Once a mobster, always a mobster

The anti-mafia operations coordinated with Italy in November 2021 proved once again that Switzerland is not only considered a logistical base for drug and arms trafficking, but that it is also home to mafia members, from simple affiliates to high-ranking leaders. Criminal prosecution is one way to deter the mafia presence in Switzerland, but it is not enough. Preventive measures should also be involved. fedpol’s responses to organised crime include entry bans and expulsions of mafia members if Switzerland’s internal or external security is threatened. Since 2016, fedpol has imposed numerous measures on members of the mafia, with a record number of measures issued in 2021 (see article on figures).

Just a few kilometres outside of Switzerland

The nearest meeting location of one of the two Mafiosi was only fifteen minutes drive from the border in Ticino. The other was about 20 kilometres away. These meeting locations, also known as locale are established structures of the ‘Ndrangheta in Italy (see box). Both individuals, now languishing in prison, were convicted in Italy of membership in a criminal organisation. However, both individuals lived in Switzerland, each had a residence permit and played an active role within the ‘Ndrangheta. They had obtained the ranks of ‘santa’ and ‘vangelo’. These ranks represent the criminal path taken, reflect an individual’s power within the mafia and confirm membership. These individuals’ ties to their locale were proven. Like all the ‘Ndrangheta members, they were under the orders of the provincia, the parent structure in Reggio Calabria that directs the organisation. It makes decisions about the organisation’s finances, any assassinations to be carried out, and plans the criminal strategy and the new territories’ tasks.

Membership to the mafia is sealed with a drop of blood until death

Above all, the ranks indicate the specific rites of passage that members perform and services rendered to the organisation. The specific purpose of these rites of passage is to create a sense of belonging and build an identity, erasing the personality of the individual and sealing his life to the 'Ndrangheta until his death. The organisation’s initiation rite is like a baptism – new members must recite a prayer and give a drop of their blood. Candidates promise not to betray the organisation and swear eternal loyalty to its leaders and ‘brothers’ until death. The two individuals who lived in Switzerland will be a part of the mafia until the day they die. It is undeniable that they will represent a danger for the next 5, 10, even 20 years. This is why the duration of the entry ban is set on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration the risk posed by the person concerned. When a man gives his life to the mafia, he remains a danger for the security of Switzerland – forever.