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The Top 10 Infamous Crime Families:
This article takes a deep dive into the histories and legacies of the world’s most notorious crime families. From their humble beginnings to their rise to power, these
dynasties of crime
have left indelible marks on society and continue to fascinate the public.
The Mafia
Originated in Sicily, Italy, the Mafia has spread its influence to every corner of the world. Known for their code of silence and brutal tactics, this crime family has been involved in everything from prostitution to drug trafficking.
The Genovese Family
One of the Five Families that control New York City’s criminal underworld, the Genovese Family has been at the center of numerous high-profile cases. From bootlegging to gambling and racketeering, they have ruled the streets with an iron fist for decades.
The Gambino Family
Another one of the Five Families, the Gambinos have a storied history dating back to the early 20th century. Known for their involvement in labor racketeering and the infamous Castellammarese War, this crime family has left a lasting impact on American history.
The Colombo Family
Once a powerful force in the criminal underworld, the Colombo Family has seen its share of internal strife. From the infamous “War within the Family” to their current state of disarray, this once formidable crime family has been on the decline for decades.
5. The Bonanno Family
The Bonannos have been a force to be reckoned with since their inception in the early 1900s. Known for their brutal tactics and ruthless leadership, this crime family has made its mark on New York City’s criminal underworld.
6. The Luciano Family
Once the most powerful crime-and-courts/” target=”_blank” rel=”noopener”>crime family in America, the Lucianos have been at the center of numerous high-profile cases. From their involvement in the infamous Commission to their role in the heroin trade, this crime family has left a lasting impact on American history.
7. The Chicago Outfit
Originating in the Windy City, the Chicago Outfit has been a major player in the criminal underworld since the 1910s. Known for their involvement in gambling, prostitution, and racketeering, this crime family has left a lasting impact on American history.
8. The Irish Mob
While not as glamorized as their Italian counterparts, the Irish Mob has a long and storied history of criminal activity. From bootlegging during Prohibition to racketeering and organized crime, this crime family has left its mark on American history.
9. The Japanese Yakuza
Originating in Japan, the Yakuza is one of the world’s oldest and most powerful crime families. Known for their strict code of honor and brutal tactics, this criminal organization has been a major player in the Asian underworld for centuries.
10. The Russian Mafia
With their roots in the former Soviet Union, the Russian Mafia has made a name for itself in the criminal underworld. Known for their brutal tactics and involvement in organized crime, this crime family has left its mark on both Europe and America.
Introduction
Crime families, also known as Cosa Nostra or Mafia families, are groups of individuals related by blood or marriage who engage in criminal activities together. The fascination with these families is rooted in their intricate and complex interplay of power, wealth, and corruption, which has captivated the public’s imagination for decades.
Definition and History
The term “crime family” emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, when organized crime groups in Europe and America began to consolidate their power. These families operated under a strict code of conduct, which included loyalty, respect for authority, and the prohibition of drug use and violence against women and children. Despite their criminal activities, crime families were often seen as providing a sense of community and protection to their members and neighborhoods.
Impact on Popular Culture
The allure of crime families has been reflected in popular culture for decades, from the classic Godfather films to television shows like “Sopranos” and “Goodfellas.” The portrayal of crime families in media often highlights their complex power structures, family dynamics, and the moral ambiguity of their actions.
Objective of the Book
In this book, we will delve into the histories and legacies of the top 10 most infamous crime families. From the Genovese family’s dominance of New York City’s criminal underworld to the Gambino family’s iconic status in pop culture, each chapter will explore the unique characteristics and impact of these families on American history.
Stay Tuned
Join us as we explore the fascinating world of crime families and gain a deeper understanding of their complex histories and legacies.
Up Next: Chapter 1 – The Genovese Crime Family
Methodology
Selection Criteria for the Crime Families
In compiling a list of the most notorious crime families in history, several significant
factors were considered. First and foremost was their impact on criminal history
and the notoriety and public interest
they have garnered. The families included in this analysis are those that have left an indelible mark on the criminal world.
Significant Impact on Criminal History
The families chosen have had a significant influence on criminal history, shaping the way law enforcement and society approaches organized crime.
Sources of Information
Information for this analysis was gathered from a variety of sources. Primary sources such as family memoirs
and personal accounts provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of these families. Scholarly articles and books
written by experts in the field
were also consulted to gain a deeper understanding of the historical context and cultural factors that contributed to the rise and fall of these crime families.
Scholarly Articles and Books
Numerous scholarly articles and books were studied to gain a comprehensive understanding of the history and dynamics of organized crime families.
Police Reports, Court Records, and Other Official Documents
Official documents such as police reports, court records, and government publications provided valuable information about the criminal activities and organizational structures of these families.
Interviews with Experts and Law Enforcement Officials
Interviews with experts in the field of criminology, law enforcement officials, and former members or associates of crime families provided unique insights and firsthand knowledge.
Primary Sources such as Family Memoirs and Personal Accounts
Primary sources, including family memoirs and personal accounts from former members, provided invaluable insights into the inner workings of these families.
I The Gambino Crime Family
Origins and Early History
The Gambino Crime Family, one of the Five Families that once ruled New York City’s criminal underworld, traces its origins back to the late 19th century. It was founded by Giuseppe Morello, also known as “The Boss of Bosses,” in the early 1900s. Giuseppe began his criminal career as a street hustler and eventually rose to become the head of one of New York City’s most powerful crime organizations. He established the Gambino family’s roots in Brooklyn, with a focus on extortion, gambling, and bootlegging.
Key Members and Their Criminal Activities
Charlemagne “Lucky” Luciano, a key figure in the Gambino family’s history, took control of the family in the 1930s. He transformed it into a more modern and efficient criminal organization, moving from bootlegging to gambling, racketeering, and extortion. Luciano was instrumental in the formation of the National Syndicate or Commission, which aimed to regulate organized crime activities throughout New York City.
Carlo Gambino, who took over the family after Luciano’s departure in 1957, further solidified the Gambino Family’s power. Known for his shrewd business sense and strategic mindset, Carlo expanded the family’s influence into various industries such as nightclubs, construction, and labor unions. Meanwhile, Paul “Big Paul” Castellano, who succeeded Carlo in 1973, oversaw the family during a period of great prosperity and expansion.
Impact on Organized Crime and New York City
Under the leadership of figures like Luciano, Carlo Gambino, and Paul Castellano, the Gambino Crime Family left a significant impact on organized crime and New York City. They established a highly lucrative and efficient criminal empire, which included gambling, racketeering, and extortion. The family’s influence reached far beyond the streets of Brooklyn, extending into various industries that shaped New York City.
Modern Day Influence and Legacy
Current leadership and power struggles: As of now, the Gambino Crime Family is headed by Frank Calamatra, who took over after former boss Peter “Pete” Gotti’s conviction in 2009. The family is currently embroiled in a series of power struggles and internal conflicts, making it an intriguing subject for ongoing study.
Adaptation to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms: The Gambino Crime Family has demonstrated remarkable resilience in adapting to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms. Despite the crackdown on organized crime activities, the family continues to evolve, focusing on new criminal enterprises and exploiting loopholes in the law.
The Genovese Crime Family
Origins and early history
The Genovese Crime Family, one of the Five Families that came to control organized crime in New York City, was founded by Vito Genovese in the late 1920s. Born in Italy in 1902, Genovese immigrated to the United States as a teenager and quickly rose through the ranks of the criminal underworld. He began his career as a bootlegger during Prohibition and soon gained a reputation for being ruthless yet astute.
Founding by Vito Genovese in the late 1920s
In the late 1920s, Genovese established his own family, which came to be known as the Genovese Family. Initially, it was a small and relatively insignificant criminal organization. However, Genovese’s strategic alliances with other powerful crime figures, such as Lucky Luciano, would soon propel the family to greater heights.
Key members and their criminal activities
Lucky Luciano, a former boss of the Genesis-Gagliano Family, became a close associate of Vito Genovese. Luciano was an influential figure in organized crime, known for his role in the National Crime Syndicate and the creation of the Commission to oversee criminal activities among the Five Families.
Lucky Luciano
Despite his contributions, Luciano’s criminal activities were far from noble. He was involved in various illegal enterprises, including prostitution and gambling rackets. His most notable accomplishment was the organization of the infamous “Murder, Inc.” that carried out numerous contract killings for various crime families.
Key members and their criminal activities (continued)
Another pivotal figure within the Genovese Family was Salvatore “Sam” DeCicco. He joined the family in the early 1930s and rose to become one of Genovese’s most trusted associates. DeCicco controlled much of the family’s illegal gambling operations, as well as its labor racketeering activities in industries like construction and trucking.
Salvatore “Sam” DeCicco
Another notable member was Vincent “Chin” Gigante. He joined the Genovese Family in the 1930s and became a capo under DeCicco. However, unlike many other mobsters of that era, Gigante managed to avoid public attention for several decades by posing as a harmless, mentally ill man. This deception, known as the “omnipotent” or “Ominpotent” charade, allowed Gigante to secretly oversee the family’s operations while evading law enforcement.
Impact on organized crime and New York City
Impact on Organized Crime and New York City: The Genovese Family, under the leadership of Vito Genovese and his key lieutenants like Lucky Luciano, Salvatore DeCicco, and Vincent “Chin” Gigante, played a significant role in the development of organized crime in New York City. Their most notable contributions were in labor racketeering and union corruption. By infiltrating various unions, the Genovese Family was able to control many of the city’s major construction projects and extort millions from legitimate businesses.
Modern day influence and legacy
Current Leadership and Power Struggles: Today, the Genovese Crime Family is still a powerful criminal organization, though its influence has diminished significantly compared to its peak. The current leadership and power struggles within the family are often shrouded in secrecy. However, it is believed that the family is currently led by a man named Liborio Bellomo, who took over after the death of Vincent “Chin” Gigante in 2005.
Adaptation to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms
Despite facing increasing pressure from law enforcement and societal changes, the Genovese Family has managed to adapt and survive. They have shifted their operations towards more low-profile criminal activities like gambling, loan sharking, and extortion. The family has also maintained a presence in various other industries such as real estate and construction, making it a formidable force in the criminal underworld of New York City.
Legacy
The Genovese Crime Family’s influence on organized crime in New York City is undeniable. Its early leaders, such as Vito Genovese and Lucky Luciano, laid the foundation for a criminal empire that would last decades. The family’s legacy continues to shape the city’s criminal landscape as it adapts to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms.
The Lucchese Crime Family
Origins and Early History
The Lucchese Crime Family, named after its founder Gaetano “Tommy” Reina, emerged in the 1920s as one of New York City’s Five Families during the era of organized crime. Born in Sicily and arriving in America around 1920, Reina built a criminal empire that initially focused on gambling and bootlegging during Prohibition. His family’s influence would soon expand to labor racketeering, loan sharking, and other illegal activities.
Key Members and Their Criminal Activities
Some of the most notable individuals in the Lucchese Crime Family include:
Charles “Lucky” Luciano
Although not an official member, charismatic mobster Charles “Lucky” Luciano played a significant role in the Lucchese Family. He helped to establish the National Crime Syndicate, consolidating various crime families under one umbrella to reduce competition and violence. Luciano was instrumental in creating the Commission, a governing body composed of top mob leaders that settled disputes between families.
Carmine “Lomo” Persico
Serving as the family’s boss from 1967 until his retirement in 1993, Carmine “Lomo” Persico oversaw a time of transition for the Lucchese Crime Family. He focused on maintaining the family’s traditional interests while expanding into new markets, such as drug trafficking and extortion.
Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno
Serving as the boss from 1951 to 1962, Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno led the Lucchese Family during a time of intense competition with other crime families. He was also one of the founding members of the Commission. Salerno’s tenure was marked by his ability to navigate the complex relationships between various crime families and law enforcement.
Impact on Organized Crime and New York City
The Lucchese Family’s dominance in organized crime during the mid-twentieth century had a profound impact on New York City. Their influence extended far beyond their criminal enterprises, as they exerted control over various industries, labor unions, and political figures. The Lucchese Family’s impact can be seen in:
Dominance in labor racketeering, loan sharking, and gambling
The Lucchese Crime Family controlled many unions through their leaders and associates, using their power to extort payments from businesses in exchange for labor peace. They also profited greatly from loan sharking, charging exorbitant interest rates on loans to those in need.
Modern Day Influence and Legacy
Despite changes in law enforcement tactics and societal norms, the Lucchese Crime Family has continued to evolve. Today, the family is led by Stefano “Stony” Squillante, who took over following the death of former boss, Albert “Albie Fungi” Anello. Power struggles and infighting persist, as various factions within the family vie for control.
VI. The Bonanno Crime Family
Origins and early history
The Bonanno Crime Family, one of the Five Families of La Cosa Nostra in New York City, traces its roots back to the 1930s. It was founded by Joseph “Joe Bananas” Bonanno, an influential figure in the Sicilian Mafia who immigrated to the United States. The family’s early history was marked by power struggles and criminal activities.
Founding by Joe Bonanno
Joe Bonanno established the family during a time when organized crime in New York City was undergoing significant changes. He sought to build a powerful criminal organization, one that would challenge other families for dominance. Bonanno’s leadership style was characterized by a strong central authority and an emphasis on family loyalty.
Key members and their criminal activities
Joseph “Joe Bananas” Bonanno
At the helm of the family was Joe Bonanno, a man known for his cunning and ambition. He oversaw various criminal enterprises, including gambling, loan sharking, and racketeering. Bonanno’s influence extended beyond the family; he was a key player in the Castellammarese War, a violent power struggle within the Italian-American Mafia.
Carmine Galante
One of Bonanno’s most notorious lieutenants was Carmine Galante, who took control of the family after Bonanno stepped down as boss in 1965. Galante, also known as “The Cigar-Store Indian,” was a feared enforcer and drug trafficker. He was instrumental in the family’s expansion into narcotics, making it one of the most powerful families in New York City during the 1960s and 1970s.
Phillip Rastelli
Another influential figure in the Bonanno Family was Phillip Rastelli, who served as acting boss during Galante’s imprisonment and eventual murder in 197Rastelli, also known as “Rusty,” was a skilled businessman who managed the family’s gambling operations and other criminal interests.
Impact on organized crime and New York City
Role in the Castellammarese War
The Bonanno Family played a significant role in the Castellammarese War, a violent power struggle between two factions of Italian-American organized crime. This war lasted from 1931 to 1936 and resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. The Bonanno Family, led by Joe Bonanno, was part of the winning faction that emerged from this conflict with increased power and influence.
Influence on the Commission, the governing body of the American Mafia
The Bonanno Family’s influence extended beyond their own organization. They played a key role in shaping the Commission, the governing body of the American Mafia, which was established in 1931 to resolve disputes and maintain order among the Five Families.
Modern day influence and legacy
Current leadership and power struggles
Today, the Bonanno Family continues to be a significant presence in organized crime. The family has faced internal power struggles and external pressures from law enforcement. However, it remains one of the most resilient and enduring criminal organizations in New York City.
Adaptation to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms
Over the years, the Bonanno Family has adapted to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms. They have evolved their criminal enterprises to include new ventures such as money laundering, cybercrime, and human trafficking. Despite these challenges, the Bonanno Family continues to pose a significant threat to public safety in New York City and beyond.
V The Colombo Crime Family
Origins and Early History
The family was founded in the 1920s by
Founding by Joel Civelli
Joel Civelli, also known as “Joe Cola,” established the Colombo family during Prohibition. He began his criminal career in the 1920s, focusing on bootlegging and gambling operations. Despite some initial success, the Colombo family remained a minor player in New York City’s organized crime scene.
Taking Over by Carmine Persico
In the late 1960s, after a series of internal power struggles and arrests,
Key Members and Their Criminal Activities
During the Colombo family’s rise to power, several key members made significant contributions to its criminal enterprise:
Carmine Persico
Carmine Persico is best known for his role in the family’s power struggles, which included a bloody civil war against rival factions. His influence extended beyond New York City, as he maintained relationships with various Italian-American Mafia families across the United States.
Joe Colombo
Joe Colombo, an influential figure in the family during the 1960s and early 1970s, formed the Italian-American Civil Rights League. The league’s primary goal was to challenge negative stereotypes about Italian Americans in the media and society. However, Colombo’s efforts were marred by his involvement in organized crime, including murder allegations.
Sonny Franzese
As an elder statesman of the Colombo family,
Impact on Organized Crime and New York City
The Colombo family’s influence on organized crime in New York City was significant:
Rivalry with Other Crime Families
The Colombo family’s power struggles with other crime families, such as the Genovese and Gambino families, shaped the criminal landscape in New York City for decades. These conflicts often resulted in violent confrontations, which earned the Colombo family a reputation for being one of the most volatile crime families in the city.
Influence on New York City
The Colombo family’s activities extended beyond criminal enterprises, as they sought to influence the city’s political landscape and maintain control over their neighborhoods. Their presence was felt in various aspects of New York City life, from politics and law enforcement to education and entertainment.
Modern Day Influence and Legacy
Today, the Colombo crime family continues to exist and adapt:
Current Leadership and Power Struggles
The Colombo family’s current leadership remains a subject of speculation, with various factions vying for control. In recent years, the family has been involved in several high-profile investigations and trials, highlighting their continued influence on New York City’s criminal underworld.
Adaptation to Changing Law Enforcement Tactics and Societal Norms
Despite advancements in law enforcement tactics and societal norms, the Colombo family has managed to evolve and adapt. They have shifted their focus to legitimate business ventures while continuing to engage in criminal activities, making them a challenging adversary for law enforcement agencies.
VI The Chicago Outfit
The Chicago Outfit, also known as the Chicago Mafia or the Chicago Crime Syndicate, has had a significant impact on organized crime and Chicago’s history since its founding in the late 1920s.
Origins and early history
Al Capone, an Italian-American gangster, is considered the founding father of the Chicago Outfit. He rose to power during Prohibition, capitalizing on the illegal sale and distribution of alcohol. Capone’s ruthless tactics and business acumen allowed him to consolidate various criminal gangs under his control.
Founding by Al Capone
Capone formed the Chicago Outfit around 1925, initially called the South Side Gang. The organization thrived during Prohibition by controlling Chicago’s bootlegging operations. Capone was known for his brutal methods, such as murders and violent turf wars.
Key members and their criminal activities
Tony Accardo, also known as “Joe ‘The Boss’ Aiello,” succeeded Capone as the boss of the Outfit in the late 1940s. He oversaw a period of growth and expansion, particularly in gambling and labor racketeering.
Al Capone
Capone’s criminal empire included various illegal activities, such as prostitution, drug trafficking, and gambling. Capone was eventually convicted on tax evasion charges in 1931, marking the beginning of his downfall. He spent eight years in prison before dying in 1947.
Tony Accardo (Joe ‘The Boss’ Aiello)
Accardo maintained a low profile during his tenure, allowing him to avoid public scrutiny and law enforcement attention. He presided over the Outfit until 1957, when he stepped down and passed control to his successor, Sam Giancana.
Sam Giancana
Giancana was a notorious figure in the Chicago Outfit, known for his involvement in various criminal activities, including prostitution, gambling, and labor racketeering. He also had ties to the CIA and allegedly played a role in the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
Impact on organized crime and Chicago
The Chicago Outfit’s dominance in the 1920s and 1930s established it as one of the most powerful criminal organizations in the United States. It controlled various illegal enterprises, including bootlegging, gambling, and labor racketeering, making it a significant force in Chicago’s criminal underworld.
Dominance in bootlegging, gambling, and labor racketeering
Capone’s Chicago Outfit gained notoriety for its control over the illegal sale and distribution of alcohol during Prohibition, generating vast profits through bootlegging. The organization also had a significant impact on gambling and labor racketeering, using violence and intimidation to maintain control over these industries.
Modern day influence and legacy
Current leadership and power struggles: The Chicago Outfit continues to exist, with various factions vying for power and control. Some believe that the organization has adapted to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms by focusing on less violent crimes, such as money laundering, drug trafficking, and white-collar crime.
Adaptation to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms
The Chicago Outfit has undergone significant changes over the years, adapting to evolving law enforcement tactics and societal norms. It has shifted its focus from traditional criminal activities to more covert operations, making it difficult for authorities to root out the organization completely.
IX. The Five Families of New Jersey
The Five Families of New Jersey, also known as the “Newark Group” or the “North Jersey Syndicate,” are five Italian-American organized crime families that emerged in New Jersey during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These criminal organizations, each named after their founding families, include the Gambinos, Sarnos, DeCiccos, Persicos, and Rossis.
Origins and early history
The Five Families of New Jersey were formed as a response to increased immigration from Italy, which led to a demand for protection and services in the new world. The families’ origins can be traced back to the late 1800s, when Italian immigrants began settling in New Jersey’s major cities such as Newark and Camden. Carlo Gambino, a Sicilian immigrant, is believed to have established the first of these families around 190Other key members include Anthony “Tony Boy” Sarno, who founded the Sarno family around 1924, and Angelo “Gyp” DeCicco, who led the DeCicco family from its inception in the 1920s.
Key members and their criminal activities
Throughout their history, the Five Families of New Jersey have been involved in various criminal enterprises. Carlo Gambino is perhaps best known for his role as the “Boss of Bosses” from 1951 to 1976, leading the Commission, a council that oversaw the various criminal families in New York City and New Jersey. Under his leadership, the Gambino family became one of the most powerful and influential crime families in American history. Anthony “Tony Boy” Sarno, on the other hand, was a prominent figure in Newark’s criminal underworld during the 1930s and 1940s. He was involved in gambling, loan sharking, and labor racketeering, making him a major player in the city’s criminal scene. Angelo “Gyp” DeCicco, another influential figure, led the DeCicco family during a time when they controlled much of the gambling and loan sharking in New Jersey.
Impact on organized crime and New Jersey
The Five Families of New Jersey dominated the criminal landscape in the state for several decades, with their influence extending beyond the borders of New Jersey. They controlled major criminal enterprises such as gambling, loan sharking, and labor racketeering, making them a significant force in organized crime. Their impact can still be felt today, with remnants of their criminal enterprises continuing to operate in various capacities.
Modern day influence and legacy
In the modern era, the Five Families of New Jersey have had to adapt to changing law enforcement tactics and societal norms. While many of their criminal enterprises have been dismantled, remnants of these organizations continue to operate in the shadows. Current leadership and power struggles within the families have led to a complex web of alliances and rivalries, with new generations seeking to maintain their family’s legacy.
Top 10 Infamous Crime Families: Their Histories, Legacies, and Enduring Impact
Organized crime has long been a persistent feature of American society. From the early 20th century to the present day, various criminal organizations have left indelible marks on our history. In this paragraph, we will summarize the histories and legacies of the top 10 infamous crime families.
I. The Gambinos
Founded in New York City in 1917, the Gambino crime family is one of the oldest and most powerful criminal organizations in the United States. Their influence peaked under the leadership of Charles “Lucky” Luciano and his successor, Carmine Galante.
The Genovese Family
The Genovese crime family, also based in New York City, emerged in the 1930s and became a major player in organized crime through its extensive gambling operations. Notable figures include Vincent “The Chin” Gigante and Vito Genovese.
I The Colombo Family
The Colombo family, a branch of the Genovese clan, was founded in 1930. They gained notoriety for their violent disputes with other crime families and their involvement in various illegal activities, including loan sharking, gambling, and narcotics trafficking.
The Luciano Family
Originally known as the Genovese family, this criminal organization changed its name in 1931 to honor its founder, Charles “Lucky” Luciano. They were involved in various illicit businesses and played a significant role in the development of the American Mafia.
The Bonanno Family
The Bonanno crime family, founded in 1931 in New York City, was named after its original leader, Joseph “Joe Bananas” Bonanno. They were known for their involvement in various criminal activities and for their long-running power struggles with other families.
VI. The Lucchese Family
The Lucchese crime family, which emerged in New York City in the 1920s, was involved in various illegal enterprises and gained notoriety for its violent disputes with other families. Notable figures include Charles “Lucky” Luciano, Tommy Lucchese, and Carmine Persico.
V The Maranzano Family
The Maranzano crime family, which existed from 1930 to 1931 in New York City, was a short-lived organization that was involved in various criminal activities before being absorbed into the Genovese family.
VI The Profaci Family
The Profaci crime family, based in Brooklyn, New York, existed from the 1930s to the 1980s. They were known for their involvement in various criminal activities and for their long-running power struggles with other families.
IX. The Gallo Brothers
The Gallo brothers, a family of Sicilian-American mobsters from New York City, gained notoriety in the 1960s for their bloody power struggles with other crime families. They were eventually absorbed into various groups, including the Gambino and Genovese families.
X. The DeCiccos
The DeCicco crime family, based in New York City, existed from the 1930s to the 1980s. They were involved in various criminal activities and played a significant role in the development of the American Mafia.
Significance and Enduring Impact
The histories and legacies of these crime families highlight the persistent and complex nature of organized crime in America. Their activities have shaped our society, from shaping urban landscapes to influencing popular culture.
Implications for Law Enforcement, Public Policy, and Societal Attitudes
The histories of these crime families also underscore the importance of effective law enforcement, public policy, and societal attitudes towards organized crime. By understanding their past, we can better address the challenges posed by criminal organizations and work towards a safer, more just society.
Final Thoughts and Suggestions for Further Reading
For further reading on this topic, we recommend the following resources: “Mafia: A History” by Roger Morris; “The Godfather of American Crime: The Rise and Fall of Charlie ‘Lucky’ Luciano” by Robert S. Fleming; and “Mob Rule: Politicians, Gangsters, and the Circles of Power in New York” by Gary R. Mormino.
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