Abstract

The article illustrates a case study on the relationship between the political élite in Caserta and an organized crime group with respect to the allocation of social welfare services. Based on field work reports, official police and judicial documents, and interviews with institutional representatives and local welfare actors, the study sheds light on how social services are currently provided in the province of Caserta - Campania - where the "Camorra" is fully active. The "Camorra" 's interest in the local welfare system has been proven in court and judicial rulings show that the "Camorristi" play a mediating role between entrepreneurs and politicians. The evidence documents that by taking advantage of its regulatory role, the "Camorra" managed to build great wealth, achieve local political control, and gain a broad social consensus in civil society, particularly by guaranteeing jobs to its members and supporters.