David Morey 
How Does The Mob Make Money
When it comes to the world of organized crime, one question that often comes to mind is: how does the mob make money? The answer to this question is as complex as it is intriguing. From illegal activities such as drug trafficking and extortion to legitimate businesses used as fronts, the mob has developed a wide range of methods to generate substantial profits. In this article, I will delve into the various ways in which the mob has been able to amass wealth and maintain their criminal enterprises.
The mob’s ability to generate revenue stems from their involvement in a multitude of illicit activities. Drug trafficking is one of the most lucrative ventures for organized crime groups, with billions of dollars in profits each year. By controlling the production, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs, the mob is able to reap enormous financial rewards. Additionally, extortion plays a significant role in their money-making endeavors. Through threats and intimidation, the mob forces individuals and businesses to pay protection money, guaranteeing a steady stream of income.
Understanding the Structure of the Mob
The mob operates as a highly organized and hierarchical criminal enterprise. It is comprised of various factions, each with its own leadership and territories. The structure of the mob is designed to ensure efficient coordination and control over its illegal activities.
At the top of the hierarchy is the boss, who holds ultimate power and makes key decisions for the organization. The boss is supported by a trusted group of advisors, known as the “consigliere.” Together, they oversee the entire operation and set the mob’s strategic direction.
Beneath the boss and consigliere are the capos, or captains, who are responsible for overseeing specific crew or family operations. Each capo commands a group of soldiers, who carry out the mob’s day-to-day criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, loan sharking, and gambling.
The soldiers are the foot soldiers of the mob, responsible for generating revenue and carrying out orders from their capos. They are often involved in activities such as extortion, racketeering, and collecting protection money from businesses.
To maintain order and loyalty within its ranks, the mob enforces a strict code of conduct known as “omertà.” This code emphasizes loyalty, silence, and obedience to the organization. Breaking the code can result in severe consequences, including death.
The structure of the mob allows for effective communication and coordination between its various factions. This enables the organization to adapt quickly to changes in law enforcement tactics and maintain control over its illegal activities.
Understanding the structure of the mob is crucial in comprehending how it operates and generates revenue. By knowing the roles and responsibilities of each level within the hierarchy, law enforcement agencies can target key individuals and disrupt the mob’s criminal operations.
Traditional Racketeering: Extortion and Protection Money
When it comes to making money, the mob has perfected the art of traditional racketeering, particularly through extortion and protection money. These practices have been the backbone of their operations for decades, allowing them to generate significant profits while maintaining control over their territories.
Extortion involves the mob coercing individuals or businesses into paying them money in exchange for “protection.” This protection is essentially a guarantee that the mob will not engage in harmful activities, such as vandalism, arson, or physical harm, to the targeted individuals or their property. Victims of extortion often feel compelled to comply with the mob’s demands out of fear for their safety or the safety of their loved ones.
Protection money, on the other hand, is a form of payment made by businesses to the mob to ensure their safety from potential threats. In exchange for a regular fee, the mob promises to safeguard the business from any harm, including rival gangs or other criminal elements. This payment is seen as an investment in avoiding potential losses that could arise from violence or property damage.
These traditional racketeering practices have allowed the mob to accumulate vast amounts of wealth and power. By preying on the vulnerabilities and fears of individuals and businesses, they have created a lucrative source of income that is difficult to refuse.
In conclusion the mob employs a variety of methods to make money, each with its own set of challenges and consequences. Counterfeit goods and intellectual property theft provide a lucrative source of income, but they harm legitimate businesses, the economy, and consumers. To combat this illicit trade, law enforcement agencies and consumers must remain vigilant.
