The Evolution of Organized Crime: From Illegal Rackets to Legitimate Schemes

🔍Organized crime has transitioned from traditional illegal activities to legitimate businesses, such as restaurants and construction companies.

💰Earning capabilities have shifted due to government crackdowns, with a focus on tax evasion, money laundering, and fraud.

🎰Gambling and loan-sharking continue to be profitable ventures for organized crime, although on a smaller scale than before.

🔫Gun and drug trafficking still play a role, with a focus on cross-state operations and online platforms.

🏢Extortion and labor racketeering have evolved, with a shift towards debt collection and disputes between businesses.

How has the government cracked down on organized crime?

—The government has targeted organized crime in industries like construction, unions, and the fish market, forcing them out through monitoring and prosecution.

What are the main sources of income for organized crime today?

—Among the main sources are gambling, loan-sharking, restaurant vendors, and legitimate businesses used for money laundering and extortion.

What are some examples of legitimate businesses infiltrated by organized crime?

—Examples include restaurants, construction companies, and companies that supply food, such as pasta, sauce, and cheese.

How has technology impacted organized crime?

—Technology has allowed for online gambling operations, cryptocurrency use in scams and payment, and increased monitoring of illegal activities.

Is the influence of organized crime declining?

—While earning capabilities have shifted and some traditional activities have decreased, organized crime continues to evolve and find new ways to make money.

00:00Former mob member John Pennisi explains the various ways organized crime has evolved over the years.

00:45Illegal schemes like the Range Rover scam, where cars were purchased in the US and sold for higher prices in other countries, were common.

02:26Organized crime members infiltrated the Fulton Fish Market and other legitimate businesses to maintain their presence and make money.

03:49Tax evasion, money laundering, and fraud have been ongoing activities for organized crime members to avoid detection and increase profits.

05:40Gambling and loan-sharking continue to be profitable ventures, although on a smaller scale than in the past.

06:59Gun and drug trafficking are still present, with a focus on cross-state operations and the use of cryptocurrency.

08:23Extortion has evolved, with a shift towards debt collection and disputes between businesses.

09:58The government's crackdown on organized crime has pushed them out of industries like construction and unions.