| The origins of the mafia phenomenon dating back to | | | | crime groups in China, Russia, Cuba and the United |
| the Middle Ages, when Sicily was under foreign | | | | States. The latter country was the favorite of these |
| domination and obedience wealthy families obtained | | | | criminals, because it could easily be corrupted, to |
| through formal social control of land. The Mafia, | | | | perform any illegal act at the time. |
| organizationally, did not have a hierarchy, but was | | | | Here are the most renowned gangsters: |
| composed of autonomous groups who called | | | | Al Capone (1899-1947). |
| themselves "men of honor." In those years, the | | | | He is also known as Scarface. It was the most |
| landed aristocracy allied with social leaders and | | | | important representation as to the history of the |
| created a conservative power structure and stable, a | | | | Mafia is concerned. It was noted for having the |
| strategy that allowed it to retain its dominance in | | | | dirtiest business in the city of Chicago and for hosting |
| Sicily thereafter. | | | | the worst wars between the gangs of mobsters. By |
| Guided by a code of conduct called Omerta, the | | | | 1925, Al Capone became the owner of the Chicago |
| Mafia has quickly become an organization completely | | | | underworld and his fortune amounted to one hundred |
| outside the law. The mob forced the code to be | | | | million dollars. He was persecuted by the law for |
| against justice, and also avoid any contact with her.In | | | | years, but his ability to corrupt evaded any justice. |
| the early twentieth century, some members of this | | | | Without clutch, after many years of persecution, Al |
| organization migrated to North America, specifically to | | | | Capone was caught for tax evasion and sentenced |
| the United States, thus spreading internationally | | | | to eleven years in prison. He was transferred to |
| clandestine criminal organizations. | | | | Alcatraz federal prison and was granted after eight |
| Over time, the U.S. became the center of all crimes | | | | years parole. |
| of the Mafia, since this country was restricting | | | | Johnny Torrio (1882-1957). |
| gambling and alcohol, which led to a large | | | | Famous for his illegal business conduct in a violent |
| smuggling.The history of the Mafia has served to | | | | manner, this criminal was a mentor to Al Capone and |
| understand the source, structure, functioning and | | | | a leader within the hierarchy of the gangster. In 1924 |
| control mechanisms of criminal organizations, which | | | | he had been shot while fighting another band. |
| has been a useful tool to study how they operate | | | | Dutch Schultz (1902-1935). |
| smugglers, murderers and drug cartels in the world | | | | It was called the Beer Capo, for conducting all |
| more dangerous. | | | | negotiations of this drink smuggled into New York |
| From 1920 began the golden age for international | | | | City. He was killed by the justice of this city for being |
| gangsters. Sicilian criminals soon found followers | | | | a threat to the district attorneys. |
| worldwide, prompting the organization of organized | | | | |