Ex-Mobster Gene Borrello on 'Watered Down' Mafia and Gambling Indictments

The Modern Mafia: A 'Watered Down' Operation

• 💡 Gene Borrello, a former Bonanno crime family associate, describes the current Mafia as significantly less violent and impactful than in previous eras.
• 🎯 He characterizes the recent federal indictment focused on gambling and sports betting as a "college fraternity" activity rather than serious organized crime.
• 🎭 Borrello notes that indictments often exaggerate cases by focusing on names and making spectacles, especially when dealing with individuals connected to notorious figures.

Critiquing the Indictment

• 🔍 Borrello expresses skepticism about the severity of the charges, stating that the indictment primarily involves gambling and fixing sports bets, activities he claims have been ongoing for decades.
• ⚖️ He contrasts the current indictment with older, more violent organized crime cases involving murder, torture, and kidnapping, calling the present cases "clown shows."
• 💥 The former mobster points out the lack of real violence in current cases, with only threats or minor altercations like a punch in the face, unlike the serious crimes he was convicted of.

Individuals and Family Ties

• 🤝 Borrello mentions knowing several individuals named in the indictment, including "Fat Nick" Manucci and Angelo Ojiroio, noting that some are no longer active or have questionable involvement.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 He highlights how the government often leverages the names of individuals with famous mobster fathers, like Angelo Ojiroio being the son of John Gotti's right-hand man, to create a bigger narrative.
• 📉 Borrello predicts that no one involved in this specific case will receive more than 50 months in prison.

Impact on Illegal Gaming

• ❓ When asked if the indictment would dent the illegal poker gaming business in New York City, Borrello responded with a definitive "No."
• 🚀 He suggests that new illegal operations are likely starting even as the current case is being prosecuted.