New York's underworld: The story of the five Mafia families
For much of the 20th century, the criminal underworld of New York City was dominated by a powerful and highly organized network of Mafia families. These organizations, deeply rooted in secrecy, violence, and illicit enterprise, held an iron grip on industries ranging from construction and labor unions to gambling and drug trafficking. The existence and structure of these families remained hidden from public view until 1963, when an insider’s testimony exposed their operations to the world. Though their golden era lasted only a few decades, the bloody legacy of the Five Families lives on. In this gallery, we explore the fascinating famous families that formed the original "Mob," their power struggles, and the rise and fall of "The Commission," the ruling body that sought to maintain order among the Mafia’s most powerful families. From ruthless bosses and high-profile betrayals to federal crackdowns and internal conflicts, this gallery delves into the key figures, pivotal moments, and ultimate downfall of organized crime’s most notorious syndicate. Click through to get started.
2025-04-24T13:11:38Z
