Guns in the Family : Mafia violence in Italy

Italian mafias have always used armed violence and intimidation to solve disputes, hit their competitors, enhance reputation and acquire privileged positions both in legal and illegal markets where they operate. Thus, the professionalized use of firearms and explosives represents a characteristic feature of these groups. This chapter presents original research on patterns, rules, changes and variations in the use of firearms violence by traditional mafia-type groups across Italy during the past twenty years, focusing specifically on the four main organizations. Although quantitative data on firearms-related crimes remains weak, this chapter also sheds light on firearms acquisition, storage, and use by these groups, suggesting that the availability of large arsenals and sophisticated weaponry as well as the ability to rely on fire groups are crucial for maintaining mafias’ power.