Octopus- The Long Reach of the Sicilian Mafia

The Mafia has existed as a loose network of local criminals only since the early years of the nineteenth century. From being "friends of the friends”, the more important Mafiosi were soon known as "men of honor”. By the 1850s it was clear that the Mafiosi also represented the interests of an ordinary farmer or tradesman who paid them to settle their problems and bring forth justice. The popular perception of Mafiosi soon became known as "Robin Hoods" or even "knights”. The Mafia worked their people into politics, trades, smuggling operations, and

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In the years since this book's publication, the Mafia has continued to thrive. Octopus explains in great detail the history of Mafia families in Sicily and their wars with the authorities. It soon became a scare that the Sicilian Mafia would weasel their way into controlling parts of the world completely. The political and law enforcement agencies of America and Sicily, as in all of the world, still struggles with the Mafiosi and their crimes.

Octopus was thought to be a misperception of the Sicilian Mafiosi and their reasons for what they did. The Sicilian mafia worked to give their people what they wanted, the only difference from other organizations was that it was illegal, hence the title of organized crime. “ The uncensored evidence is presented in coldly unflinching detail throughout the book and in its lengthy bibliography.

Octopus is an insight on the great political power of the Sicilian Mafia and the lives of it’s bosses and families. They are also known for international heroin and cocaine smuggling from the Medellin Cartel and Japanese Yakuza to the "pizza connection" that was uncovered in a New York courtroom in 1986. The Mafia is also referred to as La Cosa Nostra, or “this thing of ours”. The global reach of the Sicilian Mafia sprouted through refineries, smuggling routes, money laundering, and deals with other organizations -- placing law enforcement at a definite disadvantage. Sterling wrote Octopus with great knowledge of the Mafia and personal experience that goes beyond belief. For decades the Costa Nostra has been known for their inconspicuous acts of illegal money making. every job they could possibly be a part of.

Approximate Word count = 370
Approximate Pages = 1 (250 words per page double spaced)

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