SICILIAN

MAFIA
KENNETH P. PATRON
LEIKA MAE QUIDES
BS- CRIM 2-C
Sicilian Mafia

 The Sicilian Mafia, or Cosa Nostra, is a secretive and highly organized

criminal syndicate with roots dating back to the late 19th century. Here
are some key aspects:
Origins and Structure:

 Emerged in Sicily, Italy, as a response to social and economic instability.

 Operates with a hierarchical structure, consisting of families or "cosche"
led by a boss. Underbosses, capos, soldiers, and associates form the
pyramid.
Activities:

 Engages in various criminal activities, including extortion, racketeering,

loan sharking, and illegal gambling.
 Significant involvement in drug trafficking, both within Italy and
internationally.
 Historic ties to the protection and smuggling of citrus fruits, contributing
to its initial growth.
 Omertà and Rituals:

 Adheres to a code of silence called "omertà," where members are forbidden

from cooperating with authorities.
 Initiation involves a ceremony where a member takes an oath of loyalty and
secrecy, often involving a burning image of a saint.
Global Expansion:

 Expanded beyond Sicily, especially to the United States in the early 20th
century. Mafia families in the U.S., like the Gambino and Genovese, are
connected to the Sicilian Mafia.
 The Mafia's influence has also been felt in Canada, Australia, and parts of
Europe.
Law Enforcement and Decline:

 Faced significant law enforcement efforts, particularly in Italy, where

authorities have cracked down on its activities.
 High-profile arrests and prosecutions have weakened its power, but
remnants of the organization persist.
Media and Pop Culture:

 The Mafia's activities have been glamorized in movies and

TV shows, contributing to a somewhat distorted public
image.
 Films like "The Godfather" and series like "The Sopranos"
have shaped perceptions of the Mafia.
 Despite its decline, the Sicilian Mafia remains a complex
and enduring criminal organization, adapting to changing
circumstances while still posing challenges to law
enforcement.
THANK YOU