In the history of Italian mafias racketeering is the oldest and most unchanging of its criminal activities. The request for protection money - pizzo/messa a posto, or, in mafia slang, the illegal tax regularly paid by businessman - is the main instrument mafia groups use to exercise control over a territory. The exploitation of victims represents an important source of profit and a particularly efficient means for controlling a local economy. Since the early 1990s an ‘anti-racket’ movement has emerged, made up of associations of businessmen, shopkeepers and consumers who work to free the economy from the influence of mafia and racket. The movement has been very successful across Italy. What drives this mobilization? Why is the fight worthwhile, for all?