The Five Families: The Backbone of the New York Mafia

The term ‘Five Families’ refers to the five major Italian-American Mafia groups in New York City, which have dominated organized crime since their formalization in the early 20th century. These families are Bonanno, Colombo, Gambino, Genovese, and Lucchese, each with its own territory and leadership structure.

The establishment of these families came after the Castellammarese War, a power struggle that ended with Charles ‘Lucky’ Luciano restructuring the Mafia into a more organized form. This led to the creation of ‘The Commission,’ a governing body to manage disputes and coordinate activities among the families.

Each family has a distinct history; the Bonanno family, for instance, was involved in the infamous ‘Banana War’, a period of internal strife over leadership. The Gambino family, under leaders like Carlo Gambino and John Gotti, became one of the most powerful, known for high-profile crimes and media attention.

The Genovese family, considered by some to be the most powerful, has a rich history of influence in New York’s politics and labor unions. The Lucchese family is known for its involvement in the Lufthansa heist and control over construction unions. The Colombo family, while smaller, has had its share of dramatic moments, including a public feud that led to the formation of the Italian-American Civil Rights League.

Despite law enforcement efforts, the families have shown resilience, adapting to legal pressures by diversifying into less visible crimes or collaborating with other criminal organizations. However, their power is not what it once was, with many key figures imprisoned or turned informants.

Modern challenges include competition from other ethnic crime groups, the impact of legalization of activities once under Mafia control (like gambling), and the ongoing battle against RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act) prosecutions.

Yet, the legacy of the Five Families remains a part of New York’s cultural narrative, influencing everything from local politics to international perceptions of the city’s criminal underbelly.

The Five Families continue to be a subject of fascination, representing the complex interplay between crime, culture, and law enforcement in one of the world’s most vibrant cities.