Good video, Lou. More detail:
The Russian mob in Brooklyn started the gas scam. Franzese got involved because a Russian mobster involved in the scam needed his protection against a more powerful Russian. In return, Franzese was cut into the scam. Since taxes account for a large percentage of the cost of every gallon of gasoline, it was one of the most profitable schemes in Mob history.


Ntra la porta tua lu sangu � sparsu,
E nun me mporta si ce muoru accisu...
E s'iddu muoru e vaju mparadisu
Si nun ce truovo a ttia, mancu ce trasu.