Being a criminal isn't just about being tough. The most important part of criminality is simply the idea that other people are meant to be used like pawns on a chessboard. Essentially narcissism. That can come from anywhere, anybody, and at anytime.

Granted people in certain neighborhoods have made up the mafia due to a certain familiarity but if guys with the essential makeup needed gravitate that way I don't see why they won't be embraced.