So the guy leaned on the Mafia for financial support, and when he couldn't come up with their return on their investment, the mobsters were arrested for trying to collect. That's how the article should read. This is no different from how legitimate loansharks work, they may not threaten physical harm because they don't have to, they have other ways to force payment.
Someone on Reddit mentioned that Salvatore Catalano made tons of money from the Pizza Connection, and was wondering why he would be extorting restaurant owners unless he came home from prison broke. People who make comments like this don't understand how the Mafia works. Whether you do or don't have a lot of money, you don't simply stop participating in mob activities, even if you're in your 80s.