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The 'Ndrangheta in the Province of Reggio Calabria
Hello friends! Today, I want to talk to you about the 'Ndrangheta in the Province of Reggio Calabria, a criminal phenomenon that dates back to the 19th century. In 2006, more than 10 active groups with almost 7400 suspected members were recorded in the province. This is the area with the highest pervasiveness of the criminal phenomenon in Italy, and it is where the historical 'ndrine reside.
Structure and Division
The 'Ndrangheta in the Province of Reggio Calabria is divided into three areas: Jonico District, Tirrenico District, and Città ('ndrangheta), where the organization's decision-making body called Crimine also resides. These three areas operate differently: those in the Tirrenico District use control of the territory in a financially strong area, while those in the Jonico District, which is poorer and mountainous, initially exploited abductions and later invested money in international drug trafficking. The city of Reggio Calabria is divided into three areas: North with 'Ndrina Condello-'Ndrina Imerti, Center with 'Ndrina De Stefano-'Ndrina Libri, and South with 'Ndrina Latella and 'Ndrina Labate, as well as minor 'ndrine.
The Corona Structure
On November 13, 2012, a new structure above 5 'ndrangheta groups in Antonimina, Ardore, Canolo, Ciminà and Cirella di Platì was discovered, called the Corona. The Chief-Corona was Vincenzo Melia, with Luigi Varacalli, Nicola Romano, and Nicola Nesci as advisors. This structure seems to have been created to resolve disputes within these small groups and to compete economically with other more well-known 'ndrine.
'Ndrangheta Groups
In the Province of Reggio Calabria, there are 33 'ndrangheta groups and 5 companies ('ndrine). Among the groups, there are those in Antoniminina, Africo, Ardore, Bagnara Calabra, Bova, Canolo, Catona, Caulonia, Cassari di Nardodipace, Ciminà, Cirella di Platì, Cinquefrondi, Fabrizia, Gioia Tauro, Gioiosa Jonica, Grotteria, Laureana di Borrello, Motticella, Natile di Careri, Oppido Mamertina, Palizzi, Palmi, Piscopio, and Platì. The companies instead are in Melito Porto Salvo, Polistena, Reggio Calabria, Rosarno, and Siderno.
I hope this overview has given you an idea of the structure of the 'Ndrangheta in the Province of Reggio Calabria. Always remember not to underestimate the power of criminal organizations and to report any suspicious activity to the authorities. Until next time!
