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Commentary on Judgment No. 34786 of 2023: The Mafia Method and Its Legal Implications

The judgment no. 34786 of May 31, 2023, by the Court of Cassation offers significant reflections on the application of the aggravating factor of the 'mafia method', as provided by Article 416-bis.1 of the Penal Code. In this case, the Court reiterated that the implicit evocation of the intimidating force typical of mafia actions can configure such an aggravating factor, especially in territories historically marked by the presence of mafia organizations.

The Context of the Judgment

The case in question involved an individual accused of usury, operating in a context where the presence of a Camorra clan was notorious. The Court emphasized that, for the integration of the aggravating factor of the 'mafia method', it is sufficient for the subject to implicitly refer to the criminal power of the mafia consortium, recognized and feared by the community.

Aggravating factor referred to in Article 416-bis.1 of the Penal Code - Use of the so-called "mafia method" - Conduct that implicitly evokes the intimidating force typical of mafia actions - Sufficiency - Legal case. For the configurability of the aggravating factor of the "mafia method", as per Article 416-bis.1 of the Penal Code, it is sufficient, in a territory where a historical mafia organization is rooted, that the acting subject implicitly refers to the criminal power of the consortium, as such power is known to the community. (Legal case related to the crime of usury, in which the Court stated that the notorious affiliation of the accomplice to a historical Camorra clan, the unscrupulousness of the usurious requests from the suspects, and the use of expressions typical of mafia actions allowed for the conclusion that "the mafia criminal method" was integrated).

Legal and Jurisprudential Implications

This ruling fits into a legal context already rich in judgments, some consistent and others divergent, which have variously interpreted the aggravating factor of the 'mafia method'. The Court, confirming previous orientations, seems to want to tighten the criteria for assessing mafia conduct, especially in relation to usury crimes. Among the earlier maxims, judgments no. 32 of 2017 and no. 19245 of the same year have already addressed similar issues, but the emphasis placed on the 'implicit' element makes this ruling particularly significant.

  • Recognition of the intimidating force of mafia organizations.
  • Need for a contextual evaluation of conduct.
  • Impact on future investigations and prosecutions in cases of usury and other crimes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, judgment no. 34786 of 2023 represents an important step in the fight against organized crime, confirming the centrality of the aggravating factor of the 'mafia method'. It provides more incisive legal tools to counter illicit behaviors that exploit the intimidating force typical of mafia organizations. It is essential for legal operators to carefully consider the implications of this ruling, both in the investigation phase and in judicial proceedings, to ensure a coherent and just application of criminal laws.