THE FIVE FAMILIES OF NEW YORK CRIME (SEPTEMBER 22nd 2026)

THE FIVE FAMILIES OF THE NEW YORK "COMMISSION"

The Five Families refers to the five major Italian-American Mafia crime families that have dominated organized crime in New York City since 1931. Formed by Salvatore Maranzano and structured under Charles "Lucky"  Luciano, they created "The Commission" to act as a governing board to settle disputes and divide territories. The Five FamiliesGenovese Family: Long considered the "Ivy League" of organized crime due to its size, secrecy, and avoidance of internal warfare. Gambino Family: Reached its absolute height of fame and wealth under "Dapper Don" John Gotti in the 1980s.Lucchese Family: Historically controlled New York’s garment and trucking industries, and masterminded the infamous 1978 Lufthansa heist. Bonanno Family: One of the first families to be kicked off the Commission in the 1980s after being heavily infiltrated by undercover FBI agent Donnie Brasco. Colombo Family: The youngest and smallest of the families, historically plagued by three bloody internal faction wars. Traditional Hierarchy According to official FBI Mafia organizational charts, each family utilizes a strict military-style corporate structure: Boss (Don): The ultimate leader with absolute authority.                                            Underboss: The second-in-command who manages daily operations.                          Consigliere: A trusted advisor or counselor who acts as an independent mediator.                                                                                                                           Capo (Caporegime): A captain who commands a crew of soldiers.                                 Soldier: A "made man" who has taken a blood oath of silence, known as omertà.                                                                                                                             Associates: Non-initiated allies, corrupt officials, or earners who work with the family.Current StatusWhile the families were severely crippled by the 1970 Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and a wave of members breaking omertà to turn state's evidence, they remain active.  Today, they operate in a decentralized, low-profile manner, maintaining traditional rackets like loansharking, labor extortion, and illegal gambling. For example, members from four of the five families were indicted in a massive high-stakes sports gambling scandal.