What is cartel vs mafia?

Cartels and mafias are both criminal organizations that operate outside of the law and engage in illegal activities. However, there are some key differences between the two groups.

A cartel is typically an organization that controls the production, distribution, and sale of a specific product, such as drugs or weapons, in a particular geographic area. Cartels often operate as a group of businesses that collude to control the market, raise prices, and maximize profits. They may use violence to maintain their power and protect their interests.

On the other hand, a mafia is a criminal organization that operates across multiple industries, such as gambling, loan-sharking, extortion, and money laundering. Mafias often have hierarchies and codes of conduct, and members may refer to each other as "family." They may also engage in violence, but it is typically used for more targeted purposes, such as eliminating rivals or punishing dissenters.

Overall, both cartels and mafias are highly organized criminal enterprises that pose a significant threat to law and order. However, their specific activities, structures, and methods of operation can differ in important ways.