393: Joaquin "Jack" Garcia | Undercover in the Mafia Part Two

Mafia Threats

The Mafia, though not as prominent as it once was, remains a lurking threat due to the FBI's shift in focus towards cybercrime and terrorism. Joaquin "Jack" Garcia explains that the FBI has reduced its organized crime squads from six to two, allowing the Mafia to operate more covertly and grow in numbers 1. He warns that as long as there are illegal activities like drugs and loan sharking, the Mafia will persist.

They're just being more cautious or maybe they're reverting to the principle of organized crime early on, which was a secret criminal society, but make no mistake about it, they're out there working.

--- Joaquin "Jack" Garcia

Garcia also highlights the rise of other organized crime groups, such as the Albanian mob, which has exploited the Mafia's weaknesses to expand its influence 2.

   

Criminal Operations

Despite reduced FBI attention, the Mafia continues to engage in traditional criminal activities like extortion, drug trafficking, and loan sharking. Jack Garcia notes that these operations are thriving under the radar, with the Mafia adapting to avoid detection 1. He emphasizes that the Mafia's influence persists because of ongoing demand for illegal goods and services.

As long as you have drugs, as long as you have bookmaking, as long as you have loansharking, as long as you have people who're buying stuff that falls off the back of the truck, you're going to have the mob.

--- Joaquin "Jack" Garcia

Additionally, Garcia points out that other international criminal groups, such as those from China, pose significant threats through activities like intellectual property theft and counterfeit goods 3.