Here are 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 and allowed it to survive in harsh times. From a multitude of leaders, 20 of the most legendary, authoritative and powerful of the 20th century were selected.
In my opinion, the ranking of people is very, very controversial, I would place the names a little differently, but ...
I leave it to you, gentlemen, to judge for yourself!
№1 LUCKY LUCHIANO
Society:
They said about him: "Luciano? Oh, this is a real gentleman. He can give a girl $ 100 just for the fact that she smiled at him."
Finance:
According to federal investigation 1929, Luciano's annual income was $ 200 thousand.For comparison: then the most expensive mansions in Beverly Hills were estimated at no more than $ 20 thousand.
Opinions:
"Everything is good with Luciano," Masseria said. "But he's just a sissy, son of a bitch."
Thomas Dewey grasped the very essence of Luciano's work. In his accusatory speech, he said: "When Luciano took over the industry of vice, it became highly organized and began to be governed by the latest word of newfangled commercial management."
Achievements:
1. Distribution of powers between families
2. Creation of Murder Incorporated - a paramilitary unit of professional hitmen
3. Creation of a permanent collegiate council of the Mafia Dons
4. Constant striving to legalize business, to expand the spheres of influence
5. Subordination of trade unions.
Outcome:
This is the man who "invented" organized crime
№2 CARLO GAMBINO
Opinions:
Joe Bonanno called him “a squirrel, obsequious and obsequious man. Anastasia used him as an errand boy. I once saw Albert getting so angry with Carlo, failing a simple task that Albert raised his hand and hit him properly ... Another man could not bear such a public insult. Carlo answered with a servile grin "
Albert Seedman, chief of detectives at the New York City Police Department, said: “The Gambino was like rattlesnake that rolls up and pretends that she is dead until the danger has passed "
Links:
Gambino was the most ambitious young accomplice of Lucky Luciano and Meyer Lansky
Credo:
He strengthened his position by entering into an alliance with the right people, and killing unnecessary ones, so that no one even tried to challenge him.
Achievements:
1. being in an initially losing position, he was able to capture 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 influential in the country.
Outcome:
The most "cunning and streamlined" Don, who embodied the principle: "the clever will not go up the hill ..."
# 3 MAYER LANSKY
Personality in history
If there ever was a "Golden Age" for the Mafia in the United States, it certainly began the day 11-year-old Meyer Sukhovlyansky first bet 5 cents on a dice game on Brooklyn's poorest street, 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 told Lucky about his partner: “It took me a long time to realize that this Meyer understands Italians better than myself. I have already told him, perhaps, a Jewess gave birth to him, but he was nurtured like a Sicilian. "
He about himself
“We are more than the U.S. Steel. We are higher than the law "
Non Italiano
A Jew from Grodno ... When the whole world talked about a partnership that included only Italians, Meyer was not touched. Nobody ever excluded him from anywhere and did not want to do it.
During the Kefower trial, Lansky was considered such an "important" person that he was not even summoned to court. Moreover, the Committee never mentioned him, only at the end of the investigation the wording was amended: "Evidence in the Costello - Adonis - Lansky case ..." Nevertheless, it was "Kid" who had both the first and last words in the world of organized crime. A king without a crown. This 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
In the criminal world, some kind of rearrangement constantly took place, but Lansky's position always remained unchanged. This man was too valued to be lost. He easily came to a consensus with Vito Genovese that Albert Anastasia should die, and then with the same ease and with the same sophistication got rid of Vito. Lansky was not afraid of revenge. Lansky was not afraid of anything.
Finance:
Despite numerous obstacles, Lansky maintained his position until the very end. In 1970, his fortune was equal to about three hundred million dollars, and by 1980 it had grown to four hundred million. Some have tried to explain that Lansky continues to make money by the fact that he has an inner need to rule. They may have overlooked a simpler explanation: Lansky believed there was never a lot of money. He always wanted more. Although he still continued to live in a modest house on the outskirts of Brooklyn, neither his wife nor children knew what the head of the family was actually doing.
The businessman Lansky created the Syndicate, ordered the hierarchy, but he was never interested in the dynasty. His relatives were very far from the criminal world. And he did not 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 he himself retired.
Outcome
Meyer Lansky survived everyone. Both friends and enemies. But even after his death, the Syndicate could take care of itself, fill vacancies and remain a money-making machine. Forever and ever...
4. ANTHONY ACCARDO
Pedigree
Proving himself a loyal fighter, Accardo became Capone's permanent bodyguard. He was also responsible for guarding Capone's room at the Lexington Hotel. He became one of the Syndicate's finest and most experienced assassins.
Opinion
One of the veterans of the "Chicago Syndicate" in a conversation with journalist George Murry said: "Before breakfast, he thought more than Capone all day."
Achievements
Throughout the history of the "Chicago Syndicate" Accardo has become one of its best leaders. During his reign, the organization's revenues have steadily increased. He wisely and prudently took a restrained position, not unleashing bloody wars.
Society
Who can tell you another city in which the Mafia has such an influence that even the charter of the city changes in order to please the gangsters ...? (The Chicago Mafia succeeded in transferring control of the police from the mayor to the city council, which required changing the charter of the Chicago suburb - Cicero. But this 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 as follows: “No one could surpass Johnny Torrio as the organizer and administrator of the criminal world in the annals of American crime. her gray cardinal than anyone else. "
Credo
First of all, Torrio was uomo di panza ("belly man"), that is, a man who knows how to keep things in himself, uomo di segreto ("man of mystery"), who knows how to leave his affairs to his own private affairs, uomo di pazienza ( "man of patience")
Way
At seven, he was herding his father's blind pig in Brooklyn; half a century later, without 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 United States.
Finance
At 43, before retiring, he owned $ 30 million.
Achievements
- In tandem with Arnold Rothstein and Meyer, Lansky developed the basic strategy for organized crime in America. Lucky Luciano eventually carried out the plan.
Even after retirement, the most important decisions were approved only after Fox's advice.
- I raised myself in my arms famous gangster USA Alfonso Capone.
Outcome
Torrio's influence on organized crime can hardly be overestimated.
Having created the Mafia in principle, having held out for 5 years at the top of the gangster world, having survived 2 serious attempts on his life, fulfilling the duties of a de facto Consigliere on the most important affairs of the entire Syndicate, without serving a day in prison, died of a heart attack in a barbershop chair at 76 year of life.
6 ARNOLD ROTSHTEIN
Distinctive features.
Having received a good education, possessed an amazing acumen in all cases involving all kinds of scams and fraud. Professional gambler and sharper.
Credo.
I could not live a day without a game. When asked why he does this, he replied - “Why do you eat every day? ... The game is a part of me. 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, organizing the smuggling of alcohol and organizing international trade drugs.
- He showed the way in the criminal world to people like Meyer Lansky and Charlie Luciano.
Income.
Money literally flowed like a river. Rothstein bought a kilogram of heroin in Europe for $ 2,000 and could sell it in the US for $ 300,000.
Bottom line.
Has done a lot of major scams and fraudulent transactions. 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 bosses of the mafia, he kept his empire in fear and unquestioning obedience. The famous "Massacre on Valentine's Day" to this day plunges into shock with its gore and cruelty.
Bugs Moran later said about it: "Only Al Capone kills this way." These words fully reveal the essence of Capone.
He recognized only the most expensive cigars and rode 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 turned over all the affairs to Capone. “It's all yours, Al,” he said goodbye.
Achievements.
- He was distinguished by his outstanding criminal talent. He perfected his skill with a knife and a revolver.
- Using any, even the most sophisticated methods, he got rid of his main competitors - O'Banion's gang and Jenna's brothers. Thus, he completely subdued Chicago.
- Having started his career from the very bottom as a bouncer, by the age of thirty he was already in charge of his own criminal empire.
- All 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 million. Most of it was recorded in front persons and several fictitious corporations.
Capone in the movies.
Many films and documentaries have been shot about Capone. In the eyes of directors, he is more of a collective image and embodiment of a gangster. Among the most famous: "Al Capone" (1959), "Untouchables" (1987), "Al Capone's Boys" (2002).
The film Scarface (1932) indirectly pointed to Capone. But the writers in every possible way rejected any similarities. Alyu himself liked the film so much. that he ordered a copy for his personal collection.
By the way, the famous Valentine's Day massacre can be seen in the film "There are only girls in the jazz" (1959)
Bottom line.
Al Capone is a legendary man.
8. VITO GENOVEZE
Special features
Resourcefulness stubbornness, in good sense the words. Thanks to these qualities, he achieved great heights, both in Italy and in the USA. And also colossal patience. Don Vito could wait for the right moment for months, and did not stop at any difficulties.
Income
By the early 30s, Genovese already owned the American Lottery network, which brought in up to half a million dollars annually, as well as many nightclubs and hotels with a suspicious reputation.
Achievements.
- In the United States, he occupied a prominent position in the mafia, but in 1937 he fled to Italy.
- Cooperated 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 held the post of 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 your enemy's brother. By doing so, you will cause him more suffering.
Don Vito has always been 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 hot-tempered. He was very proud with strong leadership and great ambition. He loved to dress beautifully, to be in public, to give interviews, for which he received the nickname Frant Don.
The FBI christened him the Teflon Don for the fact that he easily dodged any accusations.
Income.
An empire built on gambling, prostitution, drugs and murder generated $ 16 million annually.
Credo.
The most uncompromising Don of the mafia. He always demanded unquestioning obedience, the reprisal against the guilty was cruel. This is a person who has always paid the bills and does not forget the people who saved him.
Achievements.
- I 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 the Mafia a public organization through his appearance on the covers of Time and New york Times Magazine, as well as other press and television appearances.
Gotti on movie screens.
The most reliable biography of John Gotti is shown in the film "Gotti" (1996). Among the most famous works is also "To Catch Gotti" (1994), which tells about the trial. Also, many documentaries have been filmed about both Gotti himself and the Gambino family.
Bottom line.
A man who did not trust fate, but built his own life.
10 VINCENT GIGANTE
Traditionality
One of those who spoke out against John Gotti, after his ascension to the throne "through the blood" of the previous Boss. And even made an attempt on Gotti in revenge for the murder of Costellano.
Justice
Mafioso has long remained out of reach of justice, which was in no small part due to his eccentric behavior. The "crazy father" of the Italian mafia, as the journalists called him, diligently feigned mental breakdown: muttering something to himself, he walked the streets of New York in his 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 Ginovese clan, said that in reality "Fat Tony" was just a cover, while in reality Vincent Gigante led the mafia clan.
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 "mafioso", which in the Palermo dialect means: beautiful, charismatic, self-confident, courageous, goes into the past.
11 GAETANO LUCCHESE
Distinctive features.
Despite his stormy youth, he possessed the features of a real businessman. He calculated his every step and could kill two birds with one stone.
Credo.
During his tenure as boss of the family, he maintained neutrality and pursued a policy of peace.
Achievements.
- Had extensive connections with many major gangsters, as well as businessmen, prosecutors, judges and members of Congress. Earned the respect of even New York's most powerful boss, 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 has successfully escaped prison for 44 years.
Bottom line.
Lucchese is among the most calculating and far-sighted mafiosi. Until the end of his days he enjoyed the authority and respect of people from the most different layers society.
12 JO BONANNO
Achievements
He ran the Family for 30 years and voluntarily resigned in order to quietly end his life in his luxurious mansion... He was considered the wealthiest head of the "family" at the time. He put the drug trade in the Mafia on the stream. According to one version, it was he who became the prototype of Vito Corleone - the main character of the novel and the film "The Godfather".
Society
The authorities have never (!) 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 it succinctly and correctly: "venture capitalist"
Himself about the Mafia
"The concept of 'mafia' is used to denote a process, a special type of relationship between men, - he wrote. - I do not use this concept, because it confuses more than it is worth."
Outcome
Intrigues, tricks, deceptions, multi-pass combinations, traps, setups ... Learn, gentlemen. Maestro gives a lesson
13 PHILIP LOMBARDO
Distinctive features.
He had a unique talent to always remain in the shadows. He 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.
- Hidden behind dummy bosses for over 20 years. That did not stop him from becoming one of the richest and most influential bosses in the history of Cosa Nostra.
- Remained the true leader of the Genovese family until his death in 1987.
Bottom line.
As a gray cardinal, he achieved great heights in the criminal world, becoming the most successful gangster.
14 SALVATORE MARANZANO
Distinctive features.
He had a personable 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.
Associated himself with the Roman emperor, and his grouping 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 Castellamare War against Joe Masseria's faction and proclaimed himself capo di tutti capi, the boss of all bosses.
- Became the last mafioso who officially bore the title of "boss of all bosses".
- Established a strict hierarchical structure of the mafia, which persists to this day.
Business.
The heyday of the mafia, the times of Prohibition. The smuggling of alcohol in those years brought fabulous profits.
Cinema.
The film "The Godfather's Story" (1999) shows the Castellamar War, as well as the scene of the assassination attempt on Maranzano.
Bottom line.
Salvatore Maranzano was one of the most influential figures in the mafia. The representative of the "old school" mafia, guided by the principle of "All or nothing" and sought power for the sake of power.
15 FRANK COSTELLO
Distinctive features.
The future king of gambling and a great businessman. He loved good food and was known as a true lover of fine dining.
Achievements.
- He entered the elite of the mafia, becoming famous thanks to the gambling business, as well as his ability to organize large frauds and scams.
- For 20 years, he led the Genovese clan from year to year, increasing the well-being 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.
Court hearings.
When asked: "Mr. Costello, what have you done for this country?" Frank replied: "I 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 bringing in $ 50,000 a week in profit.
Frank about himself.
"I am an ordinary person, an old businessman, tired of the damn life."
Bottom line.
Like many emigrants of the early 20th century, he did not wait for the government's mercy and began to decide his own destiny, but unlike many, he managed to rise to the highest step in the mafia hierarchy. He has risen 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 ousted the Irish in almost all types of crime, although the Italians were reluctant to go to Patriarchy in this city.
Traditionality
In 1967, he receives a prison term for betraying his man. He served almost 10 years, did not say a word to the authorities about the Mafia. After the term, he finds a defector and kills.
in general, he preferred to deal with witnesses at once. The FBI even became afraid to reveal the names of the "singers", since for Patriarch it was a matter of honor.
The boss has been the leader of the family for 30 years despite a prison sentence. The fairest and most 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 his father's death, but problems within the family did not allow him to lead the clan.
17 SANTO TRAFFICANTE - Jr.
Credo
He never tried to claim power in a broader sense than the limits of his own territory. The only purpose of his activity was money, which did not prevent him from unquestioningly following the long-standing traditions of people of honor.
Achievements
- Despite the fact that he actually received power and has already powerful empire by inheritance, he went down in history not as the son of his father.
- Significantly expanded the scope of his organization, multiplied its income, strengthened its position, and highlighted Tampa in a bright color on the criminal map of the United States.
Business
I have never neglected unnecessary sources of income. His organization dealt with all kinds of racketeering. Gambling, usury, drug trafficking. Florida made the main point of entry for drugs in the United States.
Distinctive features
He was not afraid of God, not the devil, not the CIA, which he powdered his brains as he wanted, assuring him 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 payment and help from the special services regularly.
Outcome
A man practically devoid of ambition ruled his organization with an iron fist. Hated by the state fooled by him after his incomparable machinations, suspected and accused of many things, but convicted for little, died peacefully of heart disease, having held the reins of power for 33 years by a powerful criminal 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 main 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 loyalty 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 achieve your goal even if I have to kill everyone. "
Credo.
His credo was simple to the point of banality, but, nevertheless, reflected his entire essence: "No man - 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 confronted with the fact that Anastasia would take his place.
Business.
Anastasia was very straightforward and was not able to play cunning multi-move combinations. The family's business under his leadership was not very profitable.
Bottom line.
He achieved leadership and authority in the family only with the help of his cruelty. The main executioner of the mafia, of course, could not effectively manage the family. His eyes were clouded with a thirst for violence and reprisals against unwanted competitors.
19 ANGELO BRUNO
Distinctive features
Compared to other mafiosi, he looked like a pacifist (it was not for nothing that he was nicknamed "Soft Don"), but at the same time he controlled one of the largest "families" in the United States for 20 years.
Credo
Blood gets in the way of 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 to sit on the Commission.
Business.
He categorically forbade his subordinates to trade in drugs, but took tribute from independent drug dealers. As luck would have it, Atlantic City, under his control, became the "Las Vegas of the East Coast"
Outcome
Was killed by shortsighted subordinates who craved power and quick money... As a result of the ensuing civil strife, Bruno's empire almost completely disappeared from the criminal map of the United States.
20 CARMINE PERSICO.
Specific traits.
He gained fame in criminal circles as an uncompromising executor of "force" orders. Received the nickname "Serpent" for resourcefulness and cunning. He was distinguished by a brilliant mind, and even defended himself in court.
Achievements.
- He has been successfully leading the Colombo clan for over 35 years.
- In 1985 topped the list of 10 most wanted criminals published by the FBI.
- Established good connections with Ndrangheta, bringing good income.
- Received the nickname "Immortal" - he was shot more than 20 times, but to this day he remains the boss of the Colombo family.
Carmine on the mafia.
Once at the trial, he uttered the following phrase: "If it weren't for the mafia, this case would not be considered now." Perhaps he is right.
Bottom line.
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 the Italymob website.)
"Cosa Nostra" - these words made every inhabitant of the sunny island tremble. Whole family clans were involved in mafia crime gangs. Sicily, this blooming garden, grown on rivers of blood. The Sicilian mafia stretched out its tentacles throughout Italy, and even the American godfathers had to reckon with it.
Returning from the south of Italy, I shared my impressions with one of my acquaintances. When I said that I could not get to Sicily, I heard in response: "Well, for the best, because the mafia is there!"
Unfortunately, the sad glory of the island washed by the waters of three seas is such that its name conjures up not delightful landscapes and unique cultural monuments, not age-old traditions of the people, but a mysterious criminal organization that entangled, like a spider web, all spheres of society. This idea of the "crime syndicate" was greatly facilitated by famous films: about the commissar Cattani, who fell in an unequal battle with the "octopus", or about the "godfather" Don Corleone, who moved to America from the same Sicily. Besides, we have heard the echoes of loud litigation over the mafia leaders in the 80s and 90s, when the fight against organized crime in Italy reached its climax. However, no success of the authorities and the police in this endeavor can change the postulate that is deeply rooted in the minds of society: "Mafia is immortal." Is it really?
It is generally accepted that the mafia is a rather complex ramified criminal organization with its own harsh laws and traditions, the history of which goes back to the Middle Ages. In those distant times, in the underground galleries of Palermo, people, armed with swords and pikes, hid their faces under hoods - members of the mysterious religious sect "Beati Paoli". The very name "mafia" appeared in the 17th century. The word is supposed to be based on an Arabic root meaning "protection"; there are also other interpretations of it - "refuge", "poverty", "secret murder", "witch" ... In the 19th century, the mafia was a brotherhood that protected "unfortunate Sicilians from foreign exploiters" time of the Bourbons. The struggle ended with a revolution in I860, but the peasants, instead of the former oppressors, found new ones in the person of their compatriots. Moreover, the latter managed to introduce into the life of Sicilian society relations and a code of conduct that had developed in the depths of the secret terrorist organization... Criminal orientation quickly became cornerstone"Brotherhood", corruption, with which it allegedly fought, in fact was the basis of its existence, mutual assistance turned into mutual responsibility.
Skillfully using the distrust of the official government, traditional for the population of the region, the mafia formed an alternative government, practically replacing the state where it could act more effectively, for example, in such a field as justice. The mafia undertook to solve any problems of the peasant, and - at first glance - for free. And the poor turned to her for protection that the state could not provide them. The peasants did not think that someday it would be their turn to render services to their patron. As a result, each village has its own mafia clan, which administered its own court. And the widespread myth of a secret, centralized and ramified organization with a thousand-year history greatly contributed to the strengthening of the authority of such clans as its "local subdivisions".
Palermo Airport bears the names Falcone and Borsellino, which have become legendary in today's Italy. Prosecutor Giovanni Falcone and his successor Paolo Borsellino worked like no other to cleanse Sicily of the mafia. Falcone became the prototype for the famous Commissioner of Catania.
1861 - an important milestone in the history of the mafia - it became a real political force. Relying on the poor population of Sicily, the organization managed to nominate its candidates to the Italian parliament. By buying or intimidating other MPs, the mafia was able to largely control political situation in the country, and the mafiosi, still relying on grassroots criminal structures, have turned into respectable members of society, claiming a place in its upper class. Researchers compare the Italian society of that time with “a puff pastry, in which the connections between the layers were carried out not by official representatives, but by informal ones, ie. by soldiers of the mafia. " Moreover, without denying the criminal nature of such a state structure, many of them recognize it as quite rational. In the book by Norman Lewis, for example, you can read that in the "mafia" Palermo, a housewife could easily forget her purse on the bar table, because the next day she would certainly find it in the same place.
The Palermo authorities have developed a program to combat the mafia, which they called the "Sicilian cart". The Sicilian cart is two-wheeled. One wheel - repression: police, courts, special services. Another wheel is culture: theater, religion, school.
Nevertheless, the new, "legal" mafia could not save southern Italy from the terrible impoverishment, as a result of which, between 1872 and the First World War, about 1.5 million Sicilians emigrated, mainly to America. "Prohibition" served as a fertile ground for illegal business and the accumulation of capital, the former members of the brotherhood united again and successfully recreated their usual way of life on a foreign land - this is how Cosa Nostra was born (originally this name was used to refer to the American mafia, although now so often called the Sicilian).
In Italy, the mafia continued to be a state within a state until the Nazis came to power in 1922. Like any dictator, Benito Mussolini could not come to terms with the existence of any alternative power structures, even informal and perverse ones. In 1925, Mussolini deprives the mafia of its main tool. political influence, having canceled the elections, and then decides to finally bring to its knees the organization that is undesirable to the regime and sends a special prefect, Cesare Mori, to Sicily, endowing him with unlimited powers. Thousands of people have been thrown into prisons without sufficient evidence; Sometimes entire cities were sieged to capture the godfathers, but Mori's tough tactics bore fruit - many mafiosi were imprisoned or killed, and in 1927, not without reason, the victory over organized crime was declared. In fact, the fascist party itself began to play the role of the mafia as a guarantor public order in Sicily and an intermediary between the government and the peasants.
The most "mafia" Sicilian sweet is cannoli, wafer rolls with sweet filling. They eat like that all the time at The Godfather. Another Sicilian dessert is cassata, an almond-based pastry. And the tourist town of Erice specializes in vegetables and fruits made from colored marzipan.
Those influential mafiosi who managed to escape Mori's persecution found refuge in the United States. However, even here the free life of Cosa Nostra was disrupted: first, by the abolition of Prohibition in 1933, which dealt a blow to the mafia's business, and then by quite successful, although not always legal, actions of the state against the most odious figures of the criminal organization. For example, the infamous Al Capone was jailed for 11 years for tax evasion, and another "America's greatest gangster," John Dillinger, was simply shot and killed by federal agents as he walked out of a movie theater. However, the end of the Second World War was approaching, and the Allies found it tempting to use the authority of the heads of organized crime in the seizure of Sicily. The "boss of the bosses" of the last Lucky Luciano, who was sentenced to 35 years in prison by the US court, acted as an intermediary between the Sicilian and American mafias. Replacing this punishment with expulsion to Rome was, apparently, a good incentive for him - Luciano agreed with his Italian "colleagues" to assist the Allies in the landing in Sicily, and the inhabitants of the island met the British and American troops as liberators.
However, there has not yet been a case when society did not have to pay for the services of the mafia. Almost brought to her knees, she suddenly had the opportunity to be reborn in a new capacity. The Dons who distinguished themselves in the fight against the fascists were appointed mayors in the main cities of Sicily, at the expense of the Italian army, the mafia managed to replenish its arsenal, a thousand mafiosi who helped the allied forces were amnestied under a peace treaty. The Sicilian mafia strengthened its position at home, strengthened ties with its American "sister" and, moreover, significantly expanded its possessions - both territorially (penetrating into the previously untouched Milan and Naples) and in the sphere of its criminal business. Since the late 1950s, the heads of the Sicilian organization have become the main suppliers of heroin to America.
The beginning of this was laid by the same Lucky Luciano, who, by the way, lived to a ripe old age and died of a heart attack almost during a meeting with an American director who was going to shoot a film about his life. The efforts of his followers were directed towards both the drug trade and the establishment of links between the mafia and politicians. How much they have succeeded in this over the past decades, can be judged by the report of the Italian Commission against the Mafia: state power fell into an extremely humiliated position ... The mafia often resorted to threats or direct physical liquidation of people, even intervening in politics, since the fate of the entire business, the income of the mafia and the influence of its individual representatives depended on them.
Thus, the impression was created that nothing threatened the well-being of the mafia. But this is not entirely true - the danger lay within the organization itself. The structural structure of the mafia is well known: at the top of the pyramid there is a head (capo), near which there is always an adviser (consigliere), the heads of divisions (caporegime), who manage ordinary performers (picchotti), are directly subordinate to the head. In the Sicilian mafia, its unit cells (koski) are made up of blood relatives. Kosks under the leadership of one don are united into a consortium (family), and all consorteries together make up the mafia. However, the romantic version of an organization united by common goals becomes nothing more than a myth when it comes to big money.
The ritual of initiation into the Sicilian mafia is that the newcomer's finger is wounded and his blood is spilled on the icon. He takes the icon in his hand and they light it. The beginner must endure the pain until it burns out. At the same time, he must say: "Let my flesh burn like this saint if I break the rules of the mafia."
Each consortium has its own interests, often very different from those of the rest of the mafia. Sometimes the heads of families manage to agree among themselves on the division of spheres of influence, but this does not always happen, and then society becomes a witness to bloody wars between mafia clans, as was the case, for example, in the early 80s. The government's anti-mafia campaign was a response to the drug trade that led to this terrible massacre, and the mafia, in turn, instituted terror, the victims of which were dignitaries, politicians and law enforcement officers. In particular, in 1982, General Della Chiza was killed, who began to unearth the scams of the mafia in the construction industry and became interested in the question of who is protecting it in the government. Ten years later, the main mafioso Tommaso Buscetta, who was arrested in Brazil, said that it was the clan of Giulio Andreotti, who served as prime minister seven times, ordered to kill Della Chisa. Buscetta is also the author of the so-called "Buscetta theorem", according to which the mafia is a single organization based on a strict hierarchy, with its own laws and specific overarching plans. This "theorem" was firmly believed by the anti-mafia fighter Judge Giovanni Falcone, who back in the 80s conducted a series of investigations, as a result of which hundreds of mafiosi were brought to trial.
After Buscetta's arrest, Falcone, relying on his testimony, was able to start several "high-profile cases" against them. The judge vowed to devote his whole life to fighting the "curse of Sicily", was convinced that "the mafia has a beginning and an end," and strove to get to its leaders. Falcone created something like an anti-mafia committee, the successes of which were so obvious that the committee was ... dissolved by the authorities, dissatisfied with his authority and fame, and possibly fearing revelations. Falcone, slandered and left alone, left Palermo, and in May 1992 he and his wife fell victim to a terrorist attack. However, the murder of Giovanni Falcone and another judge who fought against the mafia - Paolo Borselino - forced the Italian public to wake up. The Mafia has largely lost its former support of the population. The law of "omerta" was violated, which surrounded the organization with a veil of silence, and a lot of "peniti" (repented), i.e. of the defectors who abandoned the mafia activities, testified, which made it possible to send dozens of important Dons to jail. However, the old generation of gangsters, forced to retreat into the shadows, was replaced by a young one, ready to fight both the legitimate authorities and their predecessors ...
So, the fight against organized crime, which was waged with varying degrees of success throughout the 20th century, continues to this day. Mafia sometimes "changes its skin", while always retaining its essence of a criminal terrorist organization. It is invulnerable as long as the official institutions of power remain ineffective, and the officials remain corrupt and selfish. In fact, the mafia is a hypertrophied reflection of the vices of the whole society, and until society has found the courage to fight its own vices, the mafia can still be called immortal.
The culture
The Mafia appeared in the middle of the 19th century in Sicily. The American Mafia is a branch of the Sicilian Mafia that drove the waves of Italian immigration in the late 19th century. Members and associates of the mafia group needed to commit the murder in order to intimidate the prisoners and dissuade them from trying to shorten the term.
Sometimes the murders were committed out of revenge or because of disagreements. Murder has become a profession in the mafia. Throughout history, the mastery of killing has been continually refined. Planning, execution and covering up the tracks were all part of a "trade" agreement with a skilled assassin. However, most of the murderers ended their lives violently or spending a large portion of it in prison.
10. Joseph "The Animal" Barboza
Barbosa is known as one of the worst killers of the 1960s, believed to have killed more than 26 people. He got his nickname during an incident in a nightclub, when, after a small disagreement, he "smashed" the whole face of the offender. For some time after that, he continued his boxing career, winning 8 of 12 fights under the pseudonym "Baron".
Despite the fact that he nevertheless made several attempts to return to legal life, "nature took its toll", because no matter how much you feed the wolf, he still looks into the forest, so he soon began to engage in crime again. In 1950, he served 5 years in the Massachusetts Correctional Colony, while he repeatedly attacked guards and other prisoners. After serving three years of the appointed time, he escaped, but he was soon caught.
After his release, he immediately joined a gang of gangsters, and started his own business of burglary. At the same time, his career began to develop as a "hit man" within the Patricia Criminal Family. Over the years, the number of his victims grew, as did his reputation as a hitman. His weapon of choice was a silenced pistol, although he also enjoyed experimenting with car bombs.
Over time, Barbosa became a respected figure in the underworld, however, with his reputation, it was impossible not to acquire dangerous enemies. After being sent to prison on murder charges and learning that an assassination attempt was being made on him, he agreed to testify against mafia boss Raymond Patriarca in exchange for protection from the FBI. He was defended for a while under the witness protection program, but the enemies still managed to get him. In 1976, near his home, he was ambushed and killed on the spot with a shotgun.
9. Joe "Crazy" Gallo ("Crazy" Joe Gallo)
Joseph Gallo was a prominent member of the New York-based Profasi criminal gang. He killed mercilessly and was believed to be involved in many contract killings at the behest of boss Joe Profaci himself. Ironically, his nickname has nothing to do with his "murderous" reputation.
Many "colleagues" called him crazy because he liked to quote dialogues from gangster movies and impersonate fictional characters. His reputation grew significantly in 1957, when Joe was suspected (although this was never proven) of being among those who killed the highly influential mob boss Albert Anastasia.
A year later, Gallo assembled a team to overthrow Profasi family leader Joseph Profasi. The attempt was unsuccessful, after which many of his friends and relatives were killed. Gallo was doing very badly, and in 1961 he was convicted of robbery and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
During his time in prison, he tried to kill several other prisoners by politely inviting them into his cell and adding strychnine to their food. Most of them became seriously ill, but none died. After serving 8 years of the appointed term, he was released early.
Upon his release, Gallo was determined to take on the role of leader of the Colombo crime family. In 1971, then-leader Joe Columbo was shot three times in the head by an African-American gangster. However, Gallo is about to face his own tragic end. In 1972, while dining at a fish restaurant with his family and bodyguard, he was shot five times in the chest. The main suspect in the murder was believed to be Carlo Gambino, who did it in revenge for the murder of Joe's friend Colombo.
8. Giovanni Brusca
Giovanni Brusca is known as one of the most cruel and sadistic members of the Sicilian mafia. He claims to have killed more than 200 people, although in reality this is unlikely, even the officials did not accept this figure. Brusca grew up in Palermo, and began communicating with the underworld from early childhood. Eventually, he became a member of the "death squad", which committed crimes on the orders of the boss Salvatore Riina.
Brusca was involved in the assassination of anti-mafia prosecutor Giovanni Falcone in 1992. A huge bomb weighing almost half a ton was placed under the highway in Palermo. As the car passed in the place where the bomb was planted, the explosive device went off, killing many more besides Falcone. ordinary people, who at that fateful moment were nearby. The explosion was so powerful that it punched a hole in the road, and the locals thought an earthquake was about to begin.
Shortly thereafter, Bruska began to face numerous challenges. His former friend Giuseppe di Matteo became an informant and spoke about Brusque's involvement in the murder of Falcone. In order to silence Matteo, Brusca kidnapped his 11-year-old son and tortured him for two years. He also regularly sent terrifying photos of the boy to his father, demanding that he withdraw his testimony. In the end, the boy was strangled and his body was dissolved in acid to destroy the evidence.
Bruska was sentenced to life imprisonment, however, was able to escape and became active in organized crime. However, the authorities still managed to get to him, and he was arrested in a small house in a Sicilian village.
The officers who took part in the arrest were wearing ski masks in order to hide their faces from the criminals, because otherwise they would have faced inevitable reprisals. He was convicted of numerous murders and is currently in prison, where he will remain until the end of his days.
7. John Scalise
John Scalis was one of the top hitmen of the Al Capone clan during the ban in the 1930s and 1940s. When he was twenty years old, he lost his right eye in a knife fight, which was later replaced by a glass one. After that, to cement his reputation, he began to take orders for murder from the Gennas brothers (Gennas brothers). He later secretly began collaborating with Al Capone. John also spent 14 years in prison for manslaughter and was severely beaten by inmates.
Perhaps most popular is his involvement in the Valentine's Day Massacre, when seven people were lined up against a wall and brutally shot by bandits disguised as police officers. Skalis was arrested and charged with the murders, however, was soon released because his guilt was not proven.
Al Capone later learns that Skalis and two other assassins were involved in a conspiracy to overthrow his leadership. He invited all three to a banquet, beat each one almost to death, and the final chord was the bullets fired in the forehead of the cheaters.
6. Tommy DeSimone
The man's family is recognizable, as in 1990, actor Joe Pesci played Tommy in the movie Goodfellas. Nevertheless, despite the fact that in the film he is depicted as a small and short man, in life he was a large, broad-shouldered killer, almost 2 meters tall and weighing more than 100 kilograms. It has been proven that he personally killed 6 people, although, according to some reports, this number is more than 11. Informant Henry Hill (Henry Hill) described him as a "pure psychopath."
De Simone committed his first murder in 1968. While walking with Henry Hill in the park, he saw an unknown man walking towards them. He turned to Henry and said, "Hey, look!" Then he shouted a swear word stranger and shot him point-blank. This will not be his last impulsive murder.
In one of the bars, he flared up over what he believed to be a wrong drink bill. Drawing his pistol, he demanded that the bartender dance for him. When the latter refused, he shot him in one leg. A week later, once again in the same bar, he began to taunt the bartender wounded in the leg, to which he sent him to hell in an impartial way. Tommy reacted very quickly: he pulled out a pistol and killed the bartender by shooting him three times.
After his involvement in the famous Lufthansa robbery, Tommy went to work as a hitman for friend and mastermind of thieves Jimmy Burke. He eliminated possible informants and thereby increased his share of the loot. One of those killed was a very close friend of Tommy Stacks Edwards, whom he was reluctant to kill. Burke told Tommy that he could become a full-fledged member of the mafia by killing Edwards, and De Simone agreed.
In the end, Tommy's irascibility led him to death. V another attack In a blind rage, he killed two close friends of boss John Gotti, who saw it as his duty to personally get even with Tommy. According to Henry Hill, the murder process was long, as Gotti wanted De Simone to suffer greatly. He was killed in 1979, and his remains have never been found.
5. Salvatore Testa
Salvatore was a Philadelphia gangster who served as a hitman for the Scarfo crime gang from 1981 until his death in 1984. His father, a highly influential man in criminal circles, was shot in the head in 1981, leaving Salvatore behind several of his legal and illegal businesses. As a result, at 25, Testa was very rich.
Testa was an extremely aggressive person and he personally killed 15 people during his "activity" period. One of his victims was the man who plotted the murder of his father, the gangster and bodyguard Rocco Marinucci. His body was found exactly one year after the death of Salvatore's father. He was completely covered with bullet wounds and had three unexploded bombs in his mouth.
A huge number of assassination attempts were made on Salvatore, however, he always managed to survive after them. The first assassination attempt took place on the terrace of an Italian restaurant, when the Ford sedan slowed down as it passed Testa's table, and a sawn-off shotgun that appeared in the window shot him in the stomach and left arm. However, he survived, and the perpetrators were forced to go underground after he found out who they were.
Testa met his death after being ambushed by his former friend. He was killed at close range, shot in the back of the head. The motive for the murder was the fears of the boss of the criminal group Scarfo that Testa was preparing a conspiracy against him.
4. Salvatore "Sammy the Bull" Gravano
Sammy Bull was a member of the Gambino crime family. But he gained great popularity, most likely, after becoming an informant against former boss John Gotti. His testimony helped to put Gotti behind bars for the rest of his days. Throughout his criminal career, Gravano has committed a huge number of murders and contract killings. He received the nickname "bull" because of his size, height, and his habit of fistfights with other mafiosi.
He began his mafia activities in the late 1960s in the Colombo crime family. He participated in armed robberies and other petty crimes, although he quickly moved into a rather lucrative area - usury. He committed his first murder in 1970, it helped the Bull earn respect among the representatives of the underworld.
By the early 1970s, Gravano was a member of the Gambino crime group. He was arrested on suspicion of murder, however, he was soon released. After that, he began a series of serious robberies, which he did for a year and a half. After this period, he had significant weight in the Gambino group. He "signed" his first contract murder in 1980.
A man named John Simon was the leader of a conspiracy, as a result of which it was planned to kill the boss of the Philadelphia criminal group Angelo Bruno, without receiving permission from a special mafia commission, for which he was sentenced to death. Simon was killed in a wooded area, and his body was disposed of.
Bull committed his third murder in the early 1980s after being insulted by a wealthy tycoon. He was caught in the street, and while Gravano's friends were holding him, Bull first fired two shots in his eyes, and then a control one in the forehead. After the tycoon fell, Gravano spat on him.
Gravano later becomes the right-hand man of the boss of the Gambino crime family, John Gotti, and was Gotti's favorite hitman during that period. However, after being charged with various crimes, he offered to provide information on Gotti in exchange for a reduction in his sentence. He confessed to 19 murders, but received only 5 years in prison. After his release, he went underground, however, soon became involved with organized crime in Arizona again. He is currently in custody.
3. Giuseppe Greco
Giuseppe was an Italian gangster who worked as a hitman in Palermo, Italy in the late 1970s. Unlike other hitmen, Greco was on the run from the law throughout his career. He rarely worked alone, hiring "death squads," bandits with Kalashnikov assault rifles, who waited in ambush for their prey and then beat them down. He was found guilty of 58 murders, although the total number of victims, according to some information, reached 80. One day he killed a teenager and his father, dissolving the bodies of both in acid.
By 1979, Greco was a high-ranking and respected member of the mafia commission. He committed most of his murders from 1980 to 1983, during the Second Mafia War. In 1982, Palermo boss Rosaria Riccobono was invited to a barbecue at the Greco estate. After the arrival of Rosaria and his associates, they were all killed by Greco and his "death squad". Greco received the order to kill from his boss Salvatore Riina. No bodies were found and reportedly were fed to hungry pigs.
Greco was killed at his home in 1985 by two former members his "death squad". Ironically, the client was Salvatore Riina, who believed that Greco had become too ambitious and too independent to think to stay alive. When he was killed, he was 33 years old.
2. Abraham "Kid Twist" Reles
This man was the most famous hitman involved with Murder Inc, a clandestine hitman group that worked for the Mafia in the 1920s and 1950s. He was most active in the 1930s, this was precisely the period when he killed members of various criminal gangs in New York. His weapon of choice was the ice pick, which he skillfully used to pierce the victim's head and pierce the brain.
Reles was prone to blind rage and often killed in impulse. Once he killed a valet for the fact that the latter, it seemed to him, parked his car for too long. On another occasion, he invited a friend to dinner at his mother's house. After finishing the meal, he pierced his head with an ice pick and quickly disposed of the body.
While still a teenager, Reles was regularly involved in criminal cases, and soon became a fairly popular personality in the world of organized crime. His first victim was former friend Meyer Shapiro. Reles and some of his friends were ambushed by Shapiro's gang, however, no one was hurt that time.
Later, Shapiro kidnapped Reles' girlfriend and raped her in a corn field, naturally Reles decided to take revenge by killing the offender and his two brothers. After several unsuccessful attempts, Abraham managed to get even with one of his brothers, and two months later with Shapiro himself. A little later, the rapist's second brother was buried alive.
By 1940, Reles was charged with a myriad of crimes and would most likely have been executed if convicted. To save his life, he turned in all his former friends and members of the Murder Inc gang, six of whom were executed.
Later he was supposed to testify against the mafia boss Albert Anastasia, and on the night before the trial he was in a hotel room under constant guard. The next morning he was found dead on the sidewalk. It is still unknown whether he was pushed or tried to escape himself.
1. Richard "Ice Man" Kuklinski
Perhaps the most notorious hitman in history is Richard Kuklinski, who is believed to have killed more than 200 people (none of whom were women or children). He worked in New York and New Jersey from 1950 to 1988 and was a hitman in criminal group DeCavalcante, as well as several others.
At the age of 14, he committed his first murder by beating a bully to death with a piece of a wooden stick. To avoid identifying the body, Kuklinski cut off the boy's fingers and pulled out his teeth before throwing the remains of the body off the bridge.
V teenage years Kuklinski became infamous serial killer in Manhattan, brutally killing homeless people just for the thrill. Most of his victims were shot or stabbed to death. Anyone who opposed him, for a maximum of a year, lost his life. His tough reputation soon attracted the attention of various criminal gangs, who sought to use "his talent for their own good", making him a contract killer.
He became a full-fledged member of the Gambino crime gang, actively participating in robberies and the supply of pirated pornographic videotapes. Once, a respected member of the Gambino group was driving with Kuklinski in a car. After they parked, the man chose a random target and ordered Kuklinski to kill him. Richard immediately complied with the order, shooting an innocent man point-blank. This was the beginning of his career as a hitman.
For the next 30 years, Kuklinski worked successfully as a hitman. He got his nickname "Ice Man" because of his method of freezing the bodies of his victims, which helped to hide the time of death from the authorities. Kuklinski was also famous for using various methods of assassination, the most unusual of which was the use of a crossbow aimed at the victim's forehead, although he most often used cyanide.
When authorities finally found out who Kuklinski was, they found no evidence to convict him of premeditated murder. As a result, they conducted a special operation, after which Kuklinski was arrested and charged with trying to poison a person with cyanide. He received five life sentences after confessing to numerous murders. He died in prison of old age when he was 70 years old.
A little history of the emergence of the mafia
Each business has its own development, and each development is determined by the people involved in this business, especially if it is "Our Business". And the origins Italian mafia go back to the 9th century, when the "robin-hooded" detachments defended the Sicilian peasants from the oppression and extortion of feudal lords, foreign raiders and pirates. The authorities did not help their poor, so they only called for help mafia and put their trust in her too. In return, a considerable bribe was paid, unspoken laws put forward by members of the "security" groups were carried out, but, on the other hand, the poor were provided with guaranteed protection.
Why crime clans began to be called "mafia"
There are two versions the origin of the word "mafia"... According to the first, under the influence of the Arabian flair (either military or trade relations Sicily with representatives of Arab countries), the root of the word means "refuge", "protection". According to the second version, worn out Sicily trampled by foreign invaders up and down, and in 1282 there was an uprising, the motto of which was: “Death of France! Take a breath, Italy! " (Morte alla Francia Italia Anelia). Anyway, mafia- a primordial Sicilian phenomenon, and identical criminal groups in other parts of Italy and the world were called differently, for example, "Ndragetta" in Calabria, "Sacra Corona Unita" in Puglia, "Camorra" in Naples. But, "mafia" these days, like "jacuzzi", "jeep" and "copier", have become household names, therefore they call any criminal organization.
How the mafia infiltrated power
As an organization, the mafia crystallized only in the 19th century, when the peasants, who did not want to obey the exploiting Bourbon regime at that time, "blessed" mafia for political exploits. Thus, in 1861, the mafia officially assumed the status of the ruling power. Having made their way into the Italian parliament, they got a chance to influence the formation of the political and economic course of the country, and the mafiosi themselves were transformed into the so-called aristocracy.
Starting from the 20th century, members of criminal organizations began to promote "their senators" to parliament, secretaries to city councils, for which they thanked them generously. The carefree "bathing in money" might have continued if the Nazis had not come to power. Head of Italy, Benito Mussolini did not tolerate mafia in power, and indiscriminately began to imprison thousands. The dictator's toughness naturally bore fruit, italian mafiosi lay to the bottom. 
In the 50s and 60s, the mafia took off again, and the Italian government had to start an official fight against crime by creating a special body called “Antimafia”.
And the mafiosi dressed in expensive suits of businessmen, building their work on the principle of "iceberg", where the official network of sporting goods could be engaged in the clandestine trade in drugs or weapons, prostitution, "protection" of other businesses. But, even today, nothing has changed, so it is happening in some regions of Italy to this day. Over time, some "businessmen" have seriously promoted their restaurant and hotel business, food production.
In the 80s, the fiercest bloody struggle between criminal clans began, where such a huge number of people were killed that most of the survivors prefer to work only in the field of legal business, keeping the omertu, "mutual guarantee", and other signs of the existing mafia organization.
But, the mafia has not left the scene to this day. In southern Italy, 80% of firms pay bribes to their "roof", just as it is impossible to start a business without the support of local authorities. In carrying out "mopping-up operations", the Italian government regularly sends to prisons from key positions city, regional and state officials accused of collaboration with the mafia.
How Italian mafiosi moved to America
Since 1872, as a result of total impoverishment, the Sicilians, in search of better life, armies emigrated to America. And, lo and behold, the introduced "dry law" worked into their hands. They began to trade in illegal alcoholic beverages, accumulating capital, and buying up businesses in other areas of activity. So, for short term, the money turnover of Sicilians in America began to exceed the turnover of the largest American corporations. American, originated from Sicily, the mafia is called Cosa Nostra which means "Our business"... This name is also given to those who returned from America to their homeland. Sicilian crime family.
The structure of the Italian mafia
Boss or Godfather- the head of a family, a criminal clan. Information about all the affairs of his family and the plans of enemies flows to him, is elected by voting.
Assistant or junior boss- the first assistant to the boss or godfather. Appointed solely by the boss himself and is responsible for the actions of all caporegimes.
Consigliere- the main advisor of the clan, whom the boss fully trusts.
Caporejime or capo- the head of a "team" that works in a separate area controlled by a family-clan.
Soldier- the youngest member of the clan, who was recently "introduced" to the mafia. The soldiers are formed into teams of up to 10 people, controlled by the kapo.
Partner in crime- 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, the famous godfather Salvador Lo Piccolo was arrested and found "Ten Commandments of Cosa Nostra", which describes the traditions and laws of members of the mafiz clan.
The ten commandments of Cosa Nostra
Each group "works" for a certain territory and other families do not fuss with their involvement.
Initiation ritual for beginners: they injure a finger and water the icon with his blood. He takes the icon in his hand, they set it on fire. The beginner must endure the pain until the icon burns out. 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: police officers and those who have police officers among their relatives.
Family members respect their wives, do not cheat on them, and never look at their friends' wives.
Omerta- mutual guarantee of all members of the clan. Joining the organization is life-long, 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 the insult inflicted, the offender is supposed to be killed.
Death of a family member- an insult that is washed off with blood. Bloody revenge for a loved one is called "vendetta".
The kiss of death- a special signal given by the bosses of the mafia or capo, which means that this family member has become a traitor and must be killed.
Code of Silence- a ban on disclosing the secrets of the organization.
Betrayal is punishable by killing the traitor and all his relatives.
Thinking about this topic, I draw conclusions:
Despite the myriad treasures obtained, only the poor from the Italian south coast dream of such a career development. Indeed, with a simple calculation, it turns out that it is not so profitable: members of a criminal group have to calculate the costs of protecting themselves and their families, unfastening bribes, constant confiscation of goods, and this at a constant risk to their lives and all family members. A halo of mystery, supported by heartbreaking rumors, has been shrouded in the whole secret mafia system... Is it really worth it?
Svetlana Conobella, from Italy with love. 
About konobella
Svetlana Conobella, writer, publicist and sommelier of the Associazione Italiana Sommelier. Cultivist and implementer of various ideas. What inspires: 1. Everything that goes beyond the generally accepted ideas, however, honoring traditions is not alien to me. 2. A moment of unity with the object of attention, for example, with the roar of a waterfall, a sunrise in the mountains, a glass of unique wine on the shore of a mountain lake, a fire burning in the forest, a starry sky. Who inspires: Those who create their own world full of bright colors, emotions and impressions. I live in Italy and love its rules, style, traditions, as well as "know-how", but the Motherland and compatriots are forever in my heart. Portal editor www ..Until now, the origin of the word "mafia" (in the early texts - "maffia") has not been precisely established, and therefore there are many assumptions of varying degrees of reliability.
For the first time the word "mafia" in relation to criminal gangs was probably used in 1863 in the comedy "Mafiosi from Vicaria Prison" staged in Palermo by Gaetano Mosca and Giuseppe Rizzotto. I mafiusi di la Vicaria). Although the words "mafia" and "mafia" were never mentioned in the text, they were added to the title to give a local "flavor"; the comedy is about a gang formed in a prison in Palermo, whose traditions are similar to those of the mafia (boss, initiation ritual, obedience and humility, “protection”). In its modern meaning, the term came into circulation after the prefect of Palermo Filippo Antonio Gualterio (Italian Filippo Antonio Gualterio) used this word in an official document for 1865. The Marquis Gvalterio, 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. "
Italian MP Leopoldo Franchetti, who traveled to Sicily and wrote one of the first authoritative reports on the mafia in 1876, characterized the latter as an "industry of violence" and gave it the following definition: , which would describe them, and, following their special character and importance in the life of Sicilian society, they have the right to a different name, different from the vulgar 'criminals' in other countries. " Franchetti saw how deeply the mafia was rooted in the society of Sicily and realized that it was impossible to end it without fundamental changes in social structure and institutions all over the island.
Investigations by the FBI in the 1980s significantly diminished its influence. Currently, the mafia in the United States is a powerful network of criminal organizations in the country, using their position to control most of the Chicago and New York criminal business. She also maintains ties with the Sicilian mafia.
Organization
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). Members of the "family" can only be purebred Italians, and in the Sicilian "families" - purebred Sicilians. 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(eng. boss) - the head of the "family". Receives information about any "business" committed by each member of the "family". Boss is elected by vote capo; in case of equality of the number of votes, must also vote boss's henchman... Until the 1950s, all family members participated in the vote, but later this practice was abandoned because it attracted the attention of law enforcement agencies.
- Handyman(eng. underboss) - “deputy” of the boss, the second person in the “family” who is appointed by the boss himself. The helper is responsible for the actions of all capos. In the event of the arrest or death of a boss, the henchman usually becomes the acting boss.
- Consigliere(eng. consigliere) is a family advisor, a person whom the boss can trust and whose advice he listens to. He serves as an intermediary in the resolution controversial issues, acts as an intermediary between the boss and bribed political, trade union or judicial officials, or acts as a representative of the “family” in meetings with other “families”. The consigliere usually does not have a "team" of their own, but they have significant influence in the "family." That being said, they usually have a legitimate business as well, such as a lawyer's practice or a job as a stockbroker.
- Caporejime(eng. caporegime), capo, or captain- the head of a "team" or "battle group" (consisting of "soldiers") who is responsible for one or more types of criminal activity in a certain area of the city and monthly gives the boss a portion of the proceeds from this activity ("sends a share") ... There are usually 6-9 such “teams” in a “family”, and each of them has up to 10 “soldiers”. The capo obeys the henchman or the boss himself. The submission to the capo is made by the assistant, but the boss personally appoints the capo.
- Soldier(eng. soldier) - the youngest member of the "family" who was "introduced" into the family, firstly, because he proved his usefulness for her, and secondly, on the recommendation of one or more kapos. After being elected, a soldier is usually assigned to the “team” whose capo recommended him.
- Partner in crime(eng. 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 trade union representative 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” appears, one or more kapos may recommend making a useful accomplice as a soldier. If there are several such proposals, and there is only one “vacant” position, the boss chooses the candidate.
The current structure of the Italian-American mafia and the way it operates is 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(eng. street boss) and family messenger(eng. family messenger), - introduced by the former boss of the Genovese "family" Vincent Gigante.
"Ten Commandments"
- No one can come up and introduce himself to one of "our" friends. Someone else must introduce them.
- Never look at your friends' wives.
- Do not let yourself 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 provide any information, answer truthfully.
- Money that belongs to other Cosa Nostra members or their relatives must not be misappropriated.
- The following persons cannot be included in 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 criminal groups
- Cosa Nostra (Sicily)
- Camorra (Campagna)
- Ndrangheta (Calabria)
- Sacra Corona Unita (Apulia)
- Stidda
- Banda della magliana
- Mala del brenta
Italian-American "families"
- Five Families of New York:
- The Purple Gang of East Harlem ("The Sixth Family")
- "Chicago Organization" (eng. Chicago Outfit)
- Detroit Partnership 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"
- Capelli's "Family" (new family);
Influence on popular culture
The Mafia and its reputation are deeply rooted in American pop culture, featured in films, 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 a sense of its own worth, the great idea of individual strength as the sole judge in every conflict, every clash of interests or ideas."
Literature
- Dorigo J. Mafia. - Singapore: "Kurare-N", 1998. - 112 p.
- Ivanov R. Mafia in the USA. - M., 1996.
- Polken K., Sseponik H. He who is not silent must die. Facts against the mafia. Per. with him. - M .: "Mysl", 1982. - 383 p.
Notes (edit)
Links
- Russian mafia abroad. - page deleted
- Video "Activities of the Ndrangheta organization in Germany" (German).
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