The Sicilian Mafia’s waning power is evident in intercepted communications, revealing discontent among leaders regarding the caliber of new recruits, following the recent arrest of nearly 150 individuals linked to the organization.
Wiretapped conversations from last year, obtained before his death in a shootout, captured former Cosa Nostra boss Giancarlo Romano lamenting the decline in quality. He described current recruits as “wretched low-level,” noting the ease with which informants are identified and subsequently arrested.
Romano expressed nostalgia for the portrayal of organized crime in Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather,” highlighting the political influence wielded by the fictional Corleone family. He contrasted this with the current state of the Cosa Nostra, describing their diminished power and influence: “We’re on our knees, guys.”
Further wiretaps, as reported by The Guardian, revealed that members used nicknames referencing Marlon Brando (“Vito Corleone” in “The Godfather Part II”) and Spider-Man.
This week’s arrests, resulting from 183 warrants executed across Sicily, targeted individuals involved in various crimes including extortion and attempted murder. Thirty-six of those arrested were already in custody.
Despite the significant arrests, Italian authorities emphasize the continued threat posed by the Cosa Nostra. Maurizio de Lucia, Palermo’s chief prosecutor, highlighted the organization’s use of encrypted communication apps, demonstrating its ongoing operations and efforts to rebuild its ranks.
Domenico La Padula of the Italian Carabinieri confirmed the Cosa Nostra’s persistence, attributing its survival to the recruitment of new members and involvement in 21st-century criminal activities like online gambling.
The Carabinieri noted the Cosa Nostra’s adherence to traditional rules and rituals, alongside its adoption of encrypted communication minimizing the need for physical meetings.
John Dickie, author of “Mafia Republic” and “Cosa Nostra,” acknowledged Italian authorities’ improved surveillance capabilities. He pointed to instances of mob bosses boasting about their anti-bugging measures while simultaneously being recorded.
Dickie concurred with assessments of the Cosa Nostra’s decline, citing intercepted communications where leaders admitted to the organization’s weakened state. He noted multiple failed attempts at reorganization since the early 1990s, highlighting the ongoing success of law enforcement in thwarting their efforts.
He concluded that the recent arrests represent a significant setback for the Cosa Nostra, requiring substantial rebuilding efforts and underscoring the state’s superior power.