Mafia

The Mafia, also referred to in Italian as La Cosa Nostra (variously translated as This Thing Of Ours or Our Thing), is the name for a secret, criminal organisation which evolved in mid 19th century Sicily, and led to an offshoot on the East-Coast of the United States emerging during the late 19th century with the waves of Italian immigration to that country.

Mafia structure

Known as the Honored Society among Mafiosi the chain of command is organized in a pyramid similar to a modern corporate structure.

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• Capo di Tutti Capi (The "Boss of Bosses", currently Bernardo Provenzano for Sicilian Mafia; N/A for the American Mafia)
• Capo di Capi Re (a title of respect given to a senior or retired member, equivalent to being a chairman emeritus.)
• Capo Crimini (A "Super Boss" known as a Don or "Godfather" of a crime family)
• Capo Bastone (Known as the "Underboss" is second in command to the Capo Crimini)
• Consigliere (Advisor)
• Contabile (Financial advisor)
• Caporegime or Capodecina (A Lieutenant who commands a "crew" of around ten or more Sgarrista or "soldiers")
• Sgarrista or Soldati ("Made" members of the Mafia who serve primarily as foot soldiers)
• Picciotto (A low ranking member of the Mafia who serve as "Enforcers" or "button men")
• Giovane D'Onore (An associate member of the Mafia, usually a non-Italian or Sicilian)