I've been reading on FBI files indicting mafia loansharks and extortion operations. What surprised me in the files was the many acts of violence directed at debtors that were carried out by made members.

I always thought that a soldier who ran a loansharking operation would have 2-3 close associates that help run the business, and then when they needed to have someone assualted in order to collect money they would contract out legbreakers to collect their loans. It just seems that a soldier beating someone up is a easy way to give a prison term, and it makes it seem like the mob can't be that powerful if they have to commit acts of violence themselves without insulation.

Thoughts/comments?