NCJ Number
18121
Date Published
1972
Length
224 pages
Annotation
TRACES THE HISTORY OF ORGANIZED CRIME AND DISCUSSES THE ROLES PLAYED BY VARIOUS PERSONALITIES IN SHAPING THE ACTIVITIES AND STRUCTURE OF ITS OPERATIONS.
Abstract
ORGANIZED CRIME IS PORTRAYED AS THE CONSTRUCTION OF MEN WHO HUNGER FOR MONEY AND POWER, UNRESTRAINED BY ETHICAL SENSITIVITIES AND LEGAL PROSCRIPTIONS. THE SOCIOECONOMIC AND LEGAL MILIEUS THAT HELPED SPAWN THE FINANCIAL POWER OF UNDERWORLD EMPIRES ARE EXAMINED, AND THE OPPORTUNISTIC REVISIONS OCCURRING IN OPERATIONS AND ORGANIZATION ARE EXPLORED. EVENTS LEADING TO THE FORMATION OF A NATIONAL SYNDICATE GOVERNED BY A COUNCIL ARE DISCUSSED. THE BOOK CONCLUDES WITH THE PORTRAYAL OF AN EXPANDING INTERNATIONAL OPERATION WHERE LEGAL AND ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES ARE BLURRED AND COMBINED SUCH THAT THE PERSONALITIES AND ACTIVITIES OF CRIMINAL OPERATIONS ARE DIFFICULT TO DETECT.