ROME, Feb. 13 (Xinhua) -- Organized criminal groups in Italy have been attracting young generations to its ranks, including kids as young as 14, according to a report by the National Anti-Mafia Investigation Directorate (DIA) published on Wednesday.

"The criminal organizations, in spite of strong repressive action from the state, continue to attract the younger generations," said the report published on the Interior Ministry website.

The phenomenon is down to "a widespread social crisis, which does not seem to offer young people valid alternatives for emancipation from mafia culture, especially in the southern areas (of the country)," said the 433-page report covering January-June 2018.

Foreign organized crime rings in Italy are also recruiting young people to their ranks, according to the report.

"The Albanian mafia is the most present and diversified foreign organization in the national territory, and is characterized by a continuous recruitment of youth and an elevated capacity to renew its ranks," according to the report.

Of the various Italian crime rings, the 'Ndrangheta based in the Calabria region in the tip of Italy's boot "maintains its supremacy in drug trafficking, not only on the national level but also by engaging in direct talks with the most powerful drug cartels around the world," the report said.

The other Italian mafias are Cosa Nostra from Sicily, the Camorra from Naples, and the Sacra Corona Unita (United Sacred Crown) in the Puglia region in the heel of Italy's boot.

Established in 1991, the DIA is a multi-force agency that specializes in fighting organized crime. It issues in-depth reports every six months, which the interior minister refers to parliament. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)