The history of that is interesting. Italians from Sicily emigrated to the U.S. in 1880-1920. Many brought their mafia ties and traditions with them.
When the allies liberated Sicily in WWII, many of those Italian-Americans acted as interpreters and assisted the military in consolidating control. The U.S. appointed many mafiosi to manage the island; after all, they were staunch opponents of the Fascists, who had tried to eradicate the mafia.
When the allies liberated Sicily in WWII, many of those Italian-Americans acted as interpreters and assisted the military in consolidating control. The U.S. appointed many mafiosi to manage the island; after all, they were staunch opponents of the Fascists, who had tried to eradicate the mafia.