Catania Mafia family
| Founded | 1925 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Antonino Saitta |
| Founding location | Catania, Sicily |
| Years active | 1925–present |
| Territory | Catania and many cities of its province, including: Aci Catena, Aci Sant'Antonio, Acireale, Adrano, Bronte, Fiumefreddo di Sicilia, Giarre, Palagonia, Paternò, Santa Venerina, Zafferana Etnea. Their reach also extends to the city of Messina and to Malta. |
| Ethnicity | Sicilians |
| Allies | The alliances shifted depending on the period, but included: Pietraperzia Mafia family Caltagirone Mafia family Ramacca Mafia family Corleonesi Mafia clan Riesi Mafia family Santa Maria di Gesù Mafia family Inzerillo Mafia clan Casalesi clan Licciardi clan Mallardo clan De Stefano 'ndrina |
| Rivals | Clan dei Cursoti |
The Catania Mafia family, currently also referred to as the Santapaola-Ercolano Mafia clan, is a crime family of the Cosa Nostra that dominates organized crime activities in the city of Catania and its province.
The Catania Mafia quietly evolved into one of the most powerful and violent factions within the Cosa Nostra. Rooted in family ties and political connections, the organization emerged from the shadows in the mid-20th century under the leadership of Giuseppe Calderone, only to become a militarized empire under his former ally and eventual successor, Benedetto Santapaola. What began as a local effort to control gambling dens and extort businesses soon escalated into a ruthless criminal dynasty, whose influence reached deep into the economic and institutional fabric of Catania.
Today, the Catania Mafia remains a powerful force, still controlled by the Santapaola-Ercolano clan. The organization has adapted to modern times, maintaining influence through extortion, drug trafficking, and infiltration of legitimate businesses. Its deep-rooted connections and ability to regenerate leadership continue to make it a central player in Sicily’s criminal landscape.