Effectiveness of the Government's Attack on La Cosa Nostra: Statement of David C Williams Before the Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations Committee on Governmental Affairs

• NCJ Number: 112151
• Author(s): W C Williams
• Date Published: 1988
• Length: 20 pages
• Corporate Author: US Government Accountability Office
• Sale Source: Azimuth Inc.
• Publication Type: Legislative Hearing/Committee Report
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America

Annotation

This statement discusses the activities of La Cosa Nostra (LCN) and law enforcement efforts directed against it.

Abstract

LCN, the American version of the Mafia, was organized and operational by 1931. Since then, the LCN has become a sophisticated and stable criminal organization with rules and a behavioral code that contribute to its success. The LCN's sole purpose is to make money through such activities as street vice, narcotics, gambling, loan sharking, and labor racketeering. The LCN also is involved in a variety of legitimate businesses such as shipping, construction, waste disposal, and meat processing. Through these, it has developed an impressive network of political and corporate contacts. Major law enforcement and legal efforts against the LCN have included the creation of the Organized Crime Strike Force program, the Racketeering Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, the New York Organized Crime Task Force, and specialized Federal Bureau of Investigation strike forces. Between 1983 and 1986, over 2,500 LCN members and associates were indicted including 16 mob bosses. Electronic surveillance technologies have contributed to these efforts, and court-imposed penalties have permitted the Government to begin seizing LCN cash and assets. Lengthy sentences, pretrial detention, and the Witness Security program have also resulted in defections of key LCN members. Future efforts will require strategic planning, new legislation, publicity, and continued attention to the problem.