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Originated from the Spanish group, the Garduna, transplanted when Spain took Naples in the sixteenth century. In addition
to initiation ceremonies, blood oaths and secret signs, the new member was expected to commit a murder for final recognition.
The Camorra has small groups led by a "caporegime", and is governed by a Grand Ruling Council. Camorra was city-based
from the start, unlike the rural Mafia and 'Ndrangheta. In the past, the Camorra has used the Roman Catholic church as a cover.
The Camorra provided smuggling to the Sicilian mafia's heroin trade, starting in the 1970's. Previously, these Naples-based
gangs were renowned for tobacco smuggling.
More recently the Camorra has mad links to gangs in the former Soviet
Union, and is under investigation for smuggling of Russian weapons and even nuclear material.
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