P1 - 'Ndrangheta - "The Madonna of the Mountain" | Deep Dive: Exploring Organized Crime

P1 - 'Ndrangheta - "The Madonna of the Mountain" | Deep Dive: Exploring Organized Crime

Author: Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime September 5, 2022 Duration: 45:04

Part 1 - "The Madonna of the Mountain"

In Calabria, southern Italy there is a mountain massif called Aspromonte, "harsh mountain". The villages that hug the mountain slopes, places like San Luca, Natile and Platì are the birthplaces of the clans that make up what is collectively known as ‘Ndrangheta – one of the most powerful organized criminal syndicates in the world.

From these humble beginnings the clans have spread their tentacles around the globe and become major players in the international illicit drug trade. And one of the ways they did this was by reinvesting money from one illicit act into another - kidnapping.

Over the next few podcasts we look through the eyes of Anna Sergi, a Calabrian native herself and an expert in the 'Ndrangheta. Anna's recent book 'Chasing the Mafia: 'Ndrangheta, Memories and Journeys' discusses her journey around the world looking for the 'Ndrangheta. In this first episode Anna relays stories from her childhood and memories of 'The Kidnapping Season' which took place in the Aspromonte mountains around her.

Speaker(s):

Anna Sergi, Professor of Criminology at the University of Essex, member of the GI Network of Experts and author of the new book ‘Chasing the Mafia: 'Ndrangheta, Memories and Journeys.

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Additional Reading

(Book) Chasing the Mafia: 'Ndrangheta, Memories and Journeys by Anna Sergi

(Book) Mafia Republic: Italy's Criminal Curse. Cosa Nostra, 'Ndrangheta and Camorra from 1946 to the Present by John Dickie

(Paper) Once upon a time in Palermo: Giovanni Falcone and the fight against Cosa Nostra

(Podcast) The Index - episode 3 & 4 "Italy and mafia" - https://link.chtbl.com/TheIndex

The Global Organized Crime Index - Country Profile - Italy

Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime


Behind the headlines and official reports exists a shadow world of immense scale and complexity. Deep Dive: Exploring Organized Crime ventures into that space, guided by the experts and analysts of the Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime. This isn't just about recounting crimes; it's a meticulous examination of the systems, economies, and global networks that power them. The scope of this podcast is intentionally vast. You might find one installment unraveling the operations of a hybrid paramilitary cartel, while the next investigates the obscure financial pipelines that enable wildlife trafficking or cyber fraud. Each episode is built on frontline reporting and deep research, translating intricate criminal ecosystems into compelling narrative. Recognized with awards for its thorough approach, including twice winning 'Best Deep Dive Podcast,' the series offers listeners clarity on some of the world's most opaque and powerful structures. Tune in for a sober, authoritative look beyond the surface, where the real stories of global illicit power are told.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 49

Deep Dive: Exploring Organized Crime
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