The Mafia, in both its traditional and modern forms, continues to exert a major influence worldwide. 2024 has seen several major developments in organized crime, ranging from internal power struggles within old Mafia families to the international operations of cartels. In this blog, we will explore recent events that have shaken the criminal underworld, particularly in Italy, the United States, and Canada.
1. Italy: The Fight Against the ‘Ndrangheta
The ‘Ndrangheta, the powerful mafia organization from Calabria, remains one of the most influential criminal groups in Europe. This year, the Italian government has taken significant steps to tackle it. The arrest of dozens of members in 2024, thanks in part to large-scale police operations, including Operation “Rinascita-Scott”, marked a major victory for the authorities. This operation targeted the various branches of the ‘Ndrangheta and aimed to dismantle their drug and human trafficking networks.
Another important event was the arrest of Pasquale Bonavota, a prominent leader within the ‘Ndrangheta, who had been on the run since 2018. He was considered one of the most wanted criminals in Italy and his arrest is a major blow to the organization.
2. New York: The Power of the Five Families
In the United States, New York’s notorious Five Families—the Gambino, Genovese, Bonanno, Lucchese, and Colombo families—remain involved in traditional Mafia activities such as drug and human trafficking, extortion, and illegal gambling. Although less visible than in the past, they remain active. Recent arrests and trials of high-profile members have not completely diminished their influence, however. A recent FBI operation led to the arrest of several prominent Mafiosi, upending the fragile balance between the families
The Bonanno family, for example, has faced a number of internal conflicts after several top brass were arrested, leading to shifts in leadership and new alliances between rival families.
3. Canada: Chaos in Montreal
Montreal, long controlled by the Rizzuto family, is experiencing a period of chaos and violence. Since the death of Vito Rizzuto in 2013, a power vacuum has emerged, which has since been accompanied by bloody internal struggles between different mafia factions. The attempted assassination of Leonardo Rizzuto, Vito’s son, in 2023, followed by the murder of former member Francesco Del Balso in 2024, has further escalated tensions. Various groups are trying to gain control of the lucrative drug trade and other criminal activities in the city.
The instability within the Rizzuto family has also led to an increase in violence between rival gangs, including the Hells Angels, who see an opportunity to gain territory.
4. Mexican Cartels: Zambada García and the Sinaloa Cartel
Internationally, the Sinaloa Cartel, one of the most powerful drug cartels in the world, remains a major player. In September 2024, Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada García, one of the cartel’s founders, was indicted in the United States on charges of large-scale drug trafficking. Zambada, who has been involved in the Mexican drug trade for decades, is accused of smuggling tons of cocaine and methamphetamine into the U.S.
His arrest marks a key moment in the fight against the Mexican cartels, but it remains to be seen whether it will lead to a weakening of the organization or, instead, create new internal power struggles. Zambada’s arrest follows a period of restructuring within the Sinaloa Cartel, particularly after the arrest of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
5. New Criminal Networks and Digital Mafia
In addition to traditional criminal activities, the mafia is increasingly playing a role in cybercrime and money laundering through digital channels. In 2024, several mafia families have expanded their activities to the online world, where they are involved in illegal trading of cryptocurrencies, digital fraud and hacking. This shift to the digital world makes it more difficult for authorities to track and tackle them, which poses a new challenge in the fight against organized crime.
Conclusion
Organized crime continues to evolve, but the core of the Mafia remains the same: the pursuit of power, money, and influence through illegal activities. The events of 2024 show that, despite arrests and intense police pressure, Mafia organizations are able to adapt and find new ways to continue their operations. Whether it is the traditional Italian Mafia, the North American families, or international cartels, organized crime is a persistent and complex threat that is constantly changing.
Sources:
- FBI Press Releases( Federal Bureau of Investigation )
- International news media reports on criminal activities in Italy, the US and Canada ( Five Families of New York City ) ( CityNews Montreal ).
