As Italian firms fall victim to the recession, Mafia fills the void - Europe, World - The Independent: "Italy's feared mobs are taking advantage of the recession by moving from their traditional southern strongholds to buy up legitimate businesses in the country's rich north to launder their vast earnings from cocaine and extortion rackets, anti-mafia judges have told The Independent.
One magistrate said yesterday that mobsters from 'Ndrangheta, Italy's biggest crime syndicate, were investing in respectable businesses from construction firms to pizza restaurants.
Magistrates say that the climate of fear is such that only three of 50 victims of an extortion racket have agreed to appear in court for a major trial next week of 39 suspected mafiosi and their associates. If they appeared, they would be eligible for compensation."
One magistrate said yesterday that mobsters from 'Ndrangheta, Italy's biggest crime syndicate, were investing in respectable businesses from construction firms to pizza restaurants.
Magistrates say that the climate of fear is such that only three of 50 victims of an extortion racket have agreed to appear in court for a major trial next week of 39 suspected mafiosi and their associates. If they appeared, they would be eligible for compensation."
