Camorra was a secret society of criminals that formed in Naples, Italy, in the early 1800’s. Its members, called Camorristi, became involved in blackmail, gambling, loan-sharking, smuggling, robbery, and murder. At times, the organization controlled the government of Naples. The society began to lose influence after it murdered a couple in 1906. A police investigation led to the conviction and imprisonment of many society members in 1912. After the trials, the Camorra lost much of its influence.
Since the end of World War II in 1945, one or more criminal societies called the Camorra have operated in and around Naples. Authorities are uncertain of the relationship of this “new Camorra” to the old one.
