Regardless of whether it was Italy, America, or anywhere else. People are still people. And not withstanding the generally accepted "ancient rules" of play, there have always been informants.

But unlike today, "pound for pound," the American mob back then, in there 1900s-1970s era, never saw the high number of rats like in the last 3-4 decades....especially during the last 20+ years.

Its become a completely different ballgame.

Remember when we all found out Jimmy Inendino had provided information? I think its far more common then and than you think - he started giving info in the 70s on hijacking. We just had no idea bc the FBI protects informants - often after they die.

Informants are part of the game forever, however in Italy as well as USA the massive use of them as evidence in court is relatively new and now the last years we see more cracking of encrypted messages that serve as key evidence in major trials so LE is making progress but often still one step behind the underworld.

I get you and thats my point too, but what about guys like Pierce, Pranno, Gianola, Louie Fratto or DeRose? These guys gave info regarding the whole organization, induction ceremonies and all types of illegal activities, while still doing their own stuff. In fact, Pierce gave info on the Outfit's most lucrative ops around the South Side which were mostly controlled by him, and later all of those same ops were closed down by the feds.

Of course. The FBI has an obligation too, but also the incentive too, for the simple reason that if they didn't protect identities, potential stool pigeons would run away from them out of a fear of years later being exposed.