Since the beginning of November 2006, Naples? police forces, local government, and citizens have resided in a city under siege from the infamous Camorra, the Neapolitan Mafia. In the past two weeks, 12 people were killed, increasing Naples? Camorra homicide rate to 70 in the first 10 months of 2006. Fighting between rival Camorra clans, opting for control of Naples? extortion rackets and narcotics trafficking enterprises, has increased omnipresent violence and blood feuds. However, as competition for drug territory has become fiercer with Camorra clans growing in number and audacity, violence is no longer confined to Naples? impoverished suburbs but has gradually expanded into Naples? city center and tourist locations.
Early Camorra Development
The Camorra, whose name is derived from a Spanish term used to describe local bandits, first appeared in the mid-1800s in Naples, Italy . The Camorra was formed by inmates in Italy?s overcrowded jails and acted as a protection service. As inmates were released from Italian prisons, Camorra gang members expanded their criminal enterprises, specializing in cigarette smuggling, extortion rackets, and robbery. Beginning in the 1970s, the Sicilian Mafia convinced the Camorra to convert cigarette smuggling routes into drug smuggling routes, sparking an organized crime war between Camorra clans. However, the Camorra attained a considerable portion of their current wealth through reconstruction efforts following the 1980 Campania region earthquake.
Current Camorra Enterprises
Today, the Camorra has expanded its illicit enterprises and regularly engages in money laundering, drug smuggling, extortion, alien smuggling, robbery, blackmail, kidnapping, political corruption, and counterfeiting activities, forming an illegal empire worth 16 to 18 billion euros (US$20 to 23 billion) per year. The Camorra is estimated to have 236 Camorra families divided among 66 clans with approximately 7,000 members, making the Camorra Italy?s largest organized crime gang.
Camorra Clan Turf Wars
Although turf wars between Camorra clans are common occurrence in Naples, Camorra clans have evolved in recent years, with younger generation Camorra members far more bold and ruthless than previous members. Successes made by the Italian security forces against the Camorra leadership have prompted younger generations to compete for power of local clans, often resulting in large-scale violence and sustained territorial campaigns. Additionally, the decentralized nature of the Camorra, composed of a myriad of family-based clans, has added to Camorra infighting. The Camorra homicide wave is also attributable to Parliament?s pardon of prison inmates in July 2006 that released an untold number of convicted camorristi.
Neapolitans have little faith in the ability of local security forces to dismantle the Camorra. A considerable portion of the local population views the Camorra as the only legitimate power source in Naples. A state within a state, the Camorra has penetrated all sectors of the local economy.
Threats to Foreign Nationals in Naples
Italian officials are concerned that Camorra activities may affect Naples? tourist industry, which draws tens of thousands of visitors every year. In recent months, Camorra attacks have harmed foreign nationals visiting the city. In October, a stray bullet hit a Canadian citizen, and local Camorra members beat a young American after he caught a pickpocket.
To curtail the growing Camorra threat, Italy?s Prime Minister Romano Prodi authorized the dispatching of an additional 1,000 police officers to the region. In addition, surveillance cameras are being installed throughout the city. Police are also receiving motorbikes to patrol Naples? narrow alleyways and streets. However, the long-term effects of these initiatives are likely to be minimal. Throughout the 1990s, Italian solders were deployed to fight organized crime syndicates, adding very little in the overall state of Neapolitan security. Foreign nationals traveling to Naples should be aware of the current security climate. Violence is random and not confined to one specific locale. Camorra members do not discriminate from attacking foreign nationals if doing so enriches their family or serves some other beneficial purpose.