International Mafias

Updating mafia mobility research: findings and questions from fieldwork on the Calabrian ‘ndrangheta in Australia, Anna Sergi

My recent fieldwork in Australia to research the mobility of ‘ndrangheta (Calabrian mafia) families down under has already yielded interesting results and generated new questions. In this talk I would like to present three core ideas from recent data analysis. Firstly, we will reflect on how mafia organisations evolve in their most nuclear forms and the implications of such evolution for the individuals involved. We will discuss the interconnection between familiness diversification and recognition in the “underworld” across various generations of mobile mafia families. These families or dynasties have existed down under for decades; they have exploited the Calabrian diaspora while manipulating the rich cultural heritage that migrants had brought with them. Thus, secondly, we will reflect on non-material harms that originate directly or indirectly to the community, from the proximity to such families, or the construction of their “threats”. Thirdly, we will reflect on how technological changes are affecting traditions and “transculturation” in these families, that is how the stratifications of cultures – in migrant settings even more visible – change the core of mafias’ values. 

The Inner Logic and Modus Operandi of Chinese Triads in East Siberia, Andrey Anisimov

The Chinese mafia, or so-called triads, are well-studied and described in the academic literature. However, under contemporary economic and political conditions, the criminal activities of the Chinese triads are undergoing changes and transformations, while still maintaining their own internal logic.Their criminal activities in East Siberia (part of Northeast Asia, stretching from the Yenisei River in the west to the mountain ranges along the Pacific Ocean in the east) and the underlying logic of these actions are currently of significant interest for criminological study.Moreover, the criminal activities of the triads lead to a substantial increase in environmental crimes, the consequences of which are significant even on a global scale. Understanding the logic and behavior of the triads in the region can significantly enhance the ability to combat such crimes through social, economic, and law enforcement measures.

In this presentation, I will describe the main features and behavior of Chinese Triads in relation to their current illegal activities in East Siberia and propose measures to mitigate the negative consequences of their environmental crimes.

Organized Crime in Albania, Stefano Becucci

This presentation is divided in three parts. The first shows the official statistics on main crimes in the country encompassing the years 2019-2024. The second reports the field research results from interviews with privileged witnesses in Tirana: Albanian and Italian police officers, investigative journalists, national unit prosecutors against corruption and organized crime, and civil society organizations. The third part tries to shed light on the main research questions: is the country facing mafia-type associations? Do criminal groups have territorial control and political/economic connections with broader society? From the other hand, are criminal entrepreneurs mainly interested in providing illegal goods and services either in Albania or worldwide?