The 'Ndrangheta in Germany

Do mafia groups take advantage of globalisation? Under particular conditions, mafia groups have reportedly succeeded in setting up branches in new territories. Today, the Italian mafia known as ‘Ndrangheta is widely recognised as one the most international organised crime groups. It is present in virtually every European country, particularly in Germany. The author will present an in-depth study of the foreign operations of the Italian ‘Ndrangheta in Germany, based on judicial sources covering a 20-year time span, interviews with practitioners, activists, and a state-witness, alongside extensive fieldwork. By looking at one specific clan, and its development between Italy and Germany from the early seventies until today, this paper attempts to offer increased analytical clarity and empirical rigour to the debate on the globalisation of organised crime. It explores the conditions for successful criminal transplantation, and, more specifically, the reason for the ‘Ndrangheta’s success in expanding towards territory with low levels of corruption, functioning judicial systems and high level of civic engagement. The collected evidence and its evaluation aims at speaking to the wider debates on globalisation, organised crime and the impact on local communities, the structure of informal groups and the role of leadership in the underworld.