Although at the end of the 20th century, following the major arrests of mobsters in the USA, Italy, Russia, and Japan, many thought that organized mafia was consigned to history, this did not happen. In fact, new times have opened up new opportunities for an old trade. The modern mafia in the 21st century is marked by the globalization of crime. The activities of today’s mafia extend far beyond local boundaries and have become much more sophisticated. Mafia organizations operate within complex international networks, using sophisticated methods and penetrating various sectors of the economy and society. Today, the mafia is omnipresent and yet invisible to most people.

The Invaluable Importance of Globalization

Globalization has brought significant changes. With greater connectivity between countries and societies, unprecedented new opportunities have arisen for criminal organizations. Globalization has altered the way mafias operate. Historically, mafias were closely tied to certain ethnic groups or geographic areas. However, globalization has expanded their activities to an international level. Mafia groups now cooperate with other criminal organizations worldwide, creating complex transnational networks.

The internationalization of crime has expanded illegal markets of all kinds. Illegal trafficking of drugs, weapons, people, tobacco, and counterfeit currencies is now globally interconnected. For example, the Italian ‘Ndrangheta controls cocaine distribution from South America to Europe, while Mexican drug cartels collaborate with U.S. criminal organizations to distribute drugs in the United States. Italian mafia associations collaborate with Russian criminal organizations and Colombian drug cartels to establish stable drug smuggling routes from Latin America to Russia. Global networks allow criminal organizations access to larger markets, increasing their capacity to generate enormous profits.

The Cyber Mafia

Cybercrime has become one of the most profitable sectors. Modern mafias are involved in identity theft, various fraud schemes, and ransomware attacks. For example, through phishing and fake banking sites, criminals steal credit/debit card and bank account information, enabling them to siphon funds. Cybercrime allows criminal organizations to achieve high profits with relatively low risk, as tracking and identifying perpetrators is difficult if they are tech-savvy, which they often are.

Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin enable criminal organizations to conduct financial transactions without government tracking. The use of cryptocurrencies for money laundering allows the mafia to financially shield itself in a way that is nearly invisible to financial controllers. Crypto transactions can include payments for narcotics, funding of gambling, and payments for illegal services on the dark web. Mafia organizations use encrypted communication channels, such as encrypted messaging apps, to avoid surveillance. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal allow mafia members to coordinate activities and conduct transactions without the risk of wiretapping. Technology facilitates communication within mafia networks across different continents.

Penetration into the Legal Economy

Modern mafia groups have developed ways to infiltrate legal economic sectors, operating in parallel with legitimate businesses. Mobsters infiltrate legitimate businesses through corruption, intimidation, and money laundering. The construction industry is often a target for the mafia due to opportunities for money laundering and lucrative contracts with public institutions. Italian mafias, such as the Camorra and Cosa Nostra, enter sectors like public works, waste management, hospitality, and real estate. Money laundering is a key element of modern organized crime. Mafias use complex financial networks and offshore accounts to “clean” illegally obtained funds. Banking systems in tax havens, such as the Cayman Islands or Switzerland, facilitate the concealment of criminal capital. Money laundering allows mafias not only to obscure the sources of their income but also to invest in other profitable ventures. In some cases, mafias manipulate financial markets using illegal methods such as „pump and dump“ schemes, where they artificially inflate stock prices to later profit from sales. Financial manipulations are used in combination with money laundering and the creation of shell companies.

Exploitation of People

Modern mafias are involved in human trafficking, forcing people into illegal labor, prostitution, and criminal activities. Human trafficking has become highly lucrative due to the global labor market. Mafias exploit people seeking a better life, fleeing war and poverty. Mafia organizations profit from illegal migrations, providing “services” for transportation or forcing migrants into crime. The mafia’s role includes securing routes and fake documents, then forcing migrants to work under near-slavery conditions and taking their earned money. Furthermore, mobsters recruit young migrants facing harsh living conditions far from home, offering them earnings in illegal activities such as drug trafficking or petty crimes like pickpocketing.

Penetration into Political Structures

Mafia organizations in the 21st century wield significant political influence through corruption. Globalization has facilitated corruption, as state institutions in many countries have been weakened by deregulation, privatization, and the excessive influence of private interests. Mobsters bribe politicians and judges to influence law-making and enforcement. Corruption enables mafia members to evade prosecution and continue criminal activities, while politicians benefit from collaboration with the criminal underworld. In many countries, the mafia uses intimidation to control local governments and businesses. For example, the Italian and Brazilian mafias have strong influence over local governance in their countries, while the Russian mafia has influence over economies and authorities in post-Soviet countries.

The mafia in the 21st century continues to exist. There is no doubt that in the future, it will keep pace with the times, using all informational and communication tools to survive and continue to gain illegal influence, power, and wealth. As long as humanity exists, the mafia will persist in some form; the only question is how to fight against it.

Author: Matija Šerić

Featured image: AI