Originally Posted by eastsideofvan
Mafia families don't take out a franchise agreement with the commission for exclusivity of a certain territory and use of the term "Mafia" (TM)

They're "mafia" by their heritage and actions, not because they're Michael Mancuso-approved.

...although the way things are going with all the YouTube content, etc. these days that may be the new low that is stooped to next!

Originally Posted by Liggio
With so many other organized crime groups and gangs operating in Montreal, it just seems to me that a group of Italian freelancers with no official bond or organizational belonging would get ran over and treated with no respect, yet these guys are treated like royalty in the underworld, with the exception of their rivals and traitors of course. They're still called the Mafia by the media and more than likely recognized as such by other groups in the underworld. In other cities where we've seen Italian criminals pop up running illegal gambling or whatever, the media doesn't refer to them as the mob, unlike in Montreal. That's the main difference here.




If me and Italian friends start committing illegal gambling and loansharking we aren't automatically Mafia. Unless you're using it in the catch all way like they do with Russian Greek Chinese Moroccan and other organized crime. When talking about the Montreal Mafia and specifically the Rizzutos you're talking about the organization that is LCN. To be Mafia in this context you need more than heritage and actions. You need recognition from the organization or as you put it Michael Mancuso approved. If the organization doesn't recognize you you aren't Mafia you're Italian criminals.