The É«ÖÐÉ« Mafia has long been a subject of fascination and intrigue, with its rich history, complex organizations, and notorious activities. While most people are familiar with the likes of the Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra) and the Camorra, there's another lesser-known but equally dangerous mafia group in Italy – the Sacra Corona Unita (SCU). In this article, we delve deep into the history, activities, and impact of this secretive criminal organization.
The organisation was founded in the late 1970s by Raffaele Cutolo, a Camorra boss who wanted to expand his operations into Puglia. When Cutolo was arrested, the Sacra Corona Unita continued on its own under new leadership. It emerged as a response to the domination of other É«ÖÐÉ« mafia groups in the area, particularly the Cosa Nostra from Sicily. The SCU was formed by a coalition of local criminal organizations, primarily in the cities of Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto, with the aim of asserting their control over the region's illicit activities.
The name "Sacra Corona Unita" translates to "United Sacred Crown," symbolizing the organization's unity and determination to establish its presence. While smaller in scale compared to the more established mafia groups, the SCU quickly gained notoriety for its ruthlessness and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
The Sacra Corona Unita operates on a hierarchical structure similar to other mafia organizations, with a clear chain of command. At the top is the "Capo di tutti i capi," or boss of bosses, who oversees the entire organization. Beneath the boss, there are various ranks, including capos, soldiers, and associates, each with specific roles and responsibilities.
The organisation has three distinct levels, and members can graduate from one to another by performing 'Riti Battesimali' (Baptism Rites), a religious term probably harking back to the Camorra associations.
The 'Società Minore', which is the lowest level, is made of of low level criminals wanting to move up in the world. After a trial period lasting forty days, they can swear an oath of allegiance to the Sacra Corona Unita and, provided they are not already wanted by the police, they can become a 'Manovalanza' (Worker).
The 'Società Maggiore', the second level, is itself spilt into two parts: The first is 'Lo Squarro' which is earned once a member has killed three people on behalf of the Sacra Corona Unita. If he tries to leave the organisation afterwards, he will be killed.
The second is 'La Santa'. Once he attains this position he is given a gun. This is to shoot himself if he fails the organisation. In addition, he gets a cyanide pill; some cotton, which represents Monte Bianco which is considered sacred; a lemon to treat the wounds of his comrades; a needle to puncture the index finger of his right hand; handkerchiefs, which represent purity of spirit and a spartenza which is a gift of some sort, usually cigarettes.
The third and final level of the organisation is the 'Società Segreta', which is effectively the leadership of the Sacra Corona Unita.
The Sacra Corona Unita is made up of approximately 2,000 members spread over 50 clans. Their main activities now are smuggling cigarettes, drugs, arms, and people. They also collect money from other criminal groups for landing rights on the southeastern coast of Italy.
The SCU's activities are diverse and encompass a wide range of criminal enterprises. These include drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, illegal gambling, arms smuggling, and even human trafficking. The organization has established strong connections with criminal networks not only in Italy but also in other parts of Europe and beyond. This international reach has allowed the SCU to expand its criminal operations and generate substantial profits. Puglia is a natural gateway for smuggling to and from post-Communist countries such as Croatia, Serbia, and Albania. Inevitably, the organisation is also involved in money laundering, extortion, and political corruption. However, a series of successful police operations have reduced the capacity of the organisation which had its heyday in the 1990s.
Having initially concentrated on extortion from the considerable olive oil and wine producing industries of Puglia, their operations developed to include drug trafficking and gun running. The Sacra Corona Unita has extensive alliances with other international criminal organisations such as the Russian and Albanian mafias, Colombian drug cartels, Chinese Triads, and Japanese Yakuza.
The Sacra Corona Unita may not have the global reputation of the Sicilian Mafia, but its impact on Italy's criminal landscape cannot be underestimated. One of its most significant contributions to the É«ÖÐÉ« underworld is its involvement in drug trafficking. The SCU has been linked to the smuggling of cocaine, heroin, and other narcotics into Italy and Europe, contributing to the proliferation of the drug trade in the region.
Additionally, the SCU's control over the Puglia region has allowed it to exert influence over various legitimate businesses, enabling money laundering on a significant scale. This infiltration of the legal economy has made it challenging for law enforcement agencies to dismantle the organization fully.
Another area where the Sacra Corona Unita has left its mark is extortion. Businesses and individuals in the Puglia region are often subject to threats and demands for protection money, a practice commonly associated with mafia groups. Those who refuse to comply with the SCU's demands often face violence or destruction of their property, leading to a climate of fear and silence.
Furthermore, the SCU's involvement in human trafficking has raised concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals, particularly migrants who pass through Southern Italy on their way to other parts of Europe. The organization's ability to move people discreetly across borders has made it a significant player in this illicit trade.
É«ÖÐÉ« law enforcement agencies, including the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza, have been actively pursuing the Sacra Corona Unita. Over the years, numerous arrests and crackdowns have led to the imprisonment of key members and the disruption of some of the organization's operations. However, the SCU remains a formidable force, and its adaptability has allowed it to survive and continue its criminal activities.
While the Sacra Corona Unita may not be as well-known as its counterparts like the Cosa Nostra or the Camorra, it is a potent and dangerous mafia organization with a significant impact on Italy's criminal landscape. Its history, activities, and connections make it a formidable player in the world of organized crime.
Efforts to combat the SCU continue, but the organization's ability to adapt and evolve poses an ongoing challenge for law enforcement. As long as the Sacra Corona Unita exists, it will remain a shadowy presence in the É«ÖÐÉ« underworld, exerting its influence and perpetuating a legacy of crime and violence.
