling.
The “Canadian 'Ndrangheta Connection2” operation revealed hierarchical structures directly linking Canadian mafia organizations with those in Italy.
