Many mob guys may not be the brightest lights, but they do not lend money to people they do not know. Most of the borrowers are local people, active and living in the same neigborhoods where the loanshark conducts his business.

The most profitable loans are handed out to shady restaurateurs or other businessmen who can´t find credit elsewhere. In many cases, the loanshark ends up as a partner in the establishments when these borrowers can´t pay up.

The trick is not to kill a borrower, but to keep him alive and in constant fear of bodily harm if not paying the vig or repaying the loan. Of course, sometimes a litte bit of violence is necessary.

So I heard....