The Commission (mafia)

The Commission, also known as the National Crime Syndicate, is a governing body of the American Mafia, established in 1931 by Charles "Lucky" Luciano following the end of the Castellammarese War. This organization was created to serve as a means of resolving disputes among the various Mafia families and to establish a cohesive national strategy for organized crime activities in the United States.

Historical Background

The origins of the Commission can be traced back to the early 20th century when Italian-American organized crime groups, known as the Mafia, began to proliferate in major American cities. The Mafia's roots lie in the Sicilian Mafia, which had a long history of criminal activities in Italy. As Italian immigrants settled in the United States, they brought with them their criminal traditions and established Mafia families in cities such as New York, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

The Castellammarese War, a bloody conflict between rival Mafia factions in New York City, culminated in the rise of Charles "Lucky" Luciano. Luciano, recognizing the need for a more organized and less violent approach to crime, proposed the creation of a governing body that would oversee all Mafia activities in the country. This led to the formation of the Commission in 1931.

Structure and Function

The Commission was designed to function as a board of directors for the Mafia, with representatives from the most powerful Mafia families in the country. Initially, the Commission consisted of the bosses of the Five Families of New York (the Gambino, Genovese, Lucchese, Bonanno, and Colombo families), as well as the bosses of the Chicago Outfit and the Buffalo crime family.

The primary functions of the Commission included:

**Dispute Resolution:** The Commission served as an arbitrator for conflicts between Mafia families, preventing violent turf wars and maintaining order within the organization.
**Policy Making:** The Commission established policies and guidelines for criminal activities, including drug trafficking, gambling, loan sharking, and labor racketeering.
**Leadership Appointments:** The Commission had the authority to approve or veto the appointment of new Mafia bosses and high-ranking members.
**Strategic Planning:** The Commission coordinated national and international criminal operations, ensuring cooperation among different Mafia families.

Key Figures

Several prominent Mafia figures played crucial roles in the establishment and operation of the Commission:

**Charles "Lucky" Luciano:** Often regarded as the father of modern organized crime in the United States, Luciano was instrumental in creating the Commission and served as its de facto leader.
**Meyer Lansky:** Although not a member of the Mafia, Lansky was a close associate of Luciano and played a significant role in the financial operations of the Commission.
**Frank Costello:** Known as the "Prime Minister of the Underworld," Costello was a key member of the Commission and a powerful figure in the Genovese crime family.
**Vito Genovese:** A rival of Costello, Genovese eventually took control of the Genovese family and wielded significant influence within the Commission.

Major Activities

The Commission oversaw a wide range of criminal activities, including:

**Drug Trafficking:** The Mafia's involvement in drug trafficking began in the mid-20th century, with the Commission playing a central role in coordinating the importation and distribution of narcotics.
**Gambling:** Illegal gambling operations, including bookmaking and casino ownership, were major sources of revenue for the Mafia. The Commission regulated these activities to ensure profitability and minimize law enforcement scrutiny.
**Labor Racketeering:** The Mafia infiltrated labor unions and used their influence to control industries such as construction, trucking, and waste management. The Commission facilitated these operations by coordinating efforts among different families.
**Loan Sharking:** The practice of lending money at exorbitant interest rates was another lucrative enterprise for the Mafia. The Commission established guidelines for loan sharking activities to prevent conflicts and ensure steady income.

Legal Challenges and Decline

The Commission faced numerous legal challenges over the years, particularly from federal law enforcement agencies. The RICO Act, enacted in 1970, provided prosecutors with powerful tools to combat organized crime. Several high-profile trials in the 1980s and 1990s, including the Mafia Commission Trial, resulted in the conviction of many top Mafia leaders.

The decline of the Commission was further accelerated by internal conflicts, defections, and increased law enforcement pressure. By the early 21st century, the influence of the Commission had significantly diminished, although remnants of its structure and operations still exist.

Legacy

The Commission's legacy is a complex one. On one hand, it represents a period of unprecedented organization and cooperation within the American Mafia, leading to substantial criminal enterprises and significant influence over various sectors of society. On the other hand, the Commission's activities resulted in widespread violence, corruption, and social harm.

Despite its decline, the Commission remains a subject of fascination and study for criminologists, historians, and the general public. Its impact on organized crime and law enforcement continues to be felt, and its story serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked criminal power.