If you are a fan of the Godfather movies, you will recall how the third movie followed Michael Corleone as he tried to legitimize his criminal empire. How he attempted to move each of his children into a legitimate business. Why did this happen and what happened to the children?
Background:
Organized crime existed in many cities for decades and was called by many names: Mobsters, Mafia and the Family. In the 60’s their world started to change. The Justice Department under Robert Kennedy made its first moves starting with the corrupt labor unions. Convictions against organized crime figures rose by 800 percent during Kennedy’s term as Attorney General.
Then in 1970 law enforcement got a new powerful tool. The RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) is a federal law designed to combat organized crime in the United States. It allows prosecution and civil penalties for racketeering activity performed as part of an ongoing criminal enterprise. It also enabled the US Attorney to try syndicate leaders for crimes they ordered others to commit.
The smartest members adapted. Some moved locations. Some used their funds to purchase legitimacy. Their descendants became well-educated men and women who still control segments of the US economy. In turn, they exercise control of politicians and the judicial system.
White collar crimes mixed with old school persuasion and even murder are all part of a strategic plan to win the war that is business. The players are smart and sophisticated. They do whatever it takes to gain a competitive advantage. It usually comes down to bribing or buying influence. Some people need persuading. Loose ends need to be eliminated. Market share is vital. It is worth billions. What would you do?
Both the Anthony Rizzo & Frank Moretti Series documents one family’s journey from the sixties until today.
A TIMELY REVENGE - chronologically, the saga starts here. Set in Chicago, Anthony Rizzo is taught the finer points of doing business as part of the mob. His father Bruno is a loan shark who moves with his Boss to Miami. Anthony becomes legit and stays in Chicago. His father taught him strategy. “It is not smart to respond in anger. It is better to evaluate and plan. Consider the options, consider the consequences - there are always consequences.” This is a story of the transition and how Anthony bridged both worlds to become wealthy beyond his father’s dreams.
Background:
Organized crime existed in many cities for decades and was called by many names: Mobsters, Mafia and the Family. In the 60’s their world started to change. The Justice Department under Robert Kennedy made its first moves starting with the corrupt labor unions. Convictions against organized crime figures rose by 800 percent during Kennedy’s term as Attorney General.
Then in 1970 law enforcement got a new powerful tool. The RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) is a federal law designed to combat organized crime in the United States. It allows prosecution and civil penalties for racketeering activity performed as part of an ongoing criminal enterprise. It also enabled the US Attorney to try syndicate leaders for crimes they ordered others to commit.
The smartest members adapted. Some moved locations. Some used their funds to purchase legitimacy. Their descendants became well-educated men and women who still control segments of the US economy. In turn, they exercise control of politicians and the judicial system.
White collar crimes mixed with old school persuasion and even murder are all part of a strategic plan to win the war that is business. The players are smart and sophisticated. They do whatever it takes to gain a competitive advantage. It usually comes down to bribing or buying influence. Some people need persuading. Loose ends need to be eliminated. Market share is vital. It is worth billions. What would you do?
Both the Anthony Rizzo & Frank Moretti Series documents one family’s journey from the sixties until today.
A TIMELY REVENGE - chronologically, the saga starts here. Set in Chicago, Anthony Rizzo is taught the finer points of doing business as part of the mob. His father Bruno is a loan shark who moves with his Boss to Miami. Anthony becomes legit and stays in Chicago. His father taught him strategy. “It is not smart to respond in anger. It is better to evaluate and plan. Consider the options, consider the consequences - there are always consequences.” This is a story of the transition and how Anthony bridged both worlds to become wealthy beyond his father’s dreams.