The Mafia is an organized crime enterprise with roots in Sicily, characterized by a hierarchical structure, ethnic or family basis, and involvement in activities like drug trafficking, racketeering, and gambling. While originating in Sicily, the term also refers to the American Mafia, other Italian organized crime groups, and can be used informally for similar criminal or clique-like groups worldwide.

Origins and Structure

Sicilian Mafia (Cosa Nostra): The original Mafia emerged in Sicily in the mid-19th century, possibly during Italy's unification.

Structure: Mafia organizations typically feature a hierarchical structure, with a "boss" at the top, and a system of "families" or clans. Members, or "mafiosi," are bound by loyalty and codes of silence.

Associates: These groups also use "associates," who are not full members but work for or aid the organization and are seen as tools.

Activities

Mafia groups are known for engaging in a variety of criminal activities, including:

Drug trafficking

Racketeering: Extorting money from businesses

Loan-sharking: Lending money at exorbitant interest rates

Gambling: Operating illegal gambling operations

Money laundering: Concealing the origins of illegal funds

Prostitution rings

Usage of the Term

Specific Organizations: It can refer to the Sicilian Mafia or the American Mafia (an offshoot).

General Term: The term "mafia" is often used to describe any ethnically or culturally based organized crime enterprise that resembles the original structure.

Informal Use: It can also be used less formally to describe a clique or a group of people with similar interests, especially those in a particular field or enterprise.

- Bigg Boss, Dhaka, Bangladesh.