Mafici

Mafici is a term used in several languages to denote organized criminal groups that are commonly described as mafias. In English-language contexts the standard term is mafia (singular) and mafias (plural); mafici, when encountered, generally refers to the same phenomenon: structured clandestine networks that exercise illicit influence, operate across borders, and use violence or corruption to protect and expand their interests.

Most mafici are hierarchically organized, with leaders at the top, mid-level operatives, and enforcers or soldiers who carry out orders. They typically maintain codes of conduct, secrecy, and discipline, and they often infiltrate legitimate sectors of the economy and public institutions. Common activities include protection rackets, extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering, illicit gambling, and the procurement or manipulation of contracts in construction, waste management, and other industries.

The concept of organized crime on a mafia model has historical roots in several regions, most famously the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra) in the 19th and 20th centuries. Over time, similar networks emerged in other parts of Italy and around the world, evolving into transnational criminal organizations. Notable examples include the Calabrian ’ndrangheta, the Neapolitan Camorra, as well as international groups such as the Japanese Yakuza and various Latin American cartels. These organizations adapt to changing markets and law enforcement tactics, often adopting sophisticated financial schemes and cross-border operations.

Efforts to counter mafici involve law enforcement investigations, specialized anti-mafia legislation, asset seizures, witness protection programs, and international cooperation. The social and economic costs of their activities are widely studied, as are the political and community impacts in affected areas.