Italy has warned that the mafia is taking advantage of the EU pandemic

The Italian mafia is taking advantage of the new coronavirus pandemic to increase its criminal activities. This is stated in a report by the Italian Directorate for the investigation of mafia activities, cited by DPA.

According to data from the first half of 2020, gangsters have often provided financial support to families and companies that are in a difficult situation due to the crisis caused by the pandemic.

These people can now be “swallowed” by the mob or turned into money laundering tools, according to a report presented to the Italian parliament. The Calabrian mafia Ndrangheta, for example, supports those in need by paying them for illegal jobs and thus makes them psychologically dependent on the strongest criminal organization in Italy.

Additionally, criminal activity is increasing through illegal influence and fraud in the public sector. Experts also warn of the possibility of money from the EU fund for recovery after the pandemic in the hands of the mafia.