Five days of testimony before the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations examines the current status of La Cosa Nostra and the law enforcement response to it.
Testimony by William Sessions, Director of the FBI, notes recent successful prosecutions of major figures in La Cosa Nostra, but warns that large amounts of illegally acquired funds generated by criminal groups overseas are used for investment in legitimate ventures in the United States. He offers suggestions for Federal legislation to enhance the law enforcement efforts against organized crime, including the addition of a civil forfeiture provision under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations statute that would permit law enforcement to penalize organized crime. A representative of the General Accounting Office charts the current structure of La Cosa Nostra, and former members of this group testify about the nature and strength of the organization and the impact law enforcement has had upon it. Law enforcement representatives from various States testify about organized crime in their jurisdictions and law enforcement's effectiveness in addressing it. Appended exhibits and letters.