Stidda

The Stidda (Sicilian for "star") is a name referring to a type of organized crime that originated in Sicily, Italy. It is considered a relatively recent phenomenon compared to the better-known Cosa Nostra (the Sicilian Mafia), emerging as a distinct entity in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

Unlike Cosa Nostra, which has a rigid hierarchical structure and a long history, the Stidda is generally considered to be a more loosely organized collection of smaller, independent groups. Its members are often drawn from areas outside the traditional Cosa Nostra power bases, particularly in the southern and eastern regions of Sicily.

The reasons for the Stidda's emergence are complex, but are often attributed to:

• Power struggles within Cosa Nostra: Disputes and internal conflicts within the Cosa Nostra led to splinter groups and the formation of rival organizations.
• A desire for power and territory: Individuals and groups sought to establish their own criminal enterprises outside the control of the established Mafia families.
• The anti-Mafia crackdown: Increased law enforcement pressure on Cosa Nostra created opportunities for new criminal groups to emerge.

The Stidda is known for its violent methods and involvement in various criminal activities, including extortion, drug trafficking, and murder. While not as widely known or as influential as Cosa Nostra on a national or international level, it has exerted significant influence in certain areas of Sicily. The Stidda and Cosa Nostra have often been in direct conflict with each other.

Membership in the Stidda is often identified through specific tattoos, typically depicting five points arranged in a star shape, hence the name. This serves as an identifying mark among members.

Over the years, Italian authorities have made significant efforts to combat the Stidda, leading to numerous arrests and convictions. However, the Stidda continues to pose a challenge to law enforcement in Sicily.