Italian Mafia Adapts to Modern Crimes, Embracing White-Collar Fraud
As traditional violent activities decline, Italy's organized crime syndicates shift focus to financial fraud and tax evasion, exploiting economic recovery funds.
- Italian mafia groups, including the 'Ndrangheta, have significantly reduced traditional crimes like murder, focusing instead on financial crimes.
- Billions in post-COVID recovery funds in Italy have been targeted by mob-related fraud schemes, involving fake invoices and tax evasion.
- Recent investigations reveal that mobsters are involved in creating fraudulent companies to exploit tax breaks, leading to substantial financial losses for the state.
- Prosecutors argue for stronger laws against white-collar crimes, as current penalties are minimal compared to those for drug trafficking.
- Organized crime's shift to white-collar activities has led to a complex challenge for law enforcement, requiring more skilled financial investigators.
Denver Gazette 
NDTV 