Your attention is presented to 20 outstanding "Godfathers", whose name is inscribed in gold in the history of organized crime in America. These people are - Cosa Nostra: they created it, led it and allowed it to survive in harsh times. From the many leaders, 20 of the most legendary, authoritative and powerful in the 20th century were selected.
In my opinion, the position of persons in the rating is very, very controversial, I would arrange the names a little differently, but ...
I leave it to you, gentlemen, to judge for yourself!
#1 LUCKY LUCIANO
Society:
They said about him: "Luciano? Oh, this is a real gentleman. He can give a girl $ 100 just because she smiled at him."
Finance:
According to a federal investigation in 1929, Luciano's annual income was $200,000. For comparison: at that time, the most expensive mansions in Beverly Hills were estimated at no more than $20,000.
Opinions:
"Everything is good with Luciano," Masseria said. "But he's just a sissy, a son of a bitch."
Thomas Dewey captured the essence of Luciano's activities. In his diatribe, he said: "When Luciano took over the vice industry, it became highly organized and began to be managed by the latest fashionable commercial management."
Achievements:
1. Delimitation of powers between families
2. The creation of Murder Incorporated - a paramilitary division of professional hitmen
3. Establishment of a permanent collegiate council of Mafia Dons
4. The constant desire to legalize business, to expand the spheres of influence
5. Subjugation of trade unions.
Outcome:
This is the man who "invented" organized crime
#2 CARLO GAMBINO
Opinions:
Joe Bonanno called him "a squirrel, an obsequious, low-worshipping man. Anastasia used him as an errand boy. I once saw Albert get so mad at Carlo for failing a simple task that Albert raised his hand and hit him hard... No other man would have endured such a public insult. Carlo answered with a servile grin.
Albert Seedman, chief of detectives for the New York Police Department, said: "Gambino was like a rattlesnake that coils up and pretends to be dead until danger is past."
Connections:
Gambino was the most ambitious young accomplice of Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky
Credo:
He strengthened his position by allying with the right people, and killing the unnecessary ones, so that no one even tried to challenge him.
Achievements:
1. Being in an initially losing position, he was able to take over the empire of Anastasia, and then Genovese, becoming a real "Godfather".
2. In the 60s and 70s (almost 20 years) there was the most authoritative Don of the Mafia.
3. Made the Gambino Clan the most powerful in the country.
Outcome:
The most "cunning and streamlined" Don, who put into practice the principle: "the smart one will not go uphill ..."
#3 MAYER LANSKY
Personality in history
If there ever was a "Golden Age" of the Mafia in the US, it certainly began the day 11-year-old Meyer Sukhovlyansky first bet 5 cents in a dice game on the poorest street in Brooklyn where he lived and ended with his death in the winter of 1983 of the year.
people about him
After Big Al acknowledged the superiority of Luciano-Lansky, he once said to "Lucky" about his companion: "It took me a long time to realize that this Meyer understands Italians better than I do. I already told him, perhaps a Jewess gave birth to him, but it was like a Sicilian who brought him up.
He about himself
“We are more than the U.S. Steel. We are higher than the law"
Non-Italian
A Jew from Grodno... When the whole world was talking about a partnership that included only Italians, Meyer was not touched. No one has ever excluded him from anywhere and did not want to do this.
During the Kefauver trial, Lansky was considered such an "important" person that he was not even called to court. Moreover, the Committee never mentioned him, only at the end of the investigation the wording was amended: “Evidence in the case of Costello - Adonis - Lansky ...” Nevertheless, it was “Kid” who had both the first and the last word in the world of organized crime. King without a crown. It was his favorite position: to hold all the threads in his hands, to control everything around him - but at the same time not to claim power. So he acted then all his life. And maybe that's why life lasted so long...
Position
Some kind of rearrangement constantly took place in the criminal world, but Lansky's position always remained unchanged. This man was too valued to be lost. He easily agreed with Vito Genovese that Albert Anastasia should die, and then disposed of Vito with the same ease and with the same sophistication. Lansky was not afraid of revenge. Lansky was not afraid of anything.
Finance:
Despite numerous setbacks, Lansky maintained his position until the very end. In 1970, his fortune was about three hundred million dollars, and by 1980 it had grown to four hundred million. Some have tried to explain that Lansky continues to earn money by saying that he has an inner need to rule. They may have overlooked a simpler explanation: Lansky thought there was never too much money. He always wanted more. Although he continued to live anyway in a modest house on the outskirts of Brooklyn, and neither his wife nor the children knew what the head of the family was actually doing.
Businessman Lansky created the Syndicate, streamlined the hierarchy, but he was never interested in the dynasty. His relatives were very far from the criminal world. And he didn't have a successor either. In this regard, he was a typical Jewish-American businessman: the business either disappeared with the death of a person, or this person sold it and retired himself.
Outcome
Meyer Lansky survived everyone. Both friends and enemies. But even after his death, the Syndicate could take care of itself, fill the vacancies and remain a money-making machine. Forever...
4. ANTHONY ACCARDO
Pedigree
Proving himself a dedicated fighter, Accardo became Capone's permanent bodyguard. His duties also included guarding Capone's suite at the Lexington Hotel. He became one of the Syndicate's best and most experienced assassins.
Opinion
One of the veterans of the "Chicago Syndicate" in a conversation with journalist George Murry said: "He thought more before breakfast than Capone did all day."
Achievements
In the entire history of the Chicago Syndicate, Accardo became one of its best leaders. During his reign, the income of the organization constantly increased. He wisely and prudently took a restrained position, not unleashing bloody wars.
Society
Who can suggest another city in which the Mafia has such influence that even the charter of the city changes to please the gangsters...? (The Chicago Mafia managed to transfer control of the police from the mayor to the city council, for which it was necessary to change the charter of the Chicago suburb - Cicero. But it was necessary ....)
Outcome
Behind the shoulders of the entire 20th century. From Capone's bodyguard to the leader of the Chicago syndicate. The puppets change, the real Boss remains.... choosing new puppets.
5. JOHNNY TORRIO
Character
A true mafioso believes in three things: honor, revenge and solidarity. The embodiment of these qualities in Cosa Nostra was Johnny Torrio.
Opinions
Herbert Osbury, the most recognized expert on the Chicago underworld, described him this way: "No one could surpass Johnny Torrio as an organizer and administrator of the criminal world in the annals of American crime. He would be one of those who were closer to the status of the secret leader of the nation, its manipulator, her gray eminence than anyone."
Credo
First of all, Torrio was uomo di panza ("man of the belly"), that is, a man who knows how to keep things in himself, uomo di segreto ("man of secrets"), able to leave his affairs with his private affairs, uomo di pazienza ( "man of patience"
Way
At the age of seven, he herded his father's blind pig in Brooklyn; half a century later, without too much fanfare, he was one of the most influential and wealthy people in the national criminal environment, the system that his ideas and energy created - the Mafia in the USA.
Finance
At 43, before he retired, he owned $30 million.
Achievements
- In tandem with Arnold Rothstein and Meyer Lansky, he developed the main strategy for organized crime in America. Lucky Luciano eventually carried out the plan.
- Even after retirement, the most important decisions were approved only after the advice of the Fox.
- Raised the most famous gangster in the USA, Alfonso Capone, on his own hands.
Outcome
Torrio's influence on organized crime can hardly be overestimated.
Having created the Mafia in principle, holding out for 5 years at the top of the gangster world, surviving 2 serious attempts on his life, to the end, acting as de facto Consigliere for important cases of the entire Syndicate, without serving a day in prison, died of a heart attack in a barbershop chair at the age of 76.
6 ARNOLD ROTHSHTEIN
Distinctive features.
Having received a good education, possessed an amazing acumen in all matters relating to different kind scams and fraud. Professional gambler and cheater.
Credo.
Couldn't go a day without playing. When asked why he does this, he replied, “Why do you eat every day? ... The game is a part of myself. I just can't stop. I don't know what drives me, but I will play the day I die."
Achievements.
- He was credited with falsifying the results of the 1919 US baseball championship, organizing the production of slot machines, establishing the smuggling of alcohol and organizing the international drug trade.
- Showed the way in the criminal world to such people as Meyer Lansky and Charlie Luciano.
Income.
Money literally flowed like a river. Rothstein bought a kilo of heroin in Europe for $2,000 and could sell it in the US for $300,000.
Outcome.
He pulled off a lot of big scams and fraudulent operations. The man who stood at the origins of the gambling business and truly became the king of gambling.
7 AL CAPONE
Character.
One of the most hot-tempered and cruel mafia bosses, he kept his empire on fear and unquestioning obedience. The famous "Massacre on Valentine's Day" to this day shocks with its bloodiness and cruelty.
Bugs Moran later said of it, "Only Al Capone kills like that." In these words, the essence of Capone is fully revealed.
He recognized only the most expensive cigars and drove an armored limousine, even the heads of state did not have such cars.
Opinions.
John Torrio, who became the second father for Capone, was so confident in him that when he decided to leave hospitable America, he transferred all the affairs to Capone. "It's all yours, Al" - he said at parting.
Achievements.
- Distinguished by outstanding criminal talent. He perfected his possession of a knife and a revolver.
- Using any, even the most sophisticated methods, he got rid of his main competitors - the O'Banion gang and the Jenn brothers. Thus, he completely subjugated Chicago to himself.
- Having started his career from the bottom as a bouncer, by the age of thirty he was already in charge of his own criminal empire.
- Everything that he achieved, he achieved with his own hands - in the truest sense of the word.
Income.
Capone's fortune was estimated by police experts at $ 100,000,000. Most of it was written down to figureheads and several fictitious corporations.
Capone in the cinema.
Many films and documentaries have been made about Capone. In the eyes of the directors, he is more of a collective image and the embodiment of a gangster. Among the most famous: "Al Capone" (1959), "The Untouchables" (1987), "Al Capone Boys" (2002).
The film "Scarface" (1932) indirectly pointed to Capone. But the writers strongly rejected any similarity. Al himself liked the film so much. that he commissioned a copy for his personal collection.
By the way, the famous massacre on Valentine's Day can be seen in the film "Only Girls in Jazz" (1959)
Outcome.
Al Capone is a legend.
8 VITO GENOVese
Special features
Resourcefulness is stubbornness, in a good sense of the word. Thanks to these qualities, he achieved great heights, both in Italy and in the USA. Also great patience. Don Vito could wait months for the right moment, and did not stop at any difficulties.
Income
By the early 1930s, Genovese already owned the American Lottery chain, which brought in up to half a million dollars annually in revenue, as well as many nightclubs and hotels with a suspicious reputation.
Achievements.
- In the USA, he held a prominent position in the mafia, but in 1937 he fled to Italy.
- Collaborated with Mussolini and controlled the supply of heroin to the top leadership of Italy. During the World War, he was especially close to power and served as an adviser.
- After being expelled from Italy, he returned to the United States, where a few years later he again became the head of the mafia.
- Eliminates Albert Anastasia and puts his man in his place - Carlo Gambino and is actually the boss of two families.
Credo.
If you want revenge, kill the brother of your enemy. By doing so, you will cause him more suffering.
Don Vito was always guided by this principle.
Outcome
One of the most far-sighted bosses. Each move was the result of careful calculations. Thus, he achieved success on both sides of the Atlantic.
9. JOHN GOTTI
Character.
Gotti's character has always been aggressive and quick-tempered. He was very proud with bright leadership qualities and great ambitions. He liked to dress beautifully, to be in public, to give interviews, for which he received the nickname Frant Don.
The FBI dubbed him the Teflon Don for the fact that he easily avoided any charges.
Income.
An empire built on gambling, prostitution, drugs and murder brought in $16 million annually.
Credo.
The most uncompromising mafia Don. He always demanded unquestioning obedience, the reprisals against the guilty were cruel. This is a man who always paid the bills and did not forget the people who saved him.
Achievements.
- He did not put up with the role of a pawn given to him by Paul Castellano, and organized an assassination attempt on the boss, thereby seizing power in the Gambino family.
- Made mafia public organization, through his appearances on the covers of Time and New York Times Magazine, as well as other press and television appearances.
Gotti on movie screens.
The most authentic biography of John Gotti is shown in the film "Gotti" (1996). Among the most famous works is also "Catch Gotti" (1994), which tells about the trial. Also filmed many documentaries about both Gotti himself and the Gambino family.
Outcome.
A man who did not trust fate, but built his own life.
10 VINCENT GIGANTE
traditional
One of those who opposed John Gotti, after his ascension to the throne "through the blood" of the previous Boss. He even staged an assassination attempt on Gotti in revenge for the murder of Costellano.
Justice
Mafioso long time remained out of reach for justice, which was largely facilitated by his eccentric behavior. The “crazy father” of the Italian mafia, as the journalists called him, diligently feigned a mental breakdown: muttering something under his breath, he walked the streets of New York in only a bathrobe and slippers. After he was arrested in 1990, lawyers provided evidence of his insanity for another seven years.
Boss
Vincent "Fish" Cafaro, one of the rank and file members of the Genovese clan, said that in fact "Fat Tony" was just a front, while in reality the mafia clan was led by Vincent Gigante.
Death
Vincent "Chin" Gigante's heart stopped beating at the age of 77. Together with him, the cruel and romantic era of gangsters, who called themselves "mafiosi", which in the Palermo dialect means: beautiful, charismatic, self-confident, courageous, is leaving in the past.
11 GAETANO LUCCHESE
Distinctive features.
Despite his turbulent youth, he possessed the features of a real businessman. He calculated his every step and could kill two birds with one stone at the same time.
Credo.
During his tenure as family boss, he remained neutral and pursued a peaceful policy.
Achievements.
- Had extensive connections with many major gangsters, as well as businessmen, prosecutors, judges and members of Congress. Earned the respect of even the most powerful boss in New York - Carlo Gambino.
- In tandem with "Tommy" Galliano organized an assassination attempt on the current boss Pinzolo, thereby occupying the ruling elite of the Reina family.
- Thanks to his connections, he successfully avoided prison for 44 years.
Outcome.
Lucchese is among the most prudent and far-sighted mafiosi. Until the end of his days, he enjoyed authority and respect among people from various walks of life.
12. JOE BONANNO
Achievements
He ran the Family for 30 years and voluntarily retired to quietly end his life in his luxurious mansion. He was considered the most wealthy head of the "family" in his time. He turned the drug trade into the Mafia. According to one version, it was he who became the prototype of Vito Corleone, the protagonist of the novel and film "The Godfather".
Society
Not once (!) have the authorities been able to convict Bonanno of illegal activities, despite the fact that his position in the mafia hierarchy was well known
Finance
The BBC described him succinctly and correctly: "venture capitalist"
Himself about the Mafia
"The concept of" mafia "is used to designate a process, a special type of relationship between men, - he wrote. - I do not use this concept, because it confuses more than it's worth."
Outcome
Intrigues, tricks, deceptions, multi-way combinations, traps, set-ups .... Learn, gentlemen. Maestro gives a lesson
13 PHILIPPE LOMBARDO
Distinctive features.
He had a unique talent to always remain in the shadows. Constantly led a secretive and inconspicuous life. His role in the family became known only after his death.
Achievements.
- Has come a long way from the bottom to the top of the mafia.
- Hiding behind front bosses for over 20 years. That did not stop him from becoming one of the richest and most powerful bosses in the history of Cosa Nostra.
- Remained the true leader of the Genovese family until his death in 1987.
Outcome.
Being a gray cardinal, he achieved great heights in the criminal world, becoming the most successful gangster.
14 SALVATORE MARANZANO
Distinctive features.
He had a representative and respectable appearance, was distinguished by the charisma and manners of a real gentleman. He was fond of history, in particular, the history of Rome, for which he received the nickname "Little Caesar".
Credo.
He associated himself with the Roman emperor, and his group with the Roman Empire.
Achievements.
- Soon after moving to America, he took a prominent place in the criminal structure of New York.
- Won the protracted Castellamara War against Joe Masseria's faction and proclaimed himself capo di tutti capi, boss of all bosses.
- He became the last mafioso who officially bore the title of "boss of all bosses."
- Established a strict hierarchical mafia structure that persists to this day.
Business.
The heyday of the mafia, the times of Prohibition. Alcohol smuggling in those years brought fabulous profits.
Cinema.
Film "History godfather(1999) features the Castellamarese War as well as the scene of the assassination attempt on Maranzano.
Outcome.
Salvatore Maranzano was one of the most powerful figures in the mafia. The representative of the "old school" mafia, guided by the principle of "All or nothing" and seeking power for the sake of power itself.
15 FRANK COSTELLO
Distinctive features.
The future king of gambling and a great businessman. He loved good food and was known to be a true lover of gourmet cuisine.
Achievements.
- Entered the elite of the mafia, having become famous thanks to the gambling business, as well as his ability to organize major frauds and scams.
- For 20 years he led the Genovese clan from year to year, increasing the welfare of the family, and at the same time his authority.
- Costello retained his influence in the Mafia even after his "retirement" and met regularly with Carlo Gambino and Thomas Lucchese.
Judicial hearings.
When asked: "Mr. Costello, what have you done for this country?". Frank replied: "Paid taxes!". This was doubly remarkable considering that he was soon accused of tax evasion.
Business.
In the early 1930s, he literally flooded the United States with "one-armed bandits." There were about 5,000 of them across the country, each of which brought in $ 50,000 in profit per week.
Frank about himself.
"I ordinary person, an old businessman tired of the damned life."
Outcome.
Like many emigrants of the early 20th century, he did not wait for mercy from the government and began to decide his own fate, but unlike many, he managed to rise to the highest level in the mafia hierarchy. He rose above the government
16 RAYMOND PATRIARCA
Business
Having become an authoritative mafioso, he spreads the influence of his empire to other cities. For example, in Boston, his people completely replaced the Irish in almost all types of crime, although the Italians were reluctant to go to this city before Patriarca.
traditional
In 1967, he receives a prison term due to the betrayal of his man. He served almost 10 years, did not say a word to the authorities about the Mafia. After the deadline, he finds the defector and kills him.
In general, he preferred to deal with witnesses immediately. The FBI even began to be afraid to reveal the names of the "singers", since for Patriarca it was a matter of honor.
The boss has been the leader of the family for 30 years despite his prison term. The most fair and authoritative Boss in Pennsylvania, Providence and Road Island and Boston in the 20th century.
Heritage.
His son was also approved by the Commission for the position of Boss of the family after the death of his father, but problems within the family prevented him from leading the clan.
17 SANTO TRAFFICANTE - ml.
Credo
He never tried to claim power in a broader sense than the limits of his own territory. The only goal of his activity was money, which did not prevent him from unquestioningly following the long traditions of people of honor.
Achievements
- Despite the fact that he actually received power and already a fairly powerful empire by inheritance, he went down in history not as the son of his father.
- Significantly expanded the scope of his organization, increased its income, strengthened its position, and highlighted Tampa on the criminal map of the United States with a bright color.
Business
Never neglected extra sources of income. His organization dealt with all possible types racket. Gambling, usury, drug dealing. Florida made the main point of entry of drugs into the United States.
Distinctive features
He was not afraid of either God, or the devil, or the CIA, with which he powdered his brains as he wanted, assuring that he would poison Fidel Castro with a special powder, and then safely throwing this powder into the toilet. Nevertheless, he received his well-deserved pay and assistance from the special services regularly.
Outcome
A man with little ambition ruled his organization with an iron fist. Hated by the state he had duped after his incomparable machinations, suspected and accused of much, but convicted of little, died peacefully of heart disease, holding the reins of power for 33 years in a powerful crime family
18 ALBERT ANASTASIA
Distinctive features.
He was distinguished by unbridled cruelty, thanks to which he achieved authority. He was constantly possessed by a thirst for violence. The chief executioner of the "Corporation of Assassins" was ready to kill for any slightest reason. At the same time, he was distinguished by his loyalty to his bosses. His devotion to Charlie Luciano was boundless - he was ready to kill anyone for the boss. "Charlie," he exclaimed. I have been waiting for this day for eight years. You will get your way even if I have to kill everyone.”
Credo.
His credo was simple to the point of banality, but, nevertheless, reflected his whole essence: "No person - no problem."
Achievements.
- Anastasia was among the organizers of the murder of the "boss of all bosses" Salvatore Maranzano.
- He was one of the initiators of the plan to release Charlie Luciano from prison.
- After the elimination of Vincent Mangano, the bosses of other New York families were literally faced with the fact that Anastasia would take his place.
Business.
Anastasia was very straightforward and was incapable of playing tricky multi-move combinations. The family business under his leadership was not profitable.
Outcome.
He achieved leadership and authority in the family only with the help of his cruelty. The chief executioner of the mafia, of course, could not effectively manage the family. His eyes were clouded with a thirst for violence and reprisals against objectionable competitors.
19 ANGELO BRUNO
Distinctive features
Against the background of other mafiosi, he looked like a pacifist (it was not for nothing that he was nicknamed the “Soft Don”), but at the same time he kept one of the largest “families” in the United States under control for 20 years.
Credo
Blood interferes with business. If you had to resort to violence, then hide the ends in the water using ingenious schemes.
Achievements
Under Bruno, the "family" of Philadelphia became the strongest after New York and Chicago. He is the only "provincial" boss who has sat on the Commission.
Business.
He categorically forbade his subordinates to sell drugs, but took tribute from independent drug dealers. By a happy coincidence, Atlantic City under his control became the "Las Vegas of the East Coast"
Outcome
He was killed by short-sighted subordinates who craved power and quick money. As a result of the civil strife that followed, Bruno's empire almost completely disappeared from the criminal map of the United States.
20 CARMINE PERSICO.
Character traits.
Gained fame in criminal circles as an uncompromising executor of "power" orders. Received the nickname "Snake" for resourcefulness and cunning. He was distinguished by a brilliant mind, and even defended himself in court.
Achievements.
- Has been successfully leading the Colombo clan for more than 35 years.
- In 1985, he topped the list of 10 most wanted criminals published by the FBI.
- Established good ties with the 'Ndrangheta, bringing a good income.
- Earned the nickname "Immortal" - he was shot more than 20 times, but to this day he remains the boss of the Colombo family.
Carmine about the mafia.
Once in court, he uttered the following phrase: "If there were no mafia, this case would not be considered now." Perhaps he is right.
Outcome.
Even despite more than 100 years of imprisonment, he always remains the true leader of his family and continues to maintain influence in the criminal world.
(Materials provided by Italymob.)
The origin of the word "mafia" (in early texts - "maffia") has not yet been precisely established, and therefore there are many assumptions varying degrees reliability.
The first use of the word "mafia" in relation to criminal gangs was probably used in 1863 in the comedy staged in Palermo by Gaetano Mosca and Giuseppe Rizzotto "The Mafiosi from the Vicaria Prison" (Eng. I mafiusi di la Vicaria). Although the words "mafia" and "mobster" were never mentioned in the text, they were added to the title to give local "color"; in comedy we are talking about a gang formed in the Palermo prison, whose traditions are similar to those of the mafia (boss, initiation ritual, humility and humility, "protection"). In its modern meaning, the term came into circulation after the prefect of Palermo Filippo Antonio Gualterio (ital. Filippo Antonio Gualterio) used this word in an official document for 1865. The Marquis Gualterio, sent from Turin as a representative of the Italian government, wrote in his report that "the so-called mafia, that is, criminal associations, has become bolder.
The Italian deputy Leopoldo Franchetti, who traveled in Sicily and wrote one of the first authoritative accounts of the Mafia in 1876, characterized the latter as an "industry of violence" and defined it as follows: "The term Mafia implies a class of violent criminals, ready and waiting for a name , which would describe them, and, in view of their special character and importance in the life of Sicilian society, they are entitled to another name than the vulgar "criminals" in other countries. Franchetti saw how deeply the mafia was ingrained in Sicilian society and knew that it was impossible to put an end to it without a fundamental change in social structure and institutions throughout the island.
FBI investigations in the 1980s significantly reduced her influence. Currently, the mafia in the United States is a powerful network of criminal organizations in the country, using their position to control for the most part Chicago and New York crime business. She also maintains links with the Sicilian mafia.
Organization
The mafia as such does not represent a single organization. It consists of "families" (synonyms - "clan" and "koska"), which "divide" a certain region among themselves (for example, Sicily, Naples, Calabria, Apulia, Chicago, New York). Only full-blooded Italians can be members of a "family", and in Sicilian "families", full-blooded Sicilians are allowed. Other members of the group can only be white Catholics. Family members observe the omerta.
Typical "family" structure
Typical mafia "family" hierarchy.
- Boss, Don or Godfather(English) boss) is the head of the "family". Receives information about any "case" committed by each member of the "family". Boss is elected by vote capo; in the event of a tie in the number of votes, must also vote boss's henchman. Until the 1950s, all family members generally participated in voting, but later this practice was abandoned because it attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies.
- improvised(English) underboss) - "deputy" boss, the second person in the "family", who is appointed by the boss himself. The henchman is responsible for the actions of all capos. In the event of the arrest or death of the boss, the henchman usually becomes the acting boss.
- Consigliere(English) consigliere) - an adviser to the "family", a person whom the boss can trust and whose advice he listens to. It serves as an intermediary in the resolution contentious issues, acts as an intermediary between the boss and bribed political, union or judicial figures, or acts as a representative of the "family" at meetings with other "families". Consigliere usually do not have their own "team", but they have significant influence in the "family". However, they usually also have legitimate businesses, such as practicing law or working as a stockbroker.
- Caporegime(English) caporegime), capo, or captain- the head of a "team", or "combat group" (consisting of "soldiers"), which is responsible for one or more types of criminal activity in a certain area of \u200b\u200bthe city and monthly gives the boss a part of the income received from this activity ("sends a share") . In a "family" there are usually 6-9 such "teams", and each of them has up to 10 "soldiers". The kapo is subordinate to the assistant or the boss himself. The introduction to the kapo is made by an assistant, but the boss directly appoints the kapo personally.
- Soldier(English) soldier) - the youngest member of the "family" who was "introduced" into the family, firstly, because he proved his usefulness to her, and secondly, on the recommendation of one or more capos. Once selected, a soldier usually ends up on the "team" whose capo recommended him.
- Partner in crime(English) associate) - not yet a member of the "family", but already a person endowed with a certain status. He usually acts as an intermediary in drug deals, acts as a bribed representative of a trade union or businessman, etc. Non-Italians are usually not accepted into the "family" and almost always remain in the status of accomplices (although there are exceptions - for example, Joe Watts, a close partner of John Gotti). When a "vacancy" arises, one or more kapos may recommend that a useful accomplice be promoted to soldier. In the event that there are several such proposals, and there is only one "vacant" place, the boss selects the candidate.
The current structure of the Italian-American mafia and the way it operates are largely determined by Salvatore Maranzano - "boss of bosses" (who, however, was killed by Lucky Luciano six months after his election). The latest trend in the organization of the "family" is the emergence of two new "positions" - Street Boss(English) street boss) And family messenger(English) family messenger), - introduced by the former boss of the "family" Genovese Vincent Gigante.
"Ten Commandments"
- No one can come up and introduce himself to one of "our" friends. Someone else should introduce them.
- Never look at the wives of your friends.
- Do not allow yourself to be seen in the company of police officers.
- Don't go to clubs and bars.
- It is your duty to always be at the disposal of Cosa Nostra, even if your wife is about to give birth.
- Always show up for appointments on time.
- Wives must be treated with respect.
- If you are asked to give any information, answer truthfully.
- You cannot embezzle money that belongs to other members of Cosa Nostra or their relatives.
- The following persons cannot enter the Cosa Nostra: one whose close relative serves in the police, one whose relative or relative is cheating on his spouse, one who behaves badly and does not observe moral principles.
Mafias in the world
Italian crime groups
- Cosa Nostra (Sicily)
- Camorra (Campania)
- 'Ndrangheta (Calabria)
- Sacra Corona Unita (Puglia)
- Stidda
- Banda della Magliana
- Mala del Brenta
Italian-American "families"
- "Five Families" New York:
- Purple Gang of East Harlem ("The Sixth Family")
- "Chicago Organization" Chicago Outfit)
- "Detroit Fellowship" Detroit Partnership)
- Philadelphia "family"
- DeCavalcante family (New Jersey)
- "Family" from Buffalo
- "Family" from Pittsburgh
- "Family" Buffalino
- "Family" Trafficante
- "Family" from Los Angeles
- "Family" from St. Louis
- Cleveland "family"
- "Family" from New Orleans
Other ethnic criminal groups
Italian-Russian "family"
- "Family" Capelli (new family);
Influence on popular culture
The mafia and its reputation is firmly rooted in American popular culture, being depicted in movies, television, books and magazine articles.
Some see the mafia as a set of attributes deeply rooted in popular culture, as a "way of being" - "the mafia is the awareness of one's own worth, the great idea of individual power as the sole judge in every conflict, every clash of interests or ideas" .
Literature
- Dorigo J. Mafia. - Singapore: "Curare-N", 1998. - 112 p.
- Ivanov R. Mafia in the USA. - M., 1996.
- Polken K., Sceponik H. Who is not silent must die. Facts against the mafia. Per. with him. - M.: "Thought", 1982. - 383 p.
Notes
Links
- Russian mafia abroad. - page deleted
- Video "Ndrangheta Activities in Germany" (German) .
Wikimedia Foundation. 2010 .
Meet the Italian mafia. How Cosa Nostra and its godbrothers live today
Ask the average person what he knows about Italy, and the first thing he will answer is that there is a mafia in this country. IN public consciousness millions of people around the world, a stereotype has taken root in which the mafia and Italy are inextricably linked. Naturally, in reality this is far from the case. However, the impact of organized crime on the economic, social and political life countries, especially the south, is still large.
In recent years, not a month, or even a week, has passed without the world media reporting another mass arrest of members of Italian criminal groups. However, despite the numerous arrests of mafiosi, the activities of criminal communities in the country are still quite large. It is believed that they control more than a third of the shadow business in the state, and their income is in the tens of billions of euros. For example, last year the total income of the mafia amounted to an amount equivalent to almost 7% of Italy's GDP. Only the amount of funds confiscated from criminals during this period exceeds 5 billion euros.
It should be noted that the very name "mafia" in relation to all Italian organized criminal groups is not entirely correct. This is also one of the stereotypes that have developed in the public mind. This word became widespread in the middle of the century before last, when the theater of Sicilian Palermo hosted the play "Mafiosi from the Vicegerency", which was very popular with the audience. The history of the origin of this word is rich. There are dozens of possible versions of its appearance. Meanwhile, as historians studying the problems of organized crime in Italy have established, only organized crime on the island of Sicily is called the mafia. It is better known under the name "Cosa Nostra". Usually, when experts talk about the Italian mafia, they first of all mean it.
In recent years, the authority of Cosa Nostra and its influence among the Italian criminal community have been significantly undermined. In the early 2000s, the authorities managed to achieve some success in the fight against this group - dozens of key figures in its hierarchy were arrested. In this regard, the structure of the organization has changed significantly. If earlier it was a centralized organization with one boss at the head, now it is led by a directory of 4-7 heads of families, who, due to the opposition of law enforcement agencies, can only very rarely meet with each other to resolve strategic issues. (It should be noted that the family in this case is a mafia group, not necessarily connected by blood ties, that controls a part of the territory, usually a village or city block.)
Against this background, criminal communities from continental Italy are gaining more and more power. These are the Calabrian Ndragetta, whose members were involved in the massacre in Duisburg, Germany in August 2007, and the Neapolitan Camorra, whose members are the main culprits of the garbage crisis in Naples. Gradually gaining weight and Apulian "Sacra Korona Unita" (Sakra Korona Unita). This group arose only in the early 1980s, but has already fully managed to earn the respect of other criminal communities.
The main area of activity of criminal groups in Italy is the smuggling of drugs, weapons and alcohol, gambling and construction, racketeering, money laundering and prostitution control. hallmark and the key to the successful operation of the mafia is considered to be high cohesion and organization. However, this did not prevent the clan war that arose in the early 1980s, when colleagues in the criminal business mercilessly cracked down on each other. Then hundreds of people became victims of the armed confrontation, including those who were not involved in the world of crime.
By the early 1990s, tired of the bloodshed, the criminals decided to go into legal business. Now, not without success, they are gaining more and more influence in the judiciary and government bodies. It is known that hundreds of Italian politicians of various levels, policemen, judges, prosecutors and lawyers are now on the payroll of criminal communities. However, this state of affairs was in previous years, however, there were much more victims of criminal showdowns then, and the public could only guess about the connections of the mafia with politicians. Law enforcement agencies did not have a legal opportunity to send criminals to jail.
The fact is that for decades the basis for the longevity of criminal communities in Italy was the unconditional adherence of all members of the mafia to the vow of silence (“omerte”). It was impossible for the police to get any information from the detained criminals. In case of violation of the vow, the traitor and all his relatives were threatened with death at the hands of the mafia. However, in the mid-1980s, this principle was violated and hundreds of criminals were sent to jail. Today, many bandits detained by law enforcement agencies willingly become their informants, receiving protection from the authorities in exchange for information for themselves and their loved ones.
Meanwhile, the final advantage in the direction of the state in the matter of its confrontation with the mafia is still not observed. According to the Italian intelligence services, approximately 250,000 people are involved in organized crime in southern Italy.
Only in "Cosa Nostra" there are up to 5 thousand active members. Tens of thousands are its supporters, and 70% of Sicilian entrepreneurs still pay tribute to the mafia.
The Calabrian "Ndragetta", which is now one of the most influential criminal organizations not only in Italy but also in the world, consists of 155 groups and has about 6 thousand militants. Ndragheta, unlike Cosa Nostra, has a horizontal structure, so it does not have any pronounced leader. In fact, each family exercises complete control over its territory.
The Neapolitan Camorra is organized according to a similar principle, whose history goes back more than one hundred years. It consists of 111 families and has almost 7 thousand members. The criminal activity of the Camorra threatens stability in southern Italy so much that government troops were sent to Naples in 2008, as in 1994 to Sicily, to counteract it.
The Sacra Corona Unita appeared in 1981. Currently, it includes 47 families and more than 1.5 thousand people. Her organizational structure also similar to the structure of the 'Ndragheta. Italian organized crime fighters note that special friendly relations have long existed between the leading criminal groups. At the same time, they successfully cooperate with criminal communities in almost all countries of Europe and America. For example, the Ndragetta is doing a successful business with Colombian drug lords.
And yet, despite the existence of the mafia, the level of tension in Italian society has now become noticeably lower than in previous decades. Since the early 1990s, when the mafia moved from armed confrontation to a less aggressive strategy, the media and politicians have turned to other issues. The country's authorities no longer pass laws against the mafia, although hundreds of its members have been arrested in recent years. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, who was suspected of having links with the mafia back in the early 1990s, promises to put an end to this phenomenon. It should be noted that only the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in the 1920s was able to defeat the mafia in Italy in the entire history of its existence. However, despite this, having survived numerous metamorphoses, she was reborn and became even stronger and stronger than she was.
Despite the local victories of the authorities, hundreds of thousands of residents of southern Italy seem to have come to terms with life under the rule of the mafia. This means that the authorities of the country still have a lot to do in order to finally remove this phenomenon from the life of the country. But will the Italian rulers have enough patience, will and courage for this?
Until 1963, the Italian mafia was something of a myth for other countries, even the FBI did not acknowledge its existence, until some small fry of Cosa Nostra, Joe Valachi, to avoid death penalty, exposed the mafia, setting out in detail all its ins and outs. By the way, later, angry mafiosi tried to “sew” a traitor who was in prison until his death for breaking the vow of silence.
We can say that the mafia was secret society, about which only rumors circulated among the townsfolk, the whole system was shrouded in a halo of mystery.
After Valachi's confession, the Italian mafia became a truly fashionable phenomenon, its image romanticized in the media, literature and cinema. The most famous book about the Italian mafia, "The Godfather" by Mario Puzo, was written 6 years after the exposure, later an entire saga about the Corleone family was filmed based on it. Vito Corleone was based on Joe Bonanno, the godfather of one of the Five Families that control organized crime in New York.
Why did crime families become known as the "mafia"?
What the word "mafia" means, historians still argue. According to one version, it is an abbreviation of the motto of the uprising of 1282, which propagated the slogan: “Death to France! Breathe Italy! (Morte alla Francia Italia Anelia). Unfortunate Sicily was forever besieged by foreign invaders. Others believe that this word appeared only in the 17th century and has an Arabic root meaning "protector", "shelter".
Strictly speaking, the mafia is precisely the Sicilian group; in other parts of Italy and the world, the clans called themselves differently (for example, "Camorra" - in Naples). But with the increase in the influence of the mafia on other regions of Italy and the whole world, the word has become a household word, now they are named after any major criminal organization: Japanese, Russian, Albanian mafias.
A bit of history
under the guise Robin The Goode crime families have protected the poor from pirate raids, foreign aggressors and oppression by feudal lords since the 9th century. The government did not help the peasants, they did not trust foreigners, so the poor had no one to rely on, except for the mafia. And although the mafiosi also took a considerable bribe from them and imposed their own laws, they were still in order and protected.
The mafia was finally formed as an organization in the 19th century, and the peasants themselves put the criminals "on the throne", not wanting to obey the exploiters who ruled at that time - the Bourbons. So in 1861 the mafia officially became a political force. They got into parliament and got the opportunity to control the political situation in the country, and the mafiosi themselves turned into a kind of aristocracy.
Once the mafia extended its influence only to agriculture. But already at the beginning of the 20th century, mafiosi began to actively intervene in city affairs, helping this or that deputy win elections, for which he generously rewarded them. Now the influence of the mafia has spread to continental Italy.
Maybe the mafiosi would have lived without knowing anyone's refusal, swimming in money and enjoying unlimited power, but in 1922 the Nazis came to power. The dictator Mussolini did not tolerate the mafia as a second power, and then completely imprisoned thousands of people indiscriminately as involved in mafia affairs. Of course, such a tough policy has borne fruit for several decades, the mafiosi lay low.
In the 1950s and 1960s, the mafia raised its head again and the Italian government had to start an official fight against crime, a special body was created - the Antimafia.
And the mafiosi have turned into real businessmen. Most often, they acted on the principle of an iceberg: legal low-budget activities are at the top, and a whole block is hidden under the water, drug trafficking, “protection” of a business or prostitution. Thus, money is laundered to this day. Over time, many families have developed the legal part of the business so much that they have become successful entrepreneurs in the restaurant business and the food industry.
In the 1980s, a brutal clan war began, in which so many people died that the new generation of mafiosi preferred to engage in only legal business, while maintaining mutual responsibility and other signs of a secret organization.
But do not think that the Italian mafia is living out its last days. In March 2000, a scandal erupted in Italy: the police had to arrest several Sicilian judges suspected of working closely with the mafia.
Although the mafiosi were partially legalized, they did not leave the stage at all. In southern Italy, it is still impossible to open a business without enlisting the support of local authorities. In the past 10 years, the Italian government has been actively fighting the mafia, carrying out "cleansing" and removing mafiosi from key positions.
How mafiosi ended up in America
Due to terrible impoverishment, from 1872 until the First World War, Sicilians emigrated in droves to America. Luckily for them, Prohibition was just introduced there, which helped them develop their illegal business and accumulate capital. The Sicilians completely recreated their order on the new land and earned so much that their total income was several times higher than the income of the largest American firms. American and Italian mafiosi never lost contact with each other and faithfully kept common traditions.
In America, organized crime that came out of Sicily is called " Cosa Nostra"(in Italian it means" our business "- they say, do not poke your nose into someone else's question). Now the entire Sicilian mafia is often collectively called "Cosa Nostra". This name is also given to one of the Sicilian clans that returned home from America.
The structure of the Italian mafia
The boss or godfather is the head of the family. Information about all the affairs of his family and the plans of enemies flocks to him. The boss is elected by voting.
The underboss is the first deputy godfather. It is appointed solely by the boss himself and is responsible for the actions of all capos.
The consigliere is the family's chief adviser, whom the boss can fully trust.
A caporegime or capo is the head of a "team" that operates in a single family-controlled area. Teams are required to give the boss a portion of their earnings each month.
The soldier is the youngest member of the family, who was recently "introduced" into the organization. Teams of up to 10 people are formed from the soldiers, controlled by a kapo.
An accomplice is a person who has a certain status in mafia circles, but is not yet considered a member of the family. Can act, for example, as an intermediary in the sale of drugs.
Laws and traditions honored by mafiosi
In 2007, Salvador's influential godfather Lo Piccolo was arrested in Italy and a secret document called "The Ten Commandments of Cosa Nostra" was seized. Basically from it we know the traditions of the Italian mafia.
- Each group "works" in a certain area and other families should not go there.
- Initiation ritual for newcomers: a recruit's finger is wounded and the icon is poured with his blood. He takes the icon in his hand, and it is lit. The beginner must endure the pain until the icon burns. At the same time, he says: "Let my flesh burn, like this saint, if I break the laws of the mafia."
- The family cannot include: policemen and those who have policemen among their relatives; that, whocheating on his wife or among his relatives there are those whochange spouses; as well as people who violated the laws of honor.
- Family members respect their wives and never look at the wives of their friends.
- Omerta is the mutual responsibility of all members of the clan. Joining the organization is for life, no one can get out of business. At the same time, the organization is responsible for each of its members, if someone offended him, she and only she will administer justice.
- For an insult, it is supposed to kill the offender.
- The death of a family member is an insult that is washed away in blood. Bloody revenge for a loved one is called "vendetta".
- The kiss of death is a special signal given by mafia bosses or kapos, which means that this family member has become a traitor and must be killed.
- Code of silence - a ban on revealing the secrets of the organization.
- Betrayal is punishable by the murder of the traitor and all his relatives.
Contrary to the established ideas about the mafia, the “code of honor” is often violated: mutual betrayals, denunciations of each other to the police are no longer a rarity today.
In conclusion, let's say...
Despite the seemingly fabulous wealth of mafia leaders, it is mostly poverty from the Italian south that dreams of such a career. After all, this is a very dangerous business and, on closer examination, is not so profitable. After unfastening all the bribes, confiscating some of the illegal goods by the police, constantly spending money to protect yourself and your family - there is not much left. Many mafiosi are killed stupidly in banal drug deals. Today, not everyone can live according to the laws of honor, and the way back, contrary to the assurances of American melodramas such as Blue-Eyed Mickey, is no longer the case.
If you ask which state is the birthplace of the mafia from the first person you meet, then even the uninformed will give the right answer without much thought: Italy. This country can actually be called the “flower garden” of the mafia, which has become one of the favorite topics in history and cinema textbooks.
It cannot be said that the mafiosi have done something positive and outstanding, but many still admire the unsurpassed talent of the most famous criminals, most of whom, of course, have Italian roots.
Al Capone (Al 'Capone), of course, this name is "on hearing" not only in the sunniest country located on the Apennine Peninsula, but throughout the world. The name of the infamous gangster is probably the most recognizable. And no wonder: several films were made about Capone, the most popular of which was the 1987 film The Untouchables with Robert De Niro in the title role.
Born in Brooklyn in 1889, after his family had migrated to the United States, the story of the notorious mobster begins in 1919, when he entered the service of Johnny Torii. In 1925, he became head of the Torii family, and since then, his "criminal" career has skyrocketed. Soon, Capone was no longer afraid of anyone and nothing: his people were engaged in gambling, drug sales and prostitution. He earned a reputation as an honest, intelligent, but endlessly cruel man.
One need only recall the famous massacre on Valentine's Day, when a group led by a gangster destroyed many mafia leaders.
When the police were lucky enough to detain the great criminal, they simply could not show him anything other than tax evasion. However, in the end, Al Capone still ended up behind bars: he was in the famous Alcatraz prison, from where he left seven years later with deadly disease and soon died.
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Bernardo Provenzano
Bernardo Provenzano, a native of a small village that is located on, was simply destined to become one of the members of the group of the same name. Already in his youth, he got into the Corleone clan, and after a couple of years he already killed several people and turned a lot of illegal deals. For 10 years, the name Provenzano hung in police stations at the Wanted stand, but the local carabinieri did not even try to find this dangerous criminal. Meanwhile, he continued to move up the career ladder and gain authority for himself. It was rumored that Provenzano for some time controlled the entire illegal business in Palermo, from the sale of drugs to prostitution. He was known for his intransigence and stubbornness, for which he received the nickname Bulldozer.
Many years later, the police managed to detain the criminal: they saw a thin old man in ordinary jeans and a T-shirt. Provenzano will spend the rest of his days in prison.
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Albert Anastasia
Like many of his other colleagues, Albert Anastasia was born in sunny Italy (the city of Tropea), but soon after birth he migrated with his parents to America. The first time he went to prison was when he was a teenager, when he killed a longshoreman in Brooklyn. He was sentenced to several years, but after some time the main witness in the Anastasia case died under mysterious circumstances, and the criminal himself was released.
Albert Anastasia has made a name for himself as one of America's most ruthless killers.
He was in the Masseria gang, but over time he went over to the side of his boss's competitors, and after a couple of years he was completely present at the murder of his former boss. After that, Anastasia became the head of a gang of highly professional killers "Murder Inc.", the Gambino clan. Police say the group was involved in at least 400 deaths. The killer himself was killed by order of one of the American mafiosi.
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