Editing 'Ndrangheta (section)

=== Power structure ===

Historically, individual family power structures served as the primary governing bodies within both Cosa Nostra and the 'Ndrangheta. These family structures have remained central to power dynamics, even after the establishment of superordinate bodies. While Cosa Nostra created the [[Sicilian Mafia Commission]] in the 1950s, the 'Ndrangheta established a superordinate body only in 1991, following negotiations to resolve prolonged inter-family conflicts.<ref name="paoli">{{cite web |url=http://www.organized-crime.de/revpao01mafiandrangheta.htm |title=Review of: Paoli, ''Mafia Brotherhoods'' |publisher=Organized-crime.de |access-date=19 April 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927215127/http://www.organized-crime.de/revpao01mafiandrangheta.htm |archive-date=27 September 2007 |url-status=live }}</ref> However, the notion of absolute autonomy for Calabrian crime families prior to this period is not universally supported by historical evidence. Evidence suggests that mechanisms for coordination and dispute resolution have existed since at least the late 19th century, with frequent interactions and meetings among bosses of ''locali''.<ref name="paoli59" /> Operation Crimine, a significant investigation culminating in the arrest of 305 'Ndrangheta members in July 2010, indicated a more hierarchical, unified, and pyramidal structure than previously understood. Italy's chief anti-mafia prosecutor, Pietro Grasso, described the organization as not solely clan-based.<ref>[http://www.csmonitor.com/From-the-news-wires/2010/0713/Ndrangheta-mafia-structure-revealed-as-Italian-police-nab-300-alleged-mobsters "'Ndrangheta mafia structure revealed as Italian police nab 300 alleged mobsters"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100819131636/http://www.csmonitor.com/From-the-news-wires/2010/0713/Ndrangheta-mafia-structure-revealed-as-Italian-police-nab-300-alleged-mobsters |date=19 August 2010 }}, The Associated Press, csmonitor.com, 13 July 2010.</ref>

While the legal classification of the 'Ndrangheta as a hierarchical structure is advantageous for Italian criminal law, enabling broader convictions through the doctrine of criminal association, some criminologists dispute the view of the 'Ndrangheta as a consistently monolithic organization. Criminologist Anna Sergi suggests that while coordinating structures exist, they primarily serve to facilitate business ventures and risk sharing among distinct clans. According to this perspective, clans remain independent territorial units rooted in family ties, and do not consistently operate under a unified strategic plan.<ref name=con040216 /> Sergi argues that "'Ndrangheta" functions more as a brand than a description of a tightly integrated organization. She posits that the misconception of the 'Ndrangheta as a singular entity may inadvertently benefit these groups, allowing them to leverage the organization's international reputation to exploit political vulnerabilities, invest in new enterprises, and expand their influence.<ref name=con040216 />

Since at least the 1950s, chiefs of 'Ndrangheta ''locali'' have reportedly convened regularly near the [[Sanctuary of Our Lady of Polsi]] in [[San Luca]] during the September Feast. These annual gatherings, known as the ''[[crimine]]'', have traditionally provided a forum for discussing future strategies and resolving disputes among ''locali''. The assembly exercises limited supervisory authority over the activities of all 'Ndrangheta groups. Emphasis is placed on the temporary nature of the ''crimine'' boss's position, with a new representative elected at each meeting.<ref name="paoli59">Paoli. ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', [https://archive.org/details/mafiabrotherhood0000paol/page/59/mode/1up p. 59]</ref> Contrary to the "boss of bosses" concept, the ''[[capo crimine]]'' is believed to possess relatively limited power to intervene in family conflicts or regulate inter-family violence.<ref name="varese">Varese, Federico. [http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3757/is_200606/ai_n17176956/print "How Mafias Migrate: The Case of the 'Ndrangheta in Northern Italy"]. {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016071412/http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_qa3757/is_200606/ai_n17176956/print |date=16 October 2015}} ''Law & Society Review''. June 2006.</ref>

During these meetings, each boss is expected to "give account of all the activities carried out during the year and of all the most important facts taking place in his territory such as kidnappings, homicides, etc."<ref name="paoli59" /> The historical prominence of the San Luca family is such that any new group or ''locale'' is reportedly required to obtain authorization from San Luca to operate. Furthermore, each 'Ndrangheta group "still has to deposit a small percentage of illicit proceeds to the ''principale'' of San Luca in recognition of the latter's primordial supremacy".<ref name="paoli29" />

Security concerns within the 'Ndrangheta have led to the formation of a secret society within the larger organization, known as ''[[La Santa]]''. Membership in ''La Santa'' is exclusive, known only to fellow members. In a departure from traditional code, ''La Santa'' allowed bosses to cultivate close relationships with state officials, with some even becoming affiliated with ''La Santa''. These connections were often facilitated through [[Freemasonry]], which ''santisti'' were permitted to join, despite it being another breach of traditional 'Ndrangheta code.<ref name="paoli" /><ref name="paoli116">Paoli, ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', [https://archive.org/details/mafiabrotherhood0000paol/page/116/mode/1up p. 116]</ref>

Since the conclusion of the Second 'Ndrangheta war in 1991, the 'Ndrangheta has been governed by a collegial body or Commission, known as ''[[La Provincia]]''. Its primary function is to mediate and resolve inter-family disputes.<ref name="paoli61">Paoli, ''Mafia Brotherhoods'', [https://archive.org/details/mafiabrotherhood0000paol/page/61/mode/1up pp. 61–62]</ref><ref name="gratteri65">{{in lang|it}} Gratteri & Nicaso, ''Fratelli di Sangue'', pp. 65–68</ref> This body, also referred to as the Commission in reference to the [[Sicilian Mafia Commission|Sicilian counterpart]], comprises three subordinate bodies known as ''mandamenti''. These include a ''mandamento'' for clans on the [[Ionian Sea|Ionic side]] of Calabria (including the [[Aspromonte]] mountains and [[Locride]]), a second for the [[Tyrrhenian Sea|Tyrrhenian side]] (the plains of [[Gioia Tauro]]), and a central ''mandamento'' for the city of [[Reggio Calabria]].<ref name="paoli61" />

A July 2019 article published in Canada summarized the traditional 'Ndrangheta structure.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/italian-probe-reveals-how-criminal-blockchain-gives-toronto-area-mobsters-international-authority |title=Italian probe reveals how 'criminal blockchain' gives Toronto-area mobsters international authority |date=25 July 2019 |work=National Post |access-date=21 January 2021 |last1=Humphreys |first1=Adrian }}</ref> According to this report:

<blockquote>"For decades, the 'Ndrangheta families of Siderno operating in Canada—about seven of them—have been governed by a board of directors, called the "camera di controllo", or chamber of control. The local board, as in other countries around the world and other regions of Italy where clans have spread, have all been subservient to the mother clans of Calabria, under a body known as 'il Crimine di Siderno'."</blockquote>

However, by mid-2019, law enforcement in both Italy and Canada reportedly believed that the 'Ndrangheta's presence in Canada had become so powerful that the board north of Toronto possessed the authority to make decisions not only within Canada's underworld but also internationally, potentially even superseding the authority of clans in Siderno.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://nationalpost.com/news/italian-probe-reveals-how-criminal-blockchain-gives-toronto-area-mobsters-international-authority |title=Italian probe reveals how 'criminal blockchain' gives Toronto-area mobsters international authority |date=25 July 2019 |work=National Post |access-date=21 January 2021 |quote=Italian court documents reveal that Canada's mobsters are 'more strategically powerful than we had thought before,' an expert on the 'Ndrangheta says|last1=Humphreys |first1=Adrian }}</ref>