’Ndrangheta eyes major public contracts, anti-Mafia body warns
4291 Min Read
The ’Ndrangheta mafia has shown growing interest in controlling major public works and managing local government funds, particularly in sectors such as hospital administrations and waste collection services, according to the 2024 annual report by Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigative Directorate (DIA).
Despite expanding its criminal operations abroad, the ’Ndrangheta remains deeply rooted in the province of Reggio Calabria, which continues to serve as the central authority for all strategic decisions. “The criminal network retains its legitimacy from its territorial base,” the report states.
The DIA has documented numerous attempts by mafia groups to infiltrate and influence key sectors, especially public tenders, large-scale retail, and agriculture. Calabria, the report notes, remains particularly vulnerable, as economic hardships and structural weaknesses make it fertile ground for mafia infiltration into the legal economy.
Criminal activities have increasingly been managed from outside the region, but always with approval from the Calabria-based leadership. The report also highlights a sharp rise in intimidation tactics in 2024, targeting local officials, police, journalists, and businesspeople.
DIA Director Michele Carbone announced that the agency is prepared to monitor all contracts related to the planned Strait of Messina Bridge, stating, “We are ready to carry out all preventive measures determined by institutional authorities.”
