Part 6/10:
In the wake of Maranzano's death, Luciano formed The Commission, uniting the heads of the Five Families to mediate disputes and structure organized crime in New York. This marked a pivotal shift as the Mafia began diversifying its operations—not just in bootlegging but also in labor unions, construction, and casino operations, especially as Las Vegas started rising to prominence in the 1940s.
The Code of Silence
The Mafia's operations thrived under a silent code known as Omertà, demanding total loyalty and secrecy from its members. This unyielding bond made infiltration exceedingly difficult for law enforcement, allowing the Mafia to flourish unnoticed, often leading to a perception of invincibility.