Ruthless Mafia mobsters are now styling themselves on ISIS killers to appear more terrifying
They are even growing long jihadist beards a top Italian judge reveals
MAFIA mobsters are now styling themselves on ISIS by growing long beards and creating a merciless 'cult of death', an Italian judge has revealed.
Although the gangsters have no plans to convert to Islam they view ISIS and Taliban terrorists as great 'role models' as they take no prisoners.
They particularly want to emulate their total disregard for life, according to Naples judge Nicola Quatrano.
He said mobsters and terrorists are both obsessed with death, and said there is an 'existential thread' linking them.
He spoke after sentencing 43 members of the ruhtless Camorra crime syndicate.
And the judge warned that younger gangsters flirt with death to give meaning to their lives, reports.
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He said: "An existential thread links the young men who course through the streets of Naples with guns, and jihadi militants.
"Both groups are obsessed with death. Maybe they are in love with the idea, they are seeking it out, almost as if it is the only way of giving meaning to their lives."
One group is referring to itself as the 'Barbuti' - meaning the bearded ones.
In court documents Mr Quatrano said Camorra gang members are basing their 'role models and modes of behaviour' on Islamic terrorists, and added: "Some have grown bushy beards in the Taliban style."
One example was Camorra gangster Emanuele Sibillo, who grew a long beard similar to jihadist fighters.
He died in a shooting last summer at the age of 19.
The judge said Sibillo is now regarded as a 'hero' and 'venerated almost like San Gennaro (the patron saint of Naples'.
Vincenzo Morgese, who works with Neapolitan young offenders stated: "In their imagination, Islamic State represents ferocity and a lack of fear.
"It’s a symbol of the fight against the state, against institutions and against other tribes."
