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The money to be made in organised crime

Crime can be a business

By Michael FranciscoPublished 11 months ago 2 min read
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Organized crime has been a part of human society for centuries, and for good reason: it can be wildly profitable and incredibly dangerous. Criminal syndicates, often referred to as "mobsters" or "gangsters," operate across the globe, engaging in a range of illegal activities from drug trafficking and extortion to money laundering and contract killing.

The profitability of organized crime is undeniable. According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the annual revenue generated by the global drug trade alone is estimated to be between $426 billion and $652 billion. This money is often laundered through legitimate businesses, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track and seize.

One notorious example of organized crime's profitability is the Medellin Cartel, a Colombian drug trafficking organization that was active in the 1970s and '80s. Led by the infamous Pablo Escobar, the cartel was responsible for supplying most of the cocaine consumed in the United States during that time. At its peak, the Medellin Cartel was estimated to be earning as much as $60 million per day.

But the profits of organized crime come at a steep price. Violence is often a key component of criminal operations, and the bodies of those who cross the wrong people are frequently found in back alleys or dumped in rivers. The brutal tactics of organized crime groups have been the subject of countless movies, TV shows, and books.

One of the most notorious gangsters in history was Al Capone, who ran a criminal empire in Chicago during the Prohibition era of the 1920s and '30s. Capone made his fortune by selling alcohol illegally, but he was also responsible for countless murders, assaults, and other violent crimes. He was eventually convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to 11 years in prison.

Another example of the dangers of organized crime is the Sicilian Mafia. The Mafia, also known as Cosa Nostra, has been active in Italy since the 19th century. Its members engage in a range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. The Mafia is known for its brutal violence, which has claimed the lives of countless people over the years.

The Russian mafia is another example of an organized crime group that is both profitable and dangerous. The Russian mafia, also known as the "Bratva," is involved in a variety of criminal activities, including arms trafficking, human trafficking, and extortion. The Bratva is known for its ruthless tactics, including assassinations, bombings, and kidnappings.

Despite the efforts of law enforcement agencies around the world, organized crime continues to thrive. The lure of fast money and power is simply too great for some people to resist. However, the consequences of getting involved in organized crime are severe. Those who cross the wrong people can end up dead or spending years in prison.

In conclusion, organized crime is a profitable and dangerous enterprise that has been around for centuries. Criminal syndicates, such as the Medellin Cartel, the Sicilian Mafia, and the Russian mafia, engage in a range of illegal activities to generate massive amounts of money. However, the violence and brutality that come with these operations make them extremely risky for those involved. As such, it's important for individuals to steer clear of organized crime and instead pursue legitimate means of making a living.

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