The Shadow Games: How Organized Crime Targets the Olympics – and What’s Being Done About It
The arrest of two alleged mafia-linked individuals in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, just weeks before the 2026 Winter Olympics, isn’t an isolated incident. It’s a stark warning about a growing trend: the increasing vulnerability of mega-events like the Olympics to infiltration by organized crime. While the spotlight shines on athletic achievement, a darker competition unfolds behind the scenes – a battle for lucrative contracts, control of local economies, and ultimately, influence.
From Rome to the Dolomites: The Expanding Reach of Criminal Networks
Traditionally, concerns about organized crime and the Olympics centered around host cities with established mafia presences, like Rome. However, the Cortina case demonstrates a disturbing expansion. The two brothers, connected to the notorious SS Lazio Ultras, allegedly attempted to control drug distribution, nightclubs, and even manipulate construction contracts for Olympic-related projects. This isn’t about simply profiting from increased tourism; it’s about establishing a foothold in a new territory and diversifying criminal enterprises.
The Italian DIA (Direzione Investigativa Antimafia) has explicitly warned that the Winter Olympics represent a “significant event” for criminal syndicates. In 2024 alone, 50 anti-mafia interdiction measures were enacted in Lombardy, including one against a construction firm involved in Olympic infrastructure, due to ties with the ‘Ndrangheta – considered one of the most powerful and wealthy mafia organizations in the world. This illustrates a proactive, yet reactive, approach to a persistent threat.
The “Mafia Method” and the Erosion of Transparency
Even without direct membership in traditional mafia structures, criminal groups are employing the “mafia method” – extortion, coercion, and intimidation – to gain control. Allegations in the Cortina case include threats against rival drug dealers, violent intimidation of business owners, and attempts to corrupt local officials. This tactic allows groups to operate with a degree of deniability while still exerting significant influence.
A key enabler of this infiltration is a lack of transparency in procurement processes. Elisa Orlando of the anti-mafia organization Libera points out a recurring pattern: mega-events are often treated as “emergencies,” leading to exemptions from standard transparency and procurement regulations. This creates opportunities for corruption and allows criminal organizations to exploit loopholes. The Fondazione Milano Cortina, responsible for managing many Olympic projects, has been labeled a “black hole of transparency” by Libera.
Did you know? Approximately 60% of the 98 Olympic projects listed on the official portal lack a comprehensive environmental impact assessment, raising concerns about potential irregularities and unchecked development.
The Rise of the Anti-Mafia Movement: A Counterforce
Italy, however, isn’t passively accepting this threat. The anti-mafia movement, born in the 1990s, is actively fighting back. Organizations like Libera, founded by priest Luigi Ciotti, are pushing for greater transparency, accountability, and the reuse of assets confiscated from criminal organizations. Their “Open Olympics 26” campaign is a radical attempt to scrutinize procurement procedures and expose potential corruption.
This movement isn’t limited to Italy. The lessons learned from past Olympic scandals – in Sochi, Rio, and Tokyo – are prompting organizations to replicate the Open Olympics model for future Games, including the 2030 Winter Olympics in France. The goal is to create an international civic legacy, fostering a global movement for Olympic transparency.
Beyond Italy: A Global Vulnerability
The risk of criminal infiltration isn’t unique to Italy. Mega-events, with their massive budgets and complex logistics, are inherently vulnerable to corruption and exploitation. The sheer scale of these projects makes oversight difficult, and the pressure to deliver on time can lead to compromises in due diligence.
Pro Tip: Independent oversight committees, empowered with the authority to investigate and report on potential irregularities, are crucial for mitigating the risk of criminal infiltration. These committees should include representatives from civil society organizations and have access to all relevant documentation.
Future Trends and Mitigation Strategies
Several trends suggest the threat will likely intensify:
- Increased Sophistication: Criminal organizations are becoming more sophisticated in their methods, utilizing shell companies, offshore accounts, and cybercrime to conceal their activities.
- Geopolitical Instability: Political instability and economic crises can create opportunities for criminal groups to exploit vulnerabilities in host countries.
- Focus on Greenwashing: The growing emphasis on sustainability and “green” infrastructure projects could create new avenues for corruption, as criminals seek to profit from environmentally-focused contracts.
To counter these trends, a multi-faceted approach is needed:
- Enhanced Due Diligence: Thorough vetting of all contractors and subcontractors, including background checks and financial investigations.
- Blockchain Technology: Utilizing blockchain to create a transparent and immutable record of all transactions related to Olympic projects.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Employing AI-powered tools to detect anomalies and patterns of suspicious activity in procurement data.
- International Collaboration: Strengthening cooperation between law enforcement agencies and anti-corruption organizations across borders.
FAQ: Organized Crime and the Olympics
- Q: Is the Olympics always targeted by organized crime? A: Yes, historically, major sporting events have attracted criminal interest due to the large sums of money involved.
- Q: What types of crimes are most common? A: Corruption, extortion, money laundering, and illegal gambling are frequently observed.
- Q: What can be done to prevent criminal infiltration? A: Increased transparency, robust oversight, and international collaboration are essential.
- Q: Are smaller Olympic events also at risk? A: While the scale may be smaller, even smaller events can be vulnerable to exploitation.
The fight against organized crime’s influence on the Olympics is an ongoing battle. It requires vigilance, transparency, and a commitment to upholding the integrity of the Games. The future of the Olympics – and the trust of the public – depends on it.
What are your thoughts? Share your comments below and let us know what other measures you think should be taken to protect the Olympics from criminal infiltration.
