The Mobile Lunch Protection Racket in the Mob: Joseph Massino's Involvement

The history of organized crime in New York City is filled with complex and often violent stories of how criminal enterprises operated in secrecy. One such tale involves Joseph Massino and his involvement with the infamous 'mobile lunch' protection racket founded by Rastelli.

Introduction to the Mobile Lunch Association

The Workmen's Mobile Lunch Association was initially established by Carmine Rastelli sometime in the 1960s. This organization allowed specific vendors access to lucrative routes or locations, ensuring them a monopoly without any fear of competition. To join this exclusive association, vendors had to pay a significant weekly fee. This fee, in essence, ensured their protection and control over the market.

Expansion and Involvement of Joseph Massino

Joseph Massino's rise to prominence within this racket was partly facilitated through his relationship with Rastelli and his family. Massino likely entered the business through his mother's relatives, who had established connections with Rastelli. Furthermore, Massino's good friend and business associate was Rastelli's brother, a wholesale supplier. This relationship provided Massino with a strategic advantage and a clear path into the organization.

Profit Strategies and Business Expansion

Once Massino was part of the association, he began to expand his operations. He ventured into a small but thriving numbers/loan sharking business. This venture offered additional income streams, as the profits from these illegal operations could be partially remitted to the association or to Rastelli himself.

According to authoritative sources such as Anthony DeStefano's book, "King of the Godfathers," and Selwyn Raab's "Five Families," this pattern of operation was common within the New York Mafiu00e0. The association provided protection and access, while vendors and suppliers paid a steep price in the form of fees for this opportunity.

Discussion: The Logic Behind the Protection Racket

The logic behind these protection rackets was straightforward. Association members, including vendors and suppliers, were protected from competition, provided they paid the established fees. This economic model allowed the association to maintain a stranglehold over the market while ensuring steady income for the leaders and their associates.

The transactions involved in joining or remaining part of the association were not just monetary; they were also laden with threats and violence if compliance was not followed. For instance, vendors who refused to pay or tried to circumvent the association's rules faced the risk of violence or other forms of intimidation.

Conclusion

The mobile lunch protection racket, run by Carmine Rastelli and later involving Joseph Massino, was a prime example of how organized crime operated in New York City during the mid to late 20th century. It leveraged the power of exclusivity and protection to exploit a particular market for profit. The role of Massino in this enterprise highlights the complex and interwoven relationships within the affluent and secretive world of the Mafiu00e0.

For anyone interested in gaining a deeper understanding of this period in Mafiu00e0 history, Anthony DeStefano's "King of the Godfathers" and Selwyn Raab's "Five Families" are invaluable resources. These books offer a detailed and nuanced insight into the operations, dealings, and personal stories behind the criminal enterprises that have shaped the history of New York City.