Construction mafia: From open intimidation to sophisticated coercion

A criminologist highlights how construction mafias have shifted from blatant threats to more subtle forms of coercion, infiltrating legitimate business and procurement channels. This transformation makes it harder for honest contractors to compete, as these networks manipulate contracts and payments to ensure their dominance. Such shifts not only threaten fair business practices but also have broader implications for economic stability and regulatory oversight in the construction sector. This insidious evolution underscores the need for stronger enforcement and vigilance against these organized crime groups.