NY Times today has long, interesting article on the Russian "Mafia." Says Russian organized crime in America is neither as big, nor as tightly knit, nor as secretive, as was generally thought. Nor do they have close ties to what remains of the Italian Mafia. RICO has caused them to break ranks and squeal as loudly and frequently as any other mobs. Their looseness is exacerbated by having no formal structure, no initiation rites, no vows, etc.--just a bunch of street thugs who happen to be Russian.
In an earlier story, the Times reported that the Apalachin, NY, estate formerly the property of Joe Barbara sold at auction for $305k, below an earlier estimate of >$400k. The household possessions and artifacts did bring in about five times earlier estimates because, said the auctioneer, they had "celebrity value." I guess $305k for an 11-room home on 42 acres is a good price in that part of NY State (Camillus???). But whoever bought it probably has to contend with all kinds of tourists and Mob fans ringing their doorbell and demanding tours, souvenirs, etc. (though it could be a business for an enterprising type).

Guineapig.

I was told that the house needed a ton of work. It hadn't been updated in years....The area is really hurting with the economic condition of upstate New York. Min. Bid was $300,000. which isn't much in todays market for most areas of the country. So what does that tell you about the place....Fame... all 15 mins of it and and it isn't worth crap some times. But let it be something of Elvis's and watch it move!

Thats one organization must go and be done with.

Sorry for Necro Posting but what exactly is this talking aobut? The Russian Mob which was supposidly replacing the Italians is not?

The article I referred to a couple of months ago busted the myth that the Russian mob was in cahoots with the Italian Mob, and was actually supplanting the Mafia because the Russian Mob was allegedly better disciplined and organized. The article said: No.

Ok thanks for explaning that.

Also of similair interest, there was a Law and Order: Criminal Intent episode a couple months ago focusing on the Russian Mob. Though not as reliable as the mentioned article, the writers got the point across that the Russian Mob "was not as organized as the Italians.. but certainly getting there".

I understand why Italian mafia is called *Italian*, but it escapes me why there's *Russian* mafia since those ppl have no connection to Russians(Slavic ppl) except the ability to speak Russian language. Could somebody please explain this phenomenon?

Silvia

I did some research on the Russian mob and I found out a lot of what has already been stated: There is a Russian Mafia, but it lacks intricate organization. There are a lot of hardcore, 'you-don't-wanna-fuck-with-me' guys involved, but they rat on each other so much its not even funny.