Contribution short abstract:

Conducting research on organized crime within family-based structures presents significant challenges, particularly in gaining access to the field.

Contribution long abstract:

Conducting research on organized crime within family-based structures presents significant challenges, particularly in gaining access to the field. The secrecy and distrust inherent in such environments demand careful negotiation, persistence, and the establishment of personal connections to build trust with participants. These challenges are compounded by complex ethical questions, including balancing the need for confidentiality with the responsibility to report certain types of information, navigating potential risks to participants and researchers, and avoiding the unintended stigmatization of broader communities.

This study focuses on the case of criminal hamulas in the 'mixed city' of Jaffa, Israel, based on fieldwork conducted on Israeli organized crime. The findings reveal the structure of family-based organizations, their modus operandi, spheres of activity, and the dynamics of ongoing criminal feuds between Arabic hamulas. The analysis also delves into the roles of both criminal and non-criminal family members, examining their loyalty, duties, and recruitment processes in the context of these feuds. By addressing both methodological and ethical considerations alongside empirical findings, this research provides a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding Arabic criminal hamulas and offers critical insights into the study of organized crime in family-based systems.