The mafia is increasingly changing its methods of operation, as Francesco Lepori pointed out. There is a growing focus on business rather than violence. This shift likely explains why organised crime is moving to digital platforms, but it does not make the threat any less dangerous: "I fear more the mafia that types, that therefore uses new technologies. It can cause enormous damage, even if it may be less visible in the immediate term. And society, unfortunately, tends to underestimate the threat represented precisely by the mafia that types. As Nando Dalla Chiesa would say, you cannot see the enemy coming," said the Operations Manager of O-TiCO.
With the rise of new technologies, it may become increasingly challenging for the police to combat mafia organisations. The internet provides criminal groups with anonymity, speed, and relocation advantages. With just one click, they can operate virtually, making them difficult to trace. As Francesco Lepori explains, there is a fourth advantage to these benefits: "Thanks to technology, it is now possible to significantly increase volumes, whether they involve money or illegal goods being exchanged. Today, more than ever, crime knows no borders, unlike nations. A classic example of this issue is cryptocurrencies. Each transaction is recorded in an unalterable and transparent register known as the blockchain. However, this does not fully address the problem. For one, accessing the blockchain requires specific technical skills. Additionally, transactions frequently end up in countries that are hesitant to provide legal assistance, which is not coincidental. As a result, the traceability and readability of blockchain are often more theoretical than practical."
Precisely for these reasons, for several years now, some national and international authorities have been trying to emphasise the risks associated with cryptocurrencies: "I’m thinking of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), Europol, and the Italian Anti-Mafia Investigation Department (DIA) regarding the mafias. And I think of our authorities, such as the MROS, which is part of the CGMF, the interdepartmental coordinating group on combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism. As early as 2018, this group had identified the significant threat posed by cryptocurrencies and recognised Switzerland, along with any other country, as particularly vulnerable in this context. According to the 2024 report of the CGMF, the situation has worsened further due to several specific factors", Francesco Lepori reminded us.
To combat the issue of crypto mafias, Francesco Lepori emphasises the need for greater financial resources and the establishment of an effective collaboration network: "Technology is complex, evolves rapidly, and knows no boundaries. Therefore, we must work together. It is no coincidence that the term ’collaboration’ frequently appears in reports and studies. In practical terms, this means that there needs to be cooperation among various entities: between different cantons, between cantons and the federal government, between the federal government and other countries governments, between criminal authorities and administrative bodies, and between the public and private sectors."
The full interview with Francesco Lepori, by Andrea Manna for laRegione, is available at the following.
