Camorra

Camorra is a network of interconnected criminal groups based in the Campania region of Southern Italy, centered on Naples. It is one of Italy's oldest and most enduring organized crime phenomena. Unlike the more centralized Sicilian Mafia, the Camorra is highly fragmented into independent clans and factions that contest for influence and territory in Naples, Caserta, and the surrounding countryside.

Its origins go back to the 17th century, when neighborhood gangs consolidated into organized groups that traded protection and illicit goods. In the modern era, the Camorra expanded into drug trafficking, extortion, loan sharking, money laundering, counterfeit goods, and control of illicit waste disposal and public contracts. The organization is characterized by its loose, clan-based structure rather than a single hierarchy, with rivalries and occasional alliances shaping its power map.

Notable clans include the Casalesi, Licciardi, Contini, Mallardo, and Di Lauro groups, active in Naples and nearby towns.

Today, Italian authorities have pursued extensive investigations and trials against Camorra networks, resulting in arrests and long prison sentences for many members. The Camorra remains active in illegal markets, though its power varies by neighborhood and is often challenged by rival factions and policing strategies. Its influence extends into legitimate businesses and local politics in parts of Campania.