Mafia

The Mafia (also known as "Cosa Nostra") is a Sicilian Criminal society which is believed to have emerged in late 19th century Sicily, and the first such society to be referred to as a mafia. It is a loose association of criminal groups that share a common organizational structure and code of conduct. Each group, known as a "family", "clan" or "cosca". The Sicilian Mafia has no formal name, as members see no need for one. Nonetheless, in many Italian publications the term "Cosa Nostra" is used to distinguish the Sicilian Mafia from other criminal networks that are also sometimes referred to as "mafias". Today, Cosa Nostra is estimated to have about 100 clans with a total of at least 3,500 to 4,000 full members.

In November 2007 Sicilian police reported to have found a list of "Ten Commandments" in the hideout of mafia boss Salvatore Lo Piccolo. They are thought to be guidelines on how to be a good, respectful and honorable Mafioso.

1. No one can present himself directly to another of our friends. There must be a third person to do it.

2. Never look at the wives of friends.

3. Never be seen with cops.

4. Don't go to pubs and clubs.

5. Always being available for Cosa Nostra is a duty - even if your wife is about to give birth.

6. Appointments must absolutely be respected.

7. Wives must be treated with respect.

8. When asked for any information, the answer must be the truth.

9. Money cannot be appropriated if it belongs to others or to other families.

10. People who can't be part of Cosa Nostra: anyone who has a close relative in the police, anyone with a two-timing relative in the family, anyone who behaves badly and doesn't hold to moral values.

Criminal enterprises

Extortion

It is estimated that the Sicilian Mafia costs the Sicilian economy more than €10 billion a year through protection rackets. Roughly 80% of Sicilian businesses pay protection money to Cosa Nostra. Monthly payments can range from €200 for a small shop or bar to €5,000 for a supermarket. Targets who refuse to buy protection are usually harassed, often through property damage; rarely are they physically assaulted. In Sicily, protectin money is known as pizzo; the anti-extortion support group Addiopizzo derives its name from this.

Drug trafficking

Sicily is a major hub in the international drugs trade. In 2003, the Sicilian Mafia is estimated to have made over €8 billion through drug trafficking

Arms trafficking

In 2003, the Sicilian Mafia is estimated to have made over €1.5 billion through weapons trafficking.

Loan sharking

In a 2007 publication, the Italian small-business association Confesercenti reported that about 25.2% of Sicilian businesses are indebted to loan sharks, who collect around €1.4 billion a year in payments.

Control of contracting

The Sicilian Mafia makes around €6.5 billion a year through control of public and private contracts.

Mediation of criminal businesses

Mafiosi are sometimes paid to protect merchants or clients in business dealings. This is often the case in black market deals where the law offers no protection. The Mafioso involved may charge a commission on the transaction to protect the client from being cheated (or, if the client is himself dishonest, to protect him from retaliation).