My old neighborhood in New York where I grew up is basically the main home for Russian organized crime. The name of the place is probably quite familiar to a number of you out there. It is called Brighton Beach. A famous little town long before the Russians moved in and took it over.
I was living there during the change back in the mid-70's.
Quite a beautiful seaside community. Mostly populated with Jews of eastern European lineage. But as the children of these people grew up and moved away (myself included), the place got empty and rundown. The Russkies came in and took over and actually brought the place back to life. Brighton Beach is now a thriving, nuveau, artsy fartsy town.
Of course, the city of N.Y. and the council of Brooklyn had a lot to do with it because of the historical value of Brighton.
However, don't think for one moment that the Russian "mob" doesn't run things there. And yes, they are quite ruthless. Ya' know who does the muscle work and enforcing for them? Get this...retired Israeli commandos. Toughest SOB's on the planet.

Anyway...fingers hurt. More L8R