Francesco Barilari (Tor Vergata University of Rome)

Breaking the Waves: The impact of anti-mafia guidelines on anti-smuggling prosecutions

Abstract: This paper investigates the transferability of prosecutorial knowledge from combating organized crime to enhancing the effectiveness of anti-smuggling activities. Focusing on Italy’s law enforcement shifts in 2014, prompted by the introduction of the Linee Guida by the Italian anti-mafia directorate (DNA) to combat migrant smuggling, we examine whether municipalities with prior anti-mafia experience show improved performance in contrasting smuggling. Leveraging differences-in-differences estimates and treatment assignment based on historical organized-crime counteraction, our results reveal that municipalities with a history of organized-crime fighting exhibit a heightened propensity for legal proceedings related to smuggling, increased likelihood of convictions, and proficiency in identifying smuggling leaders. Furthermore, our findings underscore the significant role of cultural and social proximity between the head of DNA, Franco Roberti, and local prosecutors in the successful adoption of anti-smuggling policies. This research contributes nuanced insights into the impact of anti-smuggling policies, emphasizing the pivotal role of prior expertise in organized-crime counteraction and vertical organizational connections for successful implementation and outcomes.

Joint with Pierluigi Conzo e Roberto Zotti.