Grey Matter with Michael Krasny Louis Ferrante - Reformed Criminal and Former Gambino Mafia Family Member
Jan 30, 2024
Former hijacker and Mafia gangster Louis Ferrante discusses his life in crime, time in prison, and his published history of the American Mafia. Topics include guilt and religion, Mafia violence, snitching and Omerta, the Mafia's Sicilian roots, the FBI, and the JFK assassination conspiracy.
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From Car Thief to Hijacker
- Louis Ferrante's criminal career began with stealing cars for joyrides, then progressed to running a chop shop.
- After hijacking a truck full of tools, he attracted the attention of the Gambino crime family.
Mafia Roots in Sicilian Culture
- The American Mafia's structure mirrors Sicilian feudalism and family structures.
- Mafia bosses function like feudal lords, and the emphasis on family loyalty reinforces the organization's power.
The Mafia's American Dream
- The Mafia transitioned from feudalism to capitalism, embracing the American Dream.
- Prohibition and the stock market crash provided opportunities for their criminal enterprises.