List No. 025

THE MAFIA DECALOGUE

The Mafia

Date Unknown

Salvatore Lo Piccolo was on the run for 24 long years. When finally arrested in 2007 it is believed he was head of the Sicilian Mafia, the world’s most famous criminal organisation and his “family” for decades. As with most families, the Mafia has rules. However, it wasn’t until Piccolo’s capture, after which Italian police discovered in his hideout, a document now known as the Mafia Decalogue, that these rules were unveiled for the world to see.

I SWEAR TO BE FAITHFUL TO THE COSA NOSTRA. IF I BETRAY MY FLESH MUST BURN — AS THIS IMAGE BURNS.

RIGHTS AND DUTIES

NO ONE CAN PRESENT HIMSELF DIRECTLY TO ANOTHER OF OUR FRIENDS. THERE MUST BE A THIRD PERSON TO DO IT.

NEVER LOOK AT THE WIVES OF FRIENDS.

NEVER BE SEEN WITH COPS.

DON’T GO TO PUBS AND CLUBS.

ALWAYS BEING AVAILABLE FOR COSA NOSTRA IS A DUTY — EVEN IF YOUR WIFE IS ABOUT TO GIVE BIRTH.

APPOINTMENTS MUST ABSOLUTELY BE RESPECTED.

WIVES MUST BE TREATED WITH RESPECT.

WHEN ASKED FOR ANY INFORMATION THE ANSWER MUST BE THE TRUTH.

MONEY CANNOT BE APPROPRIATED IF IT BELONGS TO OTHERS OR TO OTHER FAMILIES.

INDIVIDUALS WHO CANNOT BE PART OF THE COSA NOSTRA

ANYONE WHO HAS A CLOSE RELATIVE IN THE POLICE.

ANYONE WITH A TWO-TIMING RELATIVE IN THE FAMILY.

ANYONE WHO BEHAVES BADLY AND DOESN’T HOLD TO MORAL VALUES