its their structure and history that keeps them at the top. I think the mistake that the media and even some law enforcement make is that they expect these newer groups to live up to the mafia at its peak, when a lot of these groups are not interested in that and probably don't even know anything about it, its not like they are sat around watching documentaries and reading books. And the fact that law enforcement is much more advanced now that these groups can't really make moves like the mob did back in the 60s, or 70s. The mafia is still the most entrenched group.

However if someones gonna say that the mobs still number 1 because of how lethal and dangerous they are or that they can control and dominate other crime groups then thats where they are wrong. Like ivy said if you look at things case by case there have been many drug gangs and ethnic mobs that have operated in new york without any italian interference or backing. On the street level italians mostly just stick to their own neighbourhoods and areas and mostly just victimise their own. Apart from the hold they have on labour racketeering, gambling and loansharking, they really aren't that special. They have been involved with fraud and some good scams but even the street gangs engage in the same stuff now.