Everything Everywhere Daily The Witness Protection Program
Aug 1, 2025
Discover the fascinating history and impact of the Witness Protection Program, established to shield witnesses from organized crime. Learn how it became a crucial tool for law enforcement following the rise of powerful crime syndicates. With thousands of witnesses successfully protected, the program stands out as a rare success in the justice system. Delve into its origins during the Prohibition era and explore its enduring effectiveness in bringing criminals to justice without compromising witness safety.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Prohibition Fueled Organized Crime
- Prohibition created lucrative opportunities that united fragmented criminal groups into powerful organized crime families.
- These families expanded into various illegal activities, adapting and persisting even after Prohibition was repealed.
Omerta Enforces Mafia Silence
- Cooperation with law enforcement is extremely dangerous due to the mafia's code of silence, Omerta, which harshly punishes informants.
- Fear of violent retaliation keeps many witnesses from testifying against organized crime.
Joe Valachi's Mafia Testimony
- Joe Valachi was the first to publicly testify about the mafia, breaking the code of silence.
- His testimony exposed the mafia's existence and operations, which the FBI initially denied.