Gambino mobsters admit guilt in violent extortion schemes.
A group of individuals associated with the Gambino crime family has entered guilty pleas in connection with a series of violent extortion schemes that have been underway in New York City. These illicit activities, which involved arson, vandalism, and physical assaults, have drawn the attention of federal authorities who are now pursuing significant legal action against the defendants.
The extortion schemes targeted a carting business owner in New York City who resisted making regular “protection” payments to the mob. In retaliation, members of the crime family resorted to intimidation tactics, including setting fire to the victim’s home and deflating the tires of his trucks. Joseph “Joe Brooklyn” Lanni, identified as a captain in the Gambino organization, admitted in a Brooklyn Federal Court to his role in the racketeering and extortion operations that spanned from 2017 to 2023.
Prosecutors presented evidence indicating that Lanni and his associates sought to establish dominance over the New York City carting and demolition industries through coercive and illegal means. Lanni’s acknowledgment of his guilt was accompanied by his admission of knowingly partaking in unlawful schemes designed to enforce compliance from various business owners.
Reports indicate that, despite the moniker “Joe Brooklyn,” Lanni resides in Staten Island. Another defendant, Francesco “Uncle Ciccio” Vicari, was noted for celebrating the extortion operation’s success alongside a bottle of champagne after the carting business owner resumed payment. This illustrates the brazen nature of their activities.
The prosecution unveiled a troubling array of violent conduct, including instances where victims were assaulted with hammers and threatened with weapons. In addition to these acts of violence, the mob engaged in fraudulent practices involving embezzlement from union benefit plans and the orchestration of no-show jobs with union benefits. They were also implicated in bid-rigging schemes within the demolition and carting sectors.
Currently, seven individuals have officially pled guilty, and indications suggest that additional defendants may follow suit. Each of the charged individuals faces the prospect of up to 20 years in prison as the legal proceedings move forward. This case underscores the ongoing battle against organized crime in New York and the federal government’s efforts to dismantle such operations through rigorous prosecution.
Media News Source
