...History: The Five Families of the New York Mafia Since the1920’s the five Italian/Sicilian-American crime families which include the Colombo’s, the Genovese’s, the Bonanno’s, the Gambino’s, and the Lucchese’s have been dominating New York’s organized crime. Each family has their own unique story about how each family made its way to becoming one of the top Five Families in the mafia. We will be taking a journey and learning the history behind each crime family, from what part of New York they controlled to who controlled each family during that time period, and who currently runs the mafia present day. Before going into the histories of each of these families, below is a hierarchy chart of the organized crime. You will need this to understand how the families were structured, and names that were associated with their titles. Boss: Also known as the “Don”. Has total control over the entire family. Underboss: They are second in command of the family; they give orders usually that comes from the Boss. Consigliere: The family advisor, sometimes they’re professional attorneys. Capo: They are captains or lieutenants; they are in charge of the soldiers and associates. Soldiers: They are the ones that do all the dirty work; they take orders from the Capo’s, and sometimes the Underboss. Associates: Are soldiers who haven’t been a “made man” yet. ------------------------------------------------- The Colombo Crime Family The Colombo crime family was formerly...
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...the so-called Mafia is a family of pure criminals, pimps, and murderers. Whatever the opinion, there is no doubt that the Mafia played a big part in the history of America and the way Americans view crime today. “The origins of the secret society known as the Mafia are believed to be as old as the 9th century” (Mafia History). During the 9th century, the Mafia’s main purpose was to strengthen themselves against enemies, which invaded their homeland in Sicily. It was supposed to create a strong feeling of togetherness between all Sicilians. “This idea of family was carried through in the structure of the organization, which had a strong hierarchical layout” (Mafia History). The Mafia is said by many to have perhaps the best system of power, than any other group or government known today. One can compare a physical representation of the family almost to a family tree dated all the way back through many generations. Certain people operated the system, but without the help of the people with the less power, the Mafia would be very weak. To put it another way, a leader cannot lead without followers, and the followers cannot follow without leaders. This is why the Mafia was hard to overcome. Although when many think of the location of the Mafia, Chicago and New York often come to mind, but actually the Mafia has been traced back through 26 major cites in America. Within every city were many Mafia families each with it’s own government. “At the head of each family stood the Dons...
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...The New York Italian Mafia first began it business ventures in the late 1890’s extorting businesses running theft rings and murdering people for money. From the later 1890’s to the early 1900’s most of these gangs thrived in poor Italian ghettoes. At this time these gangs where given the name the Black Hand for their part in extortion rackets that plagued the Italian neighborhoods. Through the early 1900’s these gangs expanded from Italian neighborhoods to city wide in New York ("Mafia in the United States", 2013). In January of 1920 prohibition began in the United States making it illegal to buy sale, manufacture, or transport alcohol. At this time there started to be a high demand for alcohol from the public. The New York Italian Mafia then morphed into a big time enterprises since the illegal sale of alcohol was tolerated by the public and many law enforcement officials were paid to look the other way. Most of the alcohol brought into the country at this time came from Canada, Caribbean, and stills that operated in the Midwest. During the 1920’s there began to be a power struggle within the Mafia gangs for control of territory and liquor sales. Gangs soon began to hijack each other’s shipments to force rivals to pay them for protection. It wasn’t until 1933 when prohibition ended that the Mafia moved to other business ventures ("Mafia in the United States", 2013). After prohibition the Italian crime families in New York had become criminal empires for their success in the...
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...Mafia What is the Mafia? Some believe the word Mafia was the battle cry of an Italian rebellious group- this battle of cry was the following: "Morte all Francia Italia anelia!" (Italian for "death to the French is Italy's cry!"). Others defined the Mafia as, name for loose association of criminal groups, sometimes bound by blood oath and sworn to secrecy. Despite both of these definitions the Mafia has evolved into a very complex and organized society of crime. Present time it doesn't represent Italian gangs, it also includes Russian, Japanese and Chinese gangs just to mention a few. The purpose of this work is to describe some of the aspects of the Mafia. the reason of naming Mafia in this way was that a member of this group who was riding a motorcyle snatched a carried daughter from a woman kidnapping her; however, such a woman hurried following him crying “Ma figlia! Ma figlia! “ which means in English "My daughter! My daughter!" many believe that the Mafia was born in order to protect and help the less fortunate. The methods used to help and protect were, and still remain illegal. Today, the organization still continues to practice these acts or "rituals." The difference between early Mafia and modern Mafia, is that during late 1800's to early 1900's, the Mafia used these illicit crimes to help their families and the noble good less fortunate, now they abuse their power and distribute the "dirty money" in abundance amongst themselves. In order for an individual...
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...Organized Crime Group Analysis CJA/384-Organized Crime September 09, 2012 University of Phoenix Organized Crime Group Analysis Team Summary Clotilda: The article I read was about a modern day mafia getting captured, and exposed by law enforcement. The Mafia had committed many crimes including Gambling, Drug Dealing, Extortion, Murder, and Union corruption. The article also talked about early mafias, and original gangsters that made themselves most wanted criminals from under the names of their mafias. It addresses many criminal names like “Martin Angelina”, “John Gotti”, and “Joe Merlino”. But that’s beside the point; this article focuses on the Genovese Family, from Newark, New Jersey and their control over the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA). They compare this mafia’s legacy to the 1954 film classic “On the Waterfront”; they also tell us that individuals state that the Genovese Organization has been in the “nearly three-decades-long extortion of post workers”. The mobs point man was Steven “Beach” Depiro, he was 55 and a very reputed solider. The Mob members had to kick back their Christmas bonuses just for the organization to work. Even Union Leaders were charged in the 53 count indictment, the indictment also listed the salaries of 7 of the ILA members, their salaries ranged from $230,512 to $532,719. Many things have changed over time since Marlon Brando’s Terry Malloy went and stood up against of the corrupt union bosses in “On the Waterfront”...
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...early 1970s. The United States Government took several different approaches in dealing with organized crime one of which was the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act. This Act has a significant impact on federal government’s ability to combat organized crime. A closer look at the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act will give some insight on who was affected by the act, what issues the act presents and my recommendations on modifying the act. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, was passed in 1970 to combat organized crime such as the mafia. Understanding how organizations such as the mafia operate will give some insight in what exactly the RICO Act accomplishes. Typical criminal organizations such as the mafia are designed in a way that members within the organization commit criminal acts at the direction of a boss, in the case of the mafia, The Godfather. Prior to RICO the Godfather was unable to be prosecuted for the criminal acts his members committed. In these cases the Godfather is able to continue his enterprise of criminal activity and reap the rewards of his clandestine operation. The RICO act essentially closes this loophole and allows for guilt by association style of prosecution (Grell, 2014). All that is required to indict an individual with a RICO charge is that they commit two predicate offences within a 10-year period. Predicate offences are defined as any violation of state statues against gambling, murder,...
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...These two characters are Irish brothers that share a deep sense of their Catholic religion. Their names are Murphy and Connor McManus. Murphy and Connor are two ordinary men who are put in an extraordinary situation; Connor risks his own life to save the life of his brother. The situation starts from a bar fight with two Russian mafia soldiers. The Russians lose the fight with the two brothers; the next morning they come after the McManus brothers for revenge. Murphy and Connor kill the two men in self defense and go to the police station. While in the holding cell, they are given a message from a spiritual force to rid the world of evil men. From that moment they devote themselves to a battle between good and evil. Another important character is David Della Rocco, also known as the “Funny Man” or just Rocco. Rocco is a package boy for the Yakaveta family Italian mafia. The head of the Yakaveta family is “Papa” Joe Yakaveta. “Papa” Joe sets up Rocco in a situation to have him killed; Rocco finds out about “Papa” Joe’s plans and decides to join forces with Murphy and Connor in killing evil people. The killings are mainly focused towards men with mafia affiliations. Rocco tells the McManus brothers who to kill and where and to find them. Later in the movie, “Papa” Joe calls on “The Duke” to help him get rid of Rocco. Papa Joe captures the three men and kills Rocco. The Duke proceeds to attempt to kill Murphy and...
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...Organized Crime By Rita Goforth July 22, 2013 CJA/384 Criminal Organizations Instructor Jack Tandy When I think about organized crime and its very definition I immediately think of is the Italian Mafia, which has been portrayed in various articles, news casts, and historical culture and let’s not forget the many movies that have been made. This alone does not define what organized crime group are though I’m sure at one time it was the primary indicator for organized crime. Yet today this is not true at all and it would take multiple text books and research to explain it all because these groups have expanded so much. As defined by (Jay S. Albanese) organized crime functions as a continuing enterprise that rationally works to make a profit through illicit activities, and insures its existence through the use of threats or force and through corruption of law enforcement. Along with many other definitions that sometimes vary in small ways the consensus is generally the same. The way that I would define organized crime would be that it is any group that conducts illegal acts in order to gain a profit or personal gain. Simply put, organized crime groups are groups not only defined to the Mafia but other groups such as motorcycle clubs, gangs, terrorists and even some corporations, who act outside the law in order to gain, money property, status or anything else that benefits themselves but is done illegally. Take for example the motorcycle groups that traffic guns, drugs...
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...be considered some type of organized crime. When I did some of the reading I looked at how the organized crime world id defined. It is a little bit more elaborate than that of mine. One of the things I didn't think about until I read it was the torture part. I never realized that this is also something that should be considered. Another part of the reading that I did not know is that there was an organized crime ring ran by a African American woman in the 30's and 40's called the forty thieves. I always thought of the Italian families running organized crime and that was all I knew or even cared to know. I never thought about their being Irish, Jewish, and other countries like this involved in organized crime. I was quite shocked to read about the Irish Immigration and see that they as well as Sicilian people were so oppressed by others that they created there own group of people which started the whole Mafia business. It was also very interesting to learn how early these groups started. I would have never thought that had went back as far as they do. Reading about Mr. Pendergast and the Union Station Massacre was a huge surprise. If I think about what is the root of organized crime, I would have to say the start of this would be the community and the way they have been...
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...What is the Mafia? Some believe the word Mafia was the battle cry of an Italian rebellious group- this battle of cry was the following: "Morte all Francia Italia anelia!" (Italian for "death to the French is Italy's cry!") (www. gambino.com). Others defined the Mafia as, name for loose association of criminal groups, sometimes bound by blood oath and sworn to secrecy. (Microsoft Encarta 97). Despite both of these definitions the Mafia has evolved into a very complex and organized society of crime. Present time it doesn't represent Italian gangs, (even though that's what most people picture) it also includes Russian, Japanese and Chinese gangs just to mention a few. The purpose of this work is to describe some of the aspects of the Mafia. Throughout the course of this work I will use the Italian Mafia as my subject in order to exhibit my views more clearly. The history of the Mafia is sketchy but many believe that the Mafia was born in order to protect and help the less fortunate. The methods used to help and protect were, and still remain illegal. Today, the organization still continues to practice these acts or "rituals." The difference between early Mafia and modern Mafia, is that during late 1800's to early 1900's, the Mafia used these illicit crimes to help their families and the noble good less fortunate, now they abuse their power and distribute the "dirty money" in abundance amongst themselves. (keep in mind that the Mafia was born in Sicily, in a time where authorities...
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...and 1992, 23 bosses from around the country were convicted under the law while between 1981 and 1988, 13 underbosses and 43 captains were convicted.[22] While this significantly crippled many Mafia families around the country, the most powerful families continued to dominate crime in their territories, even if the new laws put more mobsters in jail and made it harder to operate. With Sammy Gravano agreeing to cooperate with the FBI and turn state's evidence in 1991, he helped the FBI convict top Mafia leaders in New York. Although not the first Mafia member to testify against his peers, such a powerful mobster agreeing to do so set a precedent for waves of mobsters thereafter to break the code of silence to do the same; giving up information and testifying in exchange for immunity from prosecution for their crimes.[12][26] Aside from avoiding long prison stretches, the FBI could put mobsters in the United States Federal Witness Protection Program, changing their identities and supporting them financially for life. This led to dozens of mobsters testifying and providing information during the 1990s, which led to the imprisonment of hundreds of mobsters. As a result, the Mafia has seen a major decline in its power and influence in organized crime since the 1990s. In the 21st century, the Mafia has continued to be involved in a broad...
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...is a losing combination in the card game hana-fuda and hence later on used to describe gamblers who were born to lose and was of no use in society. The Yakuza have different identities, to some they are violence specialists, to some gangsters, to some extortionists, to some gamblers, to some the Japanese mafia. While it is not wrong to have such impressions on the yakuza, this not completely true as there is so much more behind the yakuza than just being violent gangsters. Also according to Siniawer, he does not want to call the yakuza, “gangsters” because sometimes “it may evoke romantic images of Prohibition-era bosses”, which will inaccurately depict the yakuza. The yakuza are essentially different from the (Sicilian) mafia, in the sense that the perception of the mafia as an unambiguously predatory entity locked in bloody combat with the state, which are exemplified by such crimes as the assassination of the Italian prosecutors Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. This was different with the yakuza who proudly displayed the name of their gang, and its crest, and crest at the entrance. (Hill, 2003: 6-7) This is also shown in movies like Brother, in which the Cuban mafia could not understand the way in which the Japanese carried out their operation methods and were eventually out played by the yakuza for a while. The yakuza are also made up of different groups of people. The more prominent groups are mainly the Bakuto and Tekiya. Bakuto were usually gamblers who were in...
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...Crime was on the Rise In the 1960’s, the world was changing at a rapid rate. The 60’s provided many challenges for America in many ways. With the assassinations of John F. Kennedy, Robert Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr, and Malcolm X, America seemed to be slowly destroying itself. With many Americans fighting for their rights, countless types of crime were committed during this time. Several great leaders in America were killed, but several bad Mafia leaders were taken down as well. Crime rates in America during the 60’s increased tremendously with assassinations, civil rights riots, and Mafia murders happening around every corner. Over the past 40 years, America has changed in many ways. Back in the 1960’s technology, politics, civil rights,...
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...about poverty, the turn of the century, a family, and the hierocracy of politics in America. Being the first film that brought the real-life Cosa Nostra and Mafia to reality on the screen; it gave the public and viewers a new awareness and insight into the life of gangsters through the lens of organized crime. The term “Mafia” meaning Cosa Nostra or “our thing” was brought to the U.S with the migration of many Italians from Sicily in 1914. Many Italians turned to the Mafia life as a way of functioning as an alternate to the state, with its own “rights, treaties, and problems” (History.com).I believe that the film The Godfather is an amazing film in history because behind its gangster plot, is a classic story of an American family tracing its journey from immigration and poverty to assimilation and success. In filming the movie The Godfather, America and all the people were experiencing a time of turmoil and change. Accurately depicting the Sicilian-American experience of migration to America, speaks to many others who can relate to the immigration communities everywhere. A main quote used throughout this film is “its business, not personal” (Bruno) Used multiple times, the meaning of why it’s used is simply stated: “They do this in part to hide from the public the violent reality of what they do” (Bruno). The business that Don “Vito” and his son Michael are wrapped in is, the life of the “mafia”. Dealing with drugs from a rival family is the least they want to do, so Don struggles...
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...1900s, one organized crime groups have been coexisting here in the United States under legitimate businesses with the intention to gain money and power from unlawful crimes, the Italian mafia. This group would be the center of attention in many movies from the early 70s to today entertainment industry. The Italian mafia goes by different names the Mob, Mafia, or La Cos Nostra, is the umbrella names of several clandestine organizations in Sicily and the United States. These groups of organized criminals would form their own organization, before coming to the Unites States because they believe that they could not trust Span’s law enforcement. So the citizens of Sicily would organize their own protection of society would eventually would evolve into the Mafia. As the years go by many more organized crime groups would appear from Russia, Mexico, and African Americans groups. In this paper I will discuss the why I feel that these groups are assumed to break the laws of our government and compare the difference of my definition to what is actually read from the book” Organized Crimes”. I would also like to discuss the characteristics that might be associated with organized criminal behavior. WHAT IS ORGANIZED CRIME? When I think of organized crime, I think of Italian mafia, Russian Mob, Mexican Mafia, biker gangs like the Outlaws and Hell’s Angels willing to get what they want under a well thought out plan. These organized crime groups work under legitimate businesses to front their...
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