IL RIUTILIZZO SOCIALE DEI BENI CONFISCATI AL CRIMINE ORGANIZZATO E LA RIQUALIFICATORE DEI TERRITORI. UNO STUDIO COMPARATO TRA LECCO E BARI.

This thesis aims to explore the differences in the re-use of assets confiscated from mafias between northern and southern Italy, with a particular focus on Lecco and Bari. It begins by drawing a distinction between the terms ‘mafia’ and ‘mafias’, highlighting the variety and complexity of Italian criminal organisations. The terms ‘mafia’, ‘mafias’ and ‘organised crime’ are often confused, but it is important to distinguish between them in order to fully understand the complexity of the criminal phenomenon in Italy. While the term ‘mafia’ often refers to the criminal organisation originating in Sicily, with national and international ramifications, the term ‘mafia’ collectively refers to the various mafia-type criminal organisations present in different regions of Italy. These organisations are involved in a wide range of illicit activities such as drug and arms trafficking, money laundering, extortion and corruption, and exercise significant control over political and economic activities.
Among the various factors identified as contributing to the expansion of the mafia in Italy, corruption, the limited availability of economic opportunities, the fragility of institutions and the lack of transparency in the management of property all feature prominently. Although Italy's anti-Mafia legislation is among the most incisive in the world, its implementation is often slowed down by bureaucratic and procedural challenges.
Confiscating the assets of mafia clans is a crucial measure in the fight against organised crime. However, the process of confiscating and socially re-using these assets can be lengthy and complex. Despite these challenges, the social reuse of confiscated assets helps to reclassify and add value to territories, transforming criminal areas into economic and cultural resources. In this way, spaces that were once illicit become licit places, contributing to social and economic well-being.
The research focuses on the social reuse of confiscated properties in Lecco and Bari, analysing the disparities in procedures and projects between northern and southern Italy. It examines the complex relationship between illegally occupied spaces, requalification policies, institutions and social dynamics.
The research explores the ways in which confiscated property is distributed, participation in tenders to obtain it for social purposes, the accessibility of procedures and the challenges faced by cooperatives and associations, linked to issues of timing and cohabitation between mafia power and legal power. The research highlights the importance of collaboration between associations and cooperatives in social reuse, promoting an appropriate transformation of territories.
The comparative analysis between Lecco and Bari highlights the similarities and differences in the incidence and impact of organised crime: the infiltration of the ‘ndrangheta in Lecco and the presence of criminal groups in Bari highlight the need for a coordinated response from the authorities. Despite geographical and socio-cultural differences, the two cities face similar challenges in relation to organised crime. Understanding criminal dynamics and cooperation between authorities are essential to counter the infiltration of criminal organisations and promote the social re-use of confiscated assets.
It is interesting to note that social reuse not only counters the presence of the mafia, but also intervenes in areas that are often neglected, facilitating the link between citizens and institutions. We would like to stress the importance of cooperation between institutional authorities, associations and citizens to ensure effective management of confiscated property and promote the social and economic well-being of the communities conc