Mafiosi

Mafiosi (singular mafioso) is a member of a mafia, a criminal organization that operates through intimidation and coercion to control certain territories or activities. The term is Italian and historically associated with the Sicilian Mafia, though it is used to describe members of similar groups elsewhere.

The institutions emerged in Sicily in the 19th century and later spread through emigration to the United States and other countries. In addition to the Sicilian Mafia, other Italian organized crime groups include the Camorra in Campania and the 'Ndrangheta in Calabria, among others.

Mafiosi engage in extortion, racketeering, loan sharking, illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and money laundering. They may also infiltrate legitimate businesses and pursue political influence. Violence, intimidation, and murder are among the tools used to enforce discipline.

Organization often features a hierarchical “family” with a boss, underboss, consigliere, and capos or soldiers. Some groups favor a more networked, cell-based structure, which can complicate law enforcement and reduce the risk of collapse.

Law enforcement treats mafiosi as criminal conspirators. Anti-mafia laws, asset seizures, informants, and witness protection programs have produced long sentences and major seizures. Trials such as the Maxi Trial in Italy and RICO prosecutions in the United States illustrate sustained efforts.

In popular culture, mafiosi are frequently depicted in films and literature, but such portrayals often exaggerate or oversimplify real criminal networks.