13 charged as federal officials round up alleged East Coast mafia

[alp227]

Source: Associated Press

Federal authorities broadened their nationwide crackdown on organized crime Monday, arresting the reputed leaders of Philadelphia’s La Cosa Nostra family on extortion, loan-sharking and other charges.

The indictment of 13 members and associates of the Philadelphia family is the latest in a series of high-profile roundups of alleged East Coast mafia members this year. Federal officials say the scope and severity of the charges show that the mafia remains a resilient foe, even after a decades-long FBI campaign against it.

In the newest case, authorities unsealed an indictment charging alleged Philadelphia boss Joseph Ligambi and 12 other mafia members and associates with criminal conduct that included racketeering conspiracy and illegal gambling. Federal officials said the defendants infused their activities with violence, using phrases such as “chop him up” and “put a bullet in your head” when threatening victims.

“This department has shown that our commitment to fighting organized crime is backed by actions,’’ Lanny A. Breuer, assistant attorney general for the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, said at a news conference in Philadelphia. “Arrests, charges, convictions, prison sentences — the drumbeat of enforcement is growing louder, and organized crime figures throughout the country should hear it and take notice.”

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/13-arrested-as-federal-officials-continue-roundup-of-alleged-east-coast-mafia/2011/05/23/AFlTTw9G_story.html

[LiberalLoner]

1. If they are arresting people for loan-sharking maybe they better go after

these payday loan places and some credit card issuers, LOL.

[ohnoyoudidnt]

4. They are just eliminating their competition. nt

[L0oniX]

2. For a moment I thought this was about wallstreet.

[madokie]

3. We can hope

[QC]

5. No chance. The Wall Street mobsters keep their bribes paid up. n/t