The 'Ndrangheta (from a Greek word for heroism and virtue) is a mafia-like criminal organization in Calabria, Italy. It is not as sophisticated and has remained more rural compared to the Napolitan Camorra and the Apulian sacra corona unita. Though commonly lumped together with the Sicilian mafia, the 'Ndrangheta operate completely independently to the Sicilians, though there is contact between the two due to the geographical closeness of Calabria and Sicily. One group of 'ndranghetistas to have been discovered outside of Italy was in Ontario, Canada several decades ago. They were dubbed the Siderno Group[1] by Canadian judges as most of its members hailed from Siderno.
Though members of Italian organized crime are loosely referred to as mafiosos, a member of any 'ndrangheta clan is more specifically known as an 'ndrinu, and the clan itself an 'ndrina. In addition to having the advantage of blood ties, 'ndranghetistas blend well into their surroundings as they maintain humble outward appearances by not flaunting their wealth.
Power structure
Unlike most other mafia organisations, which have a pyramidal system of bosses, 'Ndrangheta groups are based on blood families. There are anywhere from 50 to 200 of these families, totalling about 6,000 members.
