In the opinion of the members on this forum why has there been such a tremendous drought of mob-related criminal cases brought against reputed members of organized crime over the last three to five years (maybe even longer) as opposed to years back?
1) a vast reduction of criminal activities plied by mob guys who have chosen to retreat to the trenches, or just go legit?
2) a vast reduction of FBI field agents in the NY office resulting in less criminal investigations being started, which results in less indictments and news?
3) a smarter and savvy NY/NJ underworld who are as active as ever, yet learned lessons from the failings of their processors and now keep their heads low?
4) ALL, or NONE, of the above?
I'm curious as to your thoughts.
I'd say 4, honestly. The mob no longer has a MAJOR foothold in the daily life of American society that they once had. Labor racketeering today is minuscule in comparison to even what it was in the 80s, the Garment Industry is all but cleared of mob influence in NY, gambling is legal in many places albeit this probably will never eliminate bookmaking or loansharking, but for the next generation, it surely will slow it. The FBI has reduced field agents directed against the mob because it could. Today's mobster if anything to become wealthy, has to be even more street wise and more clever to make money - which makes it less appealing for the future and current generation. All in all - there is far less opportunity.
