...The mafia has been participating in a love/hate relationship with the world of illegal drugs for many years. For a number of years the moneymaking entity has been narcotics and earning the gross domestic product of most countries. However, right in the center of it all was the mafia. The Sicily Cosa Nostra has one of the most successful businesses that are drug related of course. The Sicily mafia earns approximately 130 billion Euros, nearly 165 billion, and profit approximately 70 billion euro in which adds up to 90 billion in American dollars (Wise, 2008). The earning is after all investments and expenses are deducted. The Sicily mafia is indeed one of the prevalent companies in Italy. Drug trafficking alone earning nearly 59 billion Euros year, which is considered to be one of the main sources of income for Sicily mafia as well as for other organized crime in general (Wise, 2008). The Sicily involvement in the illegal drug industry is so big that other methods have evolved. For instance, loan sharking. Loan sharking is one of the most recent activities that has been invented and up scaling to greater height as a source of income from the business sector (Wise, 2008). The mafia organization has stretch beyond your typical contraband, extortion, and drug dealing, but has gained access into different sectors of the legitimate economy (Wise, 2008). For instance, tourism, restaurants and food production (Wise, 2008). According to Confesercenti, the Sicily mafia alone is worth nearly...
Words: 1276 - Pages: 6
...Europe. Our society is convinced that 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...
Words: 1746 - Pages: 7
...organized crime in the United States: an alien conspiracy theory. It depicts organized crime as an underworld corporate enterprise comprised of ethnically or culturally distinct alien groups that corrupt fundamentally sound political and economic institutions (Mastrofski, 2010). Problems presented and the various relationships Organized crime presents a number of problems. Many organized crime families do operate within the family structure and this to an extent creates a less than desirable environment to raise children, organized criminals tend to gear their children into a negative lifestyle. Today's organized crime families are different than those that came about in the past. In the past, criminologists would examine La Cosa Nostra or the Italian Mafia, but criminal activity goes well beyond such crime families. Asian and Russian organizations enter the picture in the United States today. Asian gangs have become quite apparent in modern America. They seem to traffic in illegal goods and practices such as heroin, prostitution, and gambling (Bolz, 1995). They also engage in money laundering schemes (Bolz, 1995). This latter focus is at the heart of many crime organizations because they have to cover their tracks and make it appear as if everything they are doing is legal. Therefore, money laundering appears to be universal. Money laundering is also considered to be the key to the Russian Mafia's operations (Paddock, 1998). It is easy to see why problems are created...
Words: 1085 - Pages: 5
...Tokio, Japón Ano: 2006 Duración: 104 minutos Esta es la tercera parte de la saga de películas de carreras ilegales de autos modificados. Esta se trata sobre el típico chico problema estadounidense (Sean Boswell) el cual viviendo con su madre en EE.UU. se ven obligados a vivir en distintas ciudades por los problemas en los que se mete Sean Boswell, hasta que después de haber sido atrapado en una carrera ilegal le presentan un ultimátum, ir a la cárcel en Estados Unidos o correr a Tokio donde vive su padre. Estando ya en esta otra ciudad, se vuelve a involucrar en el clandestino mundo del "drifting" (carreras de automóviles derrapando) y se mete en problemas con la mafia japonés (los Yakuza). En su primera carrera Sean Boswell maneja un carro prestado por Han (mafioso japonés) y lo destroza, quedando de esta manera en deuda con la mafia. Empieza a realizar trabajos mixtos junto con Han para poder pagar todos los danos que le ocasiono al carro y paralelamente empieza a practicar sus derrapes y con constancia en la practica este se convierte en el mejor corredor de Tokio ganándole al DK(Drift King o Rey del Derrape) que a su mismo tiempo es el jefe de los Yakuza. Es interesante ver como en esta filmación se compara la cultura occidental con la estadounidense. -El protagonista es estadounidense y se convierte en el Rey del Derrape en Tokio, ganándole a todos los japoneses presentes. -La policía japonesa a diferencia de la estadounidense no se molesta en perseguir a los automóviles...
Words: 439 - Pages: 2
...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,...
Words: 1232 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 1589 - Pages: 7
...The Mafia/Mob Influenced American Society as we Know it Today. Since I was a kid I had an interest in the mafia. This interest may have stemmed from watching the Godfather movies with my father growing up. As we all know, this way of life is a violent lifestyle not conducive to a long and prosperous life but television and movies glorified it to an extent. Through countless hours of reading and research I got more of an understanding of how they came about and why but what I really wanted to know it what kind of influence did they have on the American society? Thesis Prohibition of the 1920s introduced the maturation of the American mafia. The religious left and established political groups influenced and created the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution which made it illegal to produce, sell, transport, and import alcohol. If prohibition influenced the creation of the Mafia what did the Mafia influence and how did it affect American Society? Preview of Main Points I was able to find several areas where the Mafia was able to influence American society as we know it today but; I will only touch on three of them. The music we listen to today was greatly affected by the popularity of jazz being performed in the underground night clubs which were owned and operated by the Mafia. Las Vegas, or “Sin City”, wouldn’t be the city it is today without the funding and early management provided by the Mafia. Finally, crime scene investigation or forensic analysis...
Words: 1167 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 997 - Pages: 4
...Meyer Lansky originally known as Meyer Suchowljansky was a prolific pioneer as becoming the National crime syndicate of the United States in the mid 1900’s. Lansky a powerful figure, in the eye of many, and was so skill full at what he does. Some referred to Lansky as the “Mobs accountant”. His skill of work would push him to a plateau which many could not or might not think of becoming, which was involvement with two different mafia parties and successfully keeping it in tact with one another. The Italian and Jewish mafia, with so much trust within one man the underground crime world would be ready to be under his guidance and leadership. Lansky unlike others was successful and being one of a few that would make the transition of illegal cash crops into legal cash crops. Meyer Lansky an immigrant living in the U.S, Lansky was able to conquer and become a powerful figure of the black market from a youthful age all the way leading to his final days as chief of his enterprise. Some may not agree with his methods but he was a heroic figure in many eyes. He was a crime syndicate which made him powerful and wealthy. Born July 4th 1902 in Russia, he was the son of Jewish parents that emigrated into the United States of America by 1911. By 1918, at the age of 16; Lansky grew a reputation and character for himself at a very young age. At that time he met Bugsy Siegel that would become a long time friend and business partner. In the beginning of their relationship, the two would get...
Words: 1761 - Pages: 8
...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...
Words: 4095 - Pages: 17
...such as Benjamin (Bugsy) Siegel and Charles (Lucky) Luciano. Lansky and Lucky formed a partnership that was referred to as “the syndicate” which later became known as Murder, Inc. This was an organized crime that split Mafia territories into franchises and offered assassins for hire. Lansky was involved with many crimes throughout his lifetime, but was considered to be the “Mob’s Accountant” and one of the most powerful people in his lifetime. Criminal activities included, money laundering, skimming Las Vegas casinos, murder, racketeering, bootlegging, and many other crimes as well. Lansky was known to be most involved with gambling, and even established his own casino sites in places like Cuba before the communist revolution occurred. Once Cuba’s leadership changed Meyer lost his investment in Cuba, which did not help his existing health conditions. Lansky was also consider to be the financial advisor for the New York mob and gambling reforms. He had other casino locations he was involved in such as New Orleans and Miami. From all of Meyer’s illegal and legal activities he was estimated to have hundreds of millions of dollars. Towards the end of Lansky’s life he was charged for tax evasion, but found not guilty by the jury. He also was charged for skimming of Las Vegas casino profits, but the judge dismissed this case since Meyer was in such poor health conditions. He died about six years later after these incidences. Resources: http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0761937.html ...
Words: 298 - Pages: 2
...the network of operatives for the purpose of benefiting the group’s clients politically and economically”(pg.1). Therefore, “bureaucratic are organizations that can be formal and consist of rules, regulations, procedures, and protocols that may prevent lower ranking members just like the patron-client from making decisions without administrative approval” (pg.1). “Similarities notwithstanding, the differences between the two models are enlightening. As Paoli asserted, it does seem that these two theories were born of differing political and social climates. When Cressey presented his Bureaucratic model in the 1960s, American society was engaged in the Cold War. A strong fear of foreign influence prevailed and the idea that the Sicilian Mafia simply had imported their criminal enterprises fit with this fear. American law was dominated by a...
Words: 1602 - Pages: 7
...The Normalization of Mafia’s Deviance for Survival On October 2013, Rudy Espudo, involved in the Mexican Mafia, was sentenced to 35 years in prison for his role in drug distribution and violent crimes. Espudo recruited different groups to partake in drug trafficking, violence, and the distribution of it while obtaining the protection under the “La Eme”. Espudo created a hierarchy within “Le Eme’s” community; he was considered one of the people in a powerful position that controlled who is protected and who is not. The mafia is a community that is surrounded by violence and crime that they see it as part of their daily lives. It is considered a form of deviance in today’s society because they participate in these acts for survival. The people...
Words: 1236 - Pages: 5
...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...
Words: 647 - Pages: 3
...John Joseph Gotti, whom would be later nicknamed “Teflon Don” and “Dapper Don,” was born on October 27, 1940 in the Bronx, New York. Who would have thought on that cold and blustery day that the baby boy, son of a construction worker and one of six boys, would someday be considered by both the Mafia and prosecutors alike, to be the most important “godfather” in American crime through the 1990s? The “boss of bosses” so to speak. John Gotti’s parents were both poor Italian immigrants, whose only income was from his father’s laborious and unpredictable position as a construction worker. They had 13 children, of which John was the fifth. The whole family moved often and finally settled in East New York. At that time (late 40s) East New York was known for its youth gang activity. The area supported thriving Mafia activities and was a breeding ground for Mob hit squads. It was also the former stomping grounds of gangster’s such as Bugsy Siegell. At about age 12, Gotti became an errand boy for a sketchy neighborhood club ran by Carmina Fatico, who was a captain in the Gambino family. The Gambino family was the biggest of the five Mafia families in New York City. During Gotti’s activities running errands for the club, he met his life-long mentor, Aniello Dellacroce. At this same time he joined a gang called the Fulton-Rockaway Boys. This youth gang was infamous for their carjacking’s and robberies. Once, when Gotti, age 14, was trying to steal a cement mixer for the gang, his toes...
Words: 2158 - Pages: 9
