Mafia grabs in tourism - Italy's economy under pressure!

Mafia grabs in tourism - Italy's economy under pressure!

Rom, Italien - In Italy, the frightening power of the mafia is shown, which has long since no longer only acted in hidden, but openly dominates the country's economic life. According to a current study by the Italian craftsman association CGIA, the mafia generates at least 40 billion euros annually. This makes them one of the greatest “companies” in Italy, only exceeded by the leaders in the energy sector, which include Eni and Enel. The effects are alarming: According to estimates, around 150,000 Italian companies are directly or indirectly involved in mafia activities. Regions such as Calabria with the ’Ndrangheta and Sicily are particularly affected with the Cosa Nostra, but mafia networks are also active in the north.

The shadow world of the mafia extends to many industries, from protection money to real estate transactions. It is worrying that in many large cities in Italy, including Naples, Rome and Milan, thousands of companies are suspected of being under the influence of organized crime. The overwhelming reality is that the mafia also deserves vigorously on the booming tourism sector. According to a study by the Demoscopic Institute from Rome, 3.3 billion euros from criminal shops to the coffers of mafia organizations are flowing annually, while around 7,000 companies are on the brink. This shows how the mafia acts as a "criminal welfare" by promising troubled companies, but in return takes control of these companies, as fr.de reported.

alarming interdependencies and future risks

The mafia not only acts in the traditional strongholds, but also has new business areas in tourism in order to benefit from financially stricken companies. The study underlines that large events such as the upcoming Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina are an enormous risk of infiltration from organized crime. The President of Demoscopics, Raffaele Rio, warns of immediate action in order to protect the security of the companies and the international credibility of Italy. The majority of the industries to which the mafia penetrates, extends over all over Italy, from Campania to Emilia Romagna, such as