Illegal bookmaking, crypto scams and doing too much by cellphone — what being in the mafia is like in 2025
Despite the risks, the lure of easy money and the family legacy of crime continues to draw in the next generation of mobsters. The influence of their parents, whether intentional or not, remains strong, driving them to follow in their footsteps.
As the mob evolves with the times, so too do the methods of the younger generation. From online bookmaking to crypto schemes and ghost guns, the Gen Z mobsters are finding new ways to engage in illegal activities and make a profit.
However, with these new methods come new dangers and pitfalls. The reliance on technology leaves a trail of evidence that can easily be used against them in court. The days of conducting business in person, with a handshake and a nod, are fading away in favor of text messages and online transactions.
While the mob may be adapting to the digital age, the core principles remain the same. Loyalty, family ties, and the pursuit of wealth through any means necessary continue to drive the younger generation of mobsters, just as it did for their parents and grandparents.
As law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on organized crime, the Gen Z mobsters must navigate a world that is increasingly surveilled and monitored. The days of operating in the shadows are fading, and the risks of getting caught are higher than ever.
Whether they will continue to follow in their parents’ footsteps or break away from the cycle of crime remains to be seen. But one thing is for certain: the legacy of the mob lives on, in the hands of a new generation.
The Changing Face of Organized Crime: A Reflection of the Times
The underworld of organized crime has long been shrouded in mystery and danger, with tales of mafia bosses and their ruthless enforcers striking fear into the hearts of many. However, as times change, so too does the landscape of criminal enterprises. What was once a world ruled by fear and violence is now being infiltrated by a new generation of criminals who operate in a vastly different manner.
Gene Borrello, an associate of the Bonanno crime family, recently spoke to The Post about the changing face of organized crime. He highlighted the shift towards long-distance threats and a lack of willingness to resort to violence among the new school of criminals. This shift, he believes, will make it increasingly difficult for these individuals to collect debts or intimidate their targets effectively.
Borrello pointed out that the younger generation of criminals view the mafia more as a college fraternity than a criminal organization. This lack of respect for the traditional values of organized crime could ultimately lead to their downfall, as they struggle to command the same level of fear and respect as their predecessors.
Karen Gravano, the daughter of notorious mobster Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano, is no stranger to the world of organized crime. Despite her father’s infamous reputation, Karen chose to forge her own path in the criminal underworld, getting involved in drug dealing in her late twenties. Her mob lineage gave her credibility and a fear factor that helped her navigate the dangerous world of drug trafficking.
However, Karen’s criminal enterprise eventually crumbled, leading to the arrest of over 40 individuals involved in the operation. While her father and brother faced lengthy prison sentences, Karen and her mother managed to escape with probation. Today, Karen has turned her life around, owning an aesthetician salon in New Jersey and distancing herself from a life of crime.
The rise of a new generation of criminals, who prioritize making money over resorting to violence, has led many to believe that the traditional mafia as we know it is fading into obscurity. Borrello lamented the shift away from the values of respect and violence that once defined the mafia, noting that the younger generation lacks the same code of honor and loyalty.
As organized crime continues to evolve in response to changing societal norms and law enforcement tactics, it remains to be seen what the future holds for these criminal enterprises. One thing is certain: the days of the old school mafia are numbered, and a new era of organized crime is on the horizon.
