’Ndrangheta clan infiltrates funeral business in Calabria

Judicial investigations have revealed the infiltration of the ’ndrangheta mafia clan, specifically the Grande Aracri family from Cutro, into the funeral services and coffin business between the Catanzaro coast and the province of Crotone.

According to testimony from collaborator Santo Mirarchi, the criminal organization established a monopoly through an economic-criminal entanglement with a funeral agency led by Roberto Mercurio. The relationship reportedly began around 2010-2011 when Mercurio, facing a financial crisis, accepted liquidity from entrepreneurs linked to the clan in exchange for a 50% share of the business profits.

The investigation suggests the arrangement included hidden corporate shares, imposed suppliers, and a protective shield provided by boss Nicolino Grande Aracri. This structure allowed the clan to control the sector and manage profits under the guise of legitimate business partnerships.