It is called “pizzo” in mafia jargon, the amount of money forcibly and regularly extorted from traders by organized crime. Basically, almost all those who have a shop or any kind of commercial activity are forced to pay a “tax” to local mobsters. Otherwise, intimidation, physical violence or serious damage to facilities are the unavoidable consequences.

Mostly spread in the southern regions of Italy, this practice is still a serious problem, although complaints seem to have increased lately. Apparently, the word pizzo comes from the Sicilian “pizzu” (beak), and has nothing to do with pizza. However, this is not the case. Indeed, on January 16 Gino Sorbillo, the owner of one of the most popular pizzerie in the historic center of Naples, has been forced to close his restaurant due to a bomb that went off during the night.