First at all, Cosa Nostra was born in Sicily, Italy in the early nineteen century.

It’s one of the most

important criminal organizations in the world, and it has a hierarchical scheme and a well-defined
aim. What many people don’t know is that, it has 10 commandments, which must be absolutely
respected by his members. These commandments have been found by the Italian Police in a hidden
place in Palermo, as a result of an important police operation in 2007 to capture the Boss Salvatore
Lo Piccolo.
1. People who can't be part of Cosa Nostra:
Anyone who has a close relative in the police, because it would make vulnerable the organization
under the law.
Anyone who behaves badly and doesn't hold to moral values. We can think, it’s completely self-
contradictory according to the modus operandi we know of the mafia, but the main idea of a gangster
is to go unnoticed on society and to show an acceptable moral behavior to avoid being accused with
the authorities.

2. No one can present himself directly to another of our friends. There must be a third person
to do it.
The most important thing about this commandment is that every gangster puts his life in a serious
danger when he introduces another person to the family because he will be responsible of the
conduct of the new person.
Another important thing, it’s that if gangster introduces the other person as “ a friend of ours” it
means the person is already part of the family, but if he uses the expression “A friend of mine” the
rest of the members will take care about it.

3. Never look at the wives of friends.

A Mafioso can’t have a relationship with wives and daughters of other members of the organization.
This commandment has nothing to do with honor and moral of the person, but the stability and goals
of the organization.

4. Wives must be treated with respect.

Respect doesn’t imply fidelity. The Mafioso has to show a correct conduct with his wife, that means,
he can’t attack her, can’t beat her, neither to ridicule her in public.

5. Never be seen with cops.

This rule was born as a result of the witness protection program that emerged in 1970 in the US. This
program gave members the opportunity to provide information to FBI in exchange of protection. So
with this, Police knew a lot of information about the modus operandi and many businesses collapsed.

6. . Don't go to pubs and clubs.

We know that these places are important to do business. The main problem is not to go to those
places, but the social life and popularity into the society.

7. Always being available for Cosa Nostra is a duty, even if your wife is close to give birth.
It means, that a Mafioso doesn’t have holidays or vacations. They must be available every day, every
hour, all the year.

8. . Appointments must absolutely be respected. This rule is related with the previous one.
They can’t miss a date.
9. When someone asks for any information, the answer must be the truth.
It’s a contradiction too, because the boss knows that everybody lies, but he will put his trust in those
people who say a less number of lies.

10. Money cannot be appropriated if it belongs to others or to other families.

Members of Cosa Nostra can steal anyone, but always outside the organization. This is a rule done to
preserve the harmony and success of the mafia.