Originally Posted By: ht2
Originally Posted By: Lenin_and_McCarthy
I am to understand the ones Anastasia initiated were stripped of membership after his death.

If so, I wonder if they received a refund? In one account I read they were paying $50k, which would translate to about $400k today. It amazes me that someone would empty their life savings for the privilege of being murdered or a long prison sentence. I think there was a lot of ignorance about the true nature of the mob back then.


I doubt it would be considered emptying their life savings. The person would have to be a big earner to begin with, just to be in that position. Also, in those days, being made would open the door to many more opportunities to earn. An investment of sorts.