How Organized Crime (Mafia) Operates

As a former CIA officer with expertise in analyzing covert organizations, including organized crime groups, I elucidate how these entities function and operate. The Japanese Yakuza, the Genovese family of the American Mafia, and the Russian Bratva (or “Brotherhood“) are prime examples of how organized crime syndicates maintain their operations, hierarchy, and influence.

As of the latest available intel, each of these organizations have evolved and adapted in response to law enforcement pressure and changes in the global criminal landscape, continually evolving their structures, operations, and strategies. These are effectively well run corporations.

This resilience underscores the ongoing challenge for law enforcement and intelligence agencies worldwide in effectively combating organized crime. The dynamic nature of these groups demands constant vigilance and adaptation of strategies by authorities to counter their illegal activities effectively.

        Structure and Hierarchy

The Yakuza

• The hierarchical structure of the Yakuza echoes traditional Japanese societal organization. At the top is the Oyabun, or boss, who wields significant power. Below the Oyabun are various ranks including the Saiko-Komon (senior advisor), Wakagashira (regional leaders), and the Kobun (foot soldiers). This structure ensures loyalty and respect are directed upwards, while orders and protection flow downwards.

Genovese Family

• The Genovese family, emblematic of the American Mafia’s structure, is organized in a strict hierarchical pyramid. The Boss leads the family, with the Underboss and Consigliere serving as the main advisors. Beneath them are the Caporegimes, who oversee crews of Soldiers. At the bottom are the Associates, who are not full-fledged members but are involved in the family’s operations. This structure allows for efficient distribution of power and a clear chain of command.

Russian Bratva

• The Bratva’s structure, while hierarchical, is somewhat less formalized than that of the Yakuza and Genovese family. The Pakhan or boss is at the top, with several underbosses beneath him. Brigadiers manage the various criminal activities and groups of foot soldiers. This structure allows for flexibility and adaptability, crucial for the Bratva’s operations in the volatile and rapidly changing environments they often work in.

        Operations and Activities

The Yakuza

• The Yakuza’s criminal portfolio is diverse, encompassing traditional activities like gambling, extortion, and loan sharking. They are also heavily involved in legitimate business ventures, using these as fronts for money laundering and other illicit activities. Additionally, the Yakuza has expanded into white-collar crimes, including financial fraud and cybercrime, adapting to the changing economic landscape.

Genovese Family

• The Genovese family’s operations include classic Mafia activities such as racketeering, illegal gambling, and extortion. They have a history of infiltrating labor unions and legitimate industries, using these connections for profit and power. In recent times, they have also moved into more modern criminal ventures, including cyber-related crimes and sophisticated financial schemes.

Russian Bratva

• Known for their global reach, the Bratva engages in a variety of criminal activities. These include human trafficking, arms dealing, drug smuggling, and high-stakes cybercrime. The Bratva’s operations are characterized by their adaptability and willingness to explore new criminal opportunities, making them a versatile and formidable criminal entity.

        Code of Conduct and Tradecraft

The Yakuza

• The Yakuza follows a strict code of conduct based on traditional Japanese values of honor and loyalty. Their operations are characterized by a disciplined approach, often employing subtle methods of communication and interaction to maintain secrecy. They emphasize a low-profile operational style, despite their often conspicuous physical appearances (such as tattoos), and utilize a complex system of symbols and rituals in their communications.

Genovese Family

• Operating under the code of Omertà, the Genovese family and broader American Mafia place a high value on secrecy and loyalty. This code forbids cooperation with authorities and emphasizes the importance of silence. Their tradecraft includes the use of coded language, clandestine meetings, and complex signals for communication, ensuring operational security and minimizing exposure to law enforcement.

Russian Bratva

• The Bratva adheres to a code known as “Thieves in Law,” governing interactions and behavior within the criminal underworld. They are known for their ruthlessness and a pragmatic approach to their operations. Their tradecraft involves robust enforcement mechanisms, sophisticated money-laundering techniques, and leveraging international connections for cross-border operations.

        Influence and Community Relations

The Yakuza

• The Yakuza has historically been woven into the fabric of Japanese society, with a complex relationship with both the public and the authorities. They have been known to participate in community activities and even disaster relief efforts, portraying themselves as protectors and benefactors. This public engagement serves to build a facade of legitimacy and garner local support or tolerance.

Genovese Family

• The American Mafia, including the Genovese family, has historically cultivated a dual image of fear and protection within their communities. They have often positioned themselves as providers of services where the state may be absent or inefficient, thereby gaining the support or acquiescence of local residents. This dual role has allowed them to maintain a degree of influence and control in their territories.

Russian Bratva

• The Bratva’s approach to community relations is often characterized by intimidation and corruption. They exert considerable influence in both the criminal underworld and, in some cases, within legitimate spheres like business and politics. This influence is maintained through a combination of fear, strategic alliances, and financial leverage, enabling them to operate with a degree of impunity.

        Banking and Financial Operations

The Yakuza

• The Yakuza’s banking operations often involve front companies and legitimate businesses, both in Japan and overseas, which are used to launder money. They invest in sectors like real estate, finance, and even entertainment to clean their funds. The use of traditional Hawala banking systems, particularly in Asia, allows for the transfer of funds without leaving a digital trail.

Genovese Family

• The American Mafia, including the Genovese family, historically relied on cash-based businesses (like laundromats, strip clubs, and waste management companies) for money laundering. With advancements in financial surveillance, they have moved towards more sophisticated methods, including shell companies and offshore bank accounts, to hide and move their money.

Russian Bratva

• The Bratva is known for its advanced use of global banking systems. They exploit offshore tax havens, cryptocurrency, and shell companies for money laundering. The Bratva’s extensive international network enables them to move large sums across borders with relative ease, often using the global banking system to legitimize their illicit profits.

        Recruitment and Initiation Processes

The Yakuza

• Joining the Yakuza typically involves an introduction by an existing member who can vouch for the recruit’s reliability. Prospective members often start as associates, proving their loyalty and value over time. This period serves as a test of their commitment and ability to adhere to the Yakuza’s code of conduct. Formal entry often involves a ritualized ceremony, symbolizing the strong bond between the Oyabun (boss) and Kobun (subordinate).

Genovese Family

• Entry into the American Mafia, and by extension the Genovese family, traditionally requires Italian heritage, specifically Sicilian for some families, although this has relaxed over time. Aspiring members start as associates, engaging in various criminal activities to prove their worth. A key aspect of their initiation is the commission of a significant criminal act, often a murder, to demonstrate loyalty. The final initiation is a formal ceremony, where the recruit takes the oath of Omertà, cementing their commitment to the Mafia.

Russian Bratva

• The Bratva’s recruitment is more informal compared to the Yakuza and the Genovese family. It often starts in prisons, which are seen as training grounds and places to establish connections. A convict’s behavior, connections, and skills observed during imprisonment play a crucial role in their recruitment. Once out of prison, a ‘vor v zakone’ or ‘thief in law’ – a high-ranking member – must approve their entry. The Bratva values street smarts, toughness, and resourcefulness, with less emphasis on ceremonial rituals for initiation.

        Handling of Traitors and Internal Discipline

The Yakuza

• In dealing with betrayal, the Yakuza traditionally adheres to a strict and often brutal code. The concept of ‘yubitsume’, or finger shortening, where a member cuts off a portion of his finger as a form of penance or apology, is well-known. For more severe betrayals, the consequences can be harsher, potentially leading to expulsion or even death. The Yakuza’s approach is as much about maintaining internal discipline as it is about deterring others from betrayal.

Genovese Family

• The American Mafia, including the Genovese family, follows the code of Omertà, which emphasizes absolute loyalty and secrecy. Violations of this code, especially acts of betrayal like becoming an informant, are dealt with severely, often with a death sentence. This strict enforcement of loyalty helps maintain a culture of silence, making it difficult for law enforcement to penetrate the organization.

Russian Bratva

• The Bratva’s approach to traitors is notoriously ruthless. Punishments for betrayal can range from violent beatings to execution, depending on the severity of the offense. The Bratva is also known for targeting the families of those who betray the organization, which adds an additional layer of deterrence against disloyalty.

        Major Law Enforcement Takedowns

The Yakuza

• In recent years, Japanese law enforcement has intensified its efforts against the Yakuza, leading to notable takedowns. One significant crackdown was the implementation of the Anti-Boryokudan Act. This law allowed for stricter legal action against organized crime members and increased police powers. Additionally, law enforcement has targeted the financial assets of these groups, leading to a decline in membership and influence.

Genovese Family

• One of the most famous takedowns of the American Mafia, including the Genovese family, was the Mafia Commission Trial in the 1980s. The trial used the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) to indict top Mafia leaders. The trial resulted in numerous convictions, significantly disrupting the Mafia’s structure and operations, severely weakening their overall status felt to even this day.

Russian Bratva

• The Russian Bratva has faced various crackdowns, often in coordination with international law enforcement agencies (INTERPOL) due to their global operations. One notable example is Operation Iron Triangle in the mid-2000s, which targeted Bratva activities in the United States. This operation led to the arrest of several high-ranking members and disrupted their operations, particularly in the areas of money laundering and illegal enterprise.

        Current Status of the Organizations

The Yakuza

• The Yakuza has seen a decline in both membership and public presence in Japan, partly due to stringent laws and increased police efforts. However, they remain active, particularly in white-collar crimes, cybercrime, and international drug trafficking. The Yakuza has also reportedly expanded its operations into Southeast Asia and other regions, seeking new opportunities in less regulated environments.

Genovese Family

• Despite significant blows from law enforcement, the Genovese family, along with the broader American Mafia, continues to operate, albeit with reduced power and influence compared to its heyday. The family has adapted by maintaining a lower profile and diversifying into various criminal activities, including loan sharking, illegal gambling, racketeering, and infiltrating legitimate businesses. The use of technology for communication and operations has also been a notable adaptation.

Russian Bratva

• The Bratva remains a formidable force in the global criminal underworld. Known for its adaptability, the Bratva has expanded into new areas like cybercrime, which includes hacking and online fraud, in addition to its traditional activities like human trafficking, arms dealing, and drug smuggling. They have a significant presence in many countries and often collaborate with other criminal organizations, leveraging their extensive network and resources.

The functioning and operation of organized crime groups like the Yakuza, the Genovese family, and the Russian Bratva involve complex hierarchical structures, diverse criminal activities, strict codes of conduct, sophisticated tradecraft, influence within communities, and adaptability to change. These elements render them resilient and formidable adversaries for global law enforcement.