These discussions on Masonry caused my to recall the "Loggia P2" affair in Italy that came to light back in the 80s. Although it was right-wing and even crpto-facist, as I recall, a study of it might reveal some principles about how these things might work.

It's something I might take a closer look at some day, but the accounts in English that I've come across over the years are pretty short outlines. I would probably have to improve my Italian reading skills for that.