The Freemasons and the Mafia | The Business of Crime

Recent questions

• What is the relationship between Freemasonry and the Mafia in Southern Italy?

  The relationship between Freemasonry and the Mafia in Southern Italy is complex and intertwined. Both groups share values of humility, respect for rules, and hierarchy, as well as having initiation rituals and secretive behavior. This has led to alleged links between the two organizations, with high-ranking members of the ’Ndrangheta discovered to be part of Masonic lodges. These connections have facilitated shady deals with elites and allowed for collaboration between Masons and Mafia members through lodge connections.

• How did Italian law enforcement target the Calabrian ’Ndrangheta in November 2021?

  In November 2021, Italian law enforcement made over 100 arrests targeting the Calabrian ’Ndrangheta, a powerful Mafia group worth billions. The arrests were part of a crackdown on the organization's criminal activities, which have deep connections to politicians, businessmen, police officers, and judges. The ’Ndrangheta's influence extends to various sectors of society, making it a significant target for law enforcement efforts.

• Who is Giovanni Zumbo and what role did he play in the Mafia?

  Giovanni Zumbo is a well-respected accountant who was convicted of Mafia crimes after tipping off a local boss about an arrest. This revelation highlighted how Masons and Mafia members collaborate through lodge connections. Zumbo's involvement in Mafia activities sheds light on the intricate network of relationships and connections that exist between individuals in Southern Italy's criminal underworld.

• What are the similarities between Freemasonry and the Mafia in terms of their organizational structures?

  Freemasonry and the Mafia share similarities in their organizational structures, including values of humility, respect for rules, and hierarchy. Both groups have initiation rituals and secretive behavior, which have contributed to alleged links between the two organizations in Southern Italy. These similarities have allowed for collaboration between high-ranking members of the ’Ndrangheta and Masonic lodges, facilitating illicit activities and shady deals with elites.

• How have Freemasonry and the Mafia endured over time despite scrutiny and law enforcement efforts?

  Freemasonry and the Mafia have endured over time due to their fraternal codes and secretive nature. The shared values of humility, respect for rules, and hierarchy have allowed both organizations to maintain their influence and power. Despite scrutiny and law enforcement efforts, Masonic iconography on drug shipments possibly serves as branding rather than a significant clue to their connections, showcasing how both groups have adapted to challenges and continued to operate in Southern Italy's criminal landscape.