Lezioni di 'Ndrangheta #1: Organizzazione della Società Criminale

Lessons from the 'Ndrangheta: How the Calabrian criminal organization functions. From the 1969 Montalto summit to the unified, top-down structure demonstrated by the maxi-trials. An analysis of the skills, mandates, and internal hierarchy. This episode reconstructs the architecture of the 'Ndrangheta through the document presented by prosecutor Antonio De Bernardo at the Rinascita Scott maxi-trial. On October 26, 1969, at the Montalto summit, Don Peppe Zappia uttered the words that would forever unify Calabrian organized crime: "Here there is no 'Ndrangheta of Tripodo, Macrì, or Nirta; we must all be one." In the video: The major trials (Crimine, Infinito, Minotauro, Rinascita Scott) demonstrated the organization's unified structure. It comprises three levels: the basic societies with locals and 'ndrine, the intermediate level with the districts (Ionico, Tirrenico, Centro), the control chambers, the top level with the Province, and the Crime of Polsi. The roles are divided between minor societies (picciotto, camorra, sgarro) and major societies (Santa, Vangelo, Quartino, Padrino). Investigations by the Reggio Calabria DDA uncovered the hidden roles: Crociata, Stella, Mammasantissima, and Cavalieri di Cristo. The Santa, founded between the late 1960s and early 1970s, allowed dual affiliation between the 'Ndrangheta and Freemasonry. The positions reflect an almost military structure. Each level, from the Local to the Province, replicates the same functions: local boss, company boss, day manager, accountant. Contributor Rocco Varacalli explains the daily dynamics of a local and the role of each position. 00:00 - Introduction: The Rinascita Scott Maxi Trial 02:24 - The Montalto Summit (October 26, 1969) 04:08 - "All One": the words of Don Peppe Zappia 09:06 - The Territorial Structure: Local, District, Province 10:46 - The Local: The Core of the Organization 14:01 - The Three Districts of Reggio Calabria and the Province 20:39 - The Hierarchical Structure: Honorable Contrasts, Honorable Youths 21:05 - Minor Society vs. Major Society: The Qualities 22:12 - The Supreme Qualities: Santa, Vangelo, trequartino, quartino, padrino 22:52 - The Secret Qualities: Crusade, Stella, Mamma Santissimo 23:06 - The Hidden Qualities: Bartolo, Infinito, Conte Ugolino Who I am: Pietro Comito, journalist specializing in court reporting and organized crime. Winner of the "Agenda Rossa" Award (2011) for journalists threatened by the 'Ndrangheta and the "Paolo Borsellino" Award for information. Author of hundreds of investigations into mafias and bloody events in Calabria. 🔔 Subscribe to the channel for upcoming episodes of "Lezioni di 'Ndrangheta" and turn on notifications to not miss Lesson 2 on Codes and Rites. 📱 Follow me on social media:   / pietrocomitogiornalistaontheroad     / pietro.comito.giornalista   💬 Leave a comment with your opinion and share to support independent investigative journalism. 🎯 FULL SERIES: → Lesson 1: Organization of the Criminal Society (this video) → Lesson 2: Codes and Rites → Lesson 3: The Kidnapping Industry → Next lesson coming soon (ring the bell so you don't miss it) #Ndrangheta #PaoloDeStefano #CalabrianMafia #InvestigativeJournalism #PietroComito #PietroComitoJournalist #OrganizedCrime #ReggioCalabria #MafiaWars © 2026 Pietro Comito - All rights reserved Original journalistic content protected by copyright