Mafia initiation ritual video released by Italian police

Anti-mafia police have released unprecedented footage of an initiation ritual filmed as part of an inquiry into the 'Ndrangheta crime syndicate.

The footage shows the quasi-religious rites involved in becoming a member.

The group, based in Calabria in the southern tip of mainland Italy, are one of the most powerful and secretive criminal organisations in the world.

James Reynolds reports from Rome.

  • Subsection
  • Published