The Real Families Behind Modern Organized Crime

Popular films and television shows have made mafia figures feel larger than life, but many of those characters are rooted in real people and real organizations. From well-known American crime bosses to long-established groups overseas, organized crime has a history that stretches back much further than most realize.

Some of the most influential crime families operating today are part of networks that date back generations, with origins tied to specific regions, traditions, and power structures. In this piece, 24/7 Tempo explores the families and organizations that have shaped modern organized crime, drawing on historical records and credible sources to highlight how these groups evolved and maintained influence over time.

• Location: Japan
• Year Established: 1603

The oldest known mafia group is thought to have formed in the early 1600s and is known as the Yakuza. It consists of Japanese gangsters and criminals who operate much like the Italian and American mafias, a family. The organization consists of hundreds of gangs stemming from the 20 main gangs.

The origin of the Yakuza is not entirely known but there are a few theories about how they appeared on the scene. Some believe they started as Robin Hood figures, defending villagers from wayward Samurai. Others believe the roles were reversed, and those wayward Samurai known as Ronin (or masterless Samurai) began committing crimes and banditry.

Yakuza take part in samurai rituals and wear body tattoos. While crime families are known to be involved in a few types of crimes, the Yakuza engage in several, like gambling, drug trafficking, loan sharking, extortion, and blackmail.

• Location: Asia
• Year Established: 1760s

The Triads are in Asia and are organized crime groups. The term refers to criminal fraternities which exist underground. Many believe they began as secret societies during the Qing dynasty in China. Others had said that the group began with five monks when the Shaolin monastery when the temple was burned as an uprising against T'sing.

While this group began with political gains as the goal, their greed led to involvement in crimes affecting their community, including money laundering, prostitution, illegal gambling, extortion, and drug trade.

• Location: Sicily, Italy
• Year Established: 1800s

Mafia has become a catch-all term for organized crime worldwide. However, technically, the mafia refers to the Sicilian organized crime and the Italian American counterpart. (Otherwise known as the five families.)

While the beginning of the Sicilian Mafia is often debated, there are a few different theories. One is that it began during Italy's Unification in the 19th century, while others argue that the group started long before that.

However, the start of the Sicilian Mafia can be credited to private armies (mafie) who were hired to protect homes and land from bandits, given the lawless nature of the country at the time. After a time, the landowners got more than they bargained for when the mafie rose against them and formed their own crime group, which took over.

• Location: Russia
• Year Established: 1720s

Organized crime in Russia is often known as Bratva or "the Brotherhood." The formation of mafia groups in Russia traces back to the 1720s or the imperial period. Amongst the poverty-stricken society, Robin Hood-like figures rose to steal against the government and divide it among people experiencing poverty. During Vladimir Lenin's rule, there were attempts to dissipate the "Thieves World" group but it remained until Joseph Stalin took over after Lenin's death.

The post-Soviet Union saw an unstable society where Mafia groups could take over and spread. Today, there are more than 6,000 Russian Mafia groups.

• Location: New York City
• Year Established: 1892

"The Five Families" is simultaneous to the mention of the Mafia; one of the most notorious families in New York City was the Genovese crime family. Additionally, this family is often described as one of the most powerful families among the five in the United States.

The family roots began in 1892 in the Bronx and East Harlem. Through several decades, the crime family teetered between name changes and hands of power. They eventually landed in the hands of Lucky Luciano. However, when Luciano was charged with pandering, sent to prison, and later deported, Frank Costello took control. Yet, Vito Genovese opposed Costello being in charge, considering he was the second in command. Genovese ordered a hit, and although Costello survived this hit, Genovese took over the crime family.

The Genovese crime family is often considered the most powerful family of the five Mafia families. However, they are also thought to be the least violent. The majority of their money was made through trafficking narcotics.

• Location: New York City
• Year Established: Late 18th century

The Bonanno crime family began in Sicily and migrated to New York City in the late 18th century. After leader Salvatore Maranzano died, Joseph Bonanno, nicknamed Joe Bananas, took over. Historically, he is one of the longest-running mafia bosses, staying in control for over 30 years.

The Bonanno crime family is involved in crimes such as loan sharking, prostitution, trafficking narcotics, and gambling.

• Location: New York City
• Year Established: 1928

Another of the five families, the Colombo crime family, was originally led by Joseph Profaci. Upon his death in 1962, Joseph Magliocco took over the role of family boss.

Together with Bonanno, the head of the Bonanno crime family at the time, the two plotted against the Gambino and Lucchese families. However, their assassin, Joseph Colombo, turned on them, and as a reward, he was given control over the family. The Colombo crime family stayed active until 2011 when several people were arrested. As of today, they have no apparent crime boss leading the family.

• Location: New York City
• Year Established: Early 1900s

The Gambino crime family was also powerful throughout the 20th century. Salvatore D' Aquila originally ran it until he was murdered in 1928. With the rise of the five families, the leader who took over the Gambino crime family was Vincent Mangano, and then in 1957, Carlo Gambino became the family boss and also changed the name.

Throughout his time as the head of the Gambino family, he became very powerful, often touted as the "boss of bosses." The family was involved in numerous crimes, including racketeering. Furthermore, along with Frank Costello, Gambino is often credited with inspiring the fictional character of Don Corleone from "The Godfather."

• Location: New York City
• Year Established: 1920s

The last of the five families from New York City, the Lucchese crime family was run by first Gaetano Reina and then Thomas Gagliano until he died in the 1950s. At that time, his underboss, Thomas Lucchese, took over and gave the family a new name. His nickname was Three-Finger Brown.

Reportedly, the Lucchese crime family was one of the most profitable, controlling many unions, trade organizations, and Idlewild Airport (now known as John F. Kennedy International Airport or JFK). Additionally, the family is believed to have conducted the most significant cash theft ever to take place on American soil, the Lufthansa Heist. Yet, no one from the family was ever found guilty.