The Modern Richest Mafia: How do They Make Money?

The Ndrangheta, an Italian mafia group, has been making headlines with recent arrests of their members. Edgardo Greco, a member of the Ndrangheta, was arrested in France for working undercover in a pizzeria. While his specific pay is unknown, it’s likely he was paid well, given his role and the nature of the organization.

Another Italian mafioso, recently arrested on the German island of Sylt, was sentenced to life in jail in 2012 for a 2003 murder. He worked as a fitness instructor under a false name to avoid detection, but it’s unlikely he earned much money in this position.

Profitable Illicit Activities

The Ndrangheta and other similar mafia groups are involved in a wide range of illegal activities, including gambling, drug trafficking, prostitution, arms and munitions dealing, cargo hijackings, artifact smuggling, and car theft. According to Reuters, ‘Crime pays much less than is thought,’ indicating the true profits may be significantly lower than perceived.

Money Laundering and Inflation

Mafia groups like the Ndrangheta not only engage in direct criminal activities but also operate through more subtle means. They impose 'taxes' on various incomes and properties, as well as on VAT. One of the most insidious tactics is the printing of an excessive amount of money, causing widespread inflation. The cost of this inflation is ultimately transferred to the citizens.

These criminal enterprises often provide services such as 'protection,' which is mostly a protection racket against the mafia itself. It's a full circle of corruption, where they also provide services like roads and schools but at a significantly higher cost to the citizens who use them.

Conclusion

The Ndrangheta and other mafia groups continue to thrive through a combination of direct criminal activities and more subtle tactics. While they bring in a significant amount of money through their illicit means, the high cost of being caught and the price of their 'services' keep many potential entrants at bay. The reality is, the cost of living and doing business in areas controlled by these criminal organizations is significantly inflated, making life difficult for the average citizen.