A crew of mobsters pleaded guilty Friday to a series of violent extortion schemes that included arson, vandalism and a few old-fashioned beatdowns.
When the owner of a New York City carting business held out on their monthly “protection” payments to a crew of Gambino crime family associates, mob soldiers set a fire on the steps of his home, and, a few weeks later, let the air out of his hauling trucks’ tires, federal authorities said.
“I knew this was against the law,” alleged Gambino captain Joseph “Joe Brooklyn” Lanni, told a judge in Brooklyn Federal Court as he pleaded guilty to charges including racketeering and extortion.
According to prosecutors, the crew sought to “dominate the New York City carting and demolition industries.”
Lanni told the court that between 2017 and 2023 he “knowingly and voluntarily” participated in schemes where he or participants “intended to commit unlawful acts.”
Despite being known as “Joe Brooklyn,” Lanni actually lives in Staten Island.
U.S. Department of Justice
A still from video footage shows Joseph Lanni buying a gas container at a gas station in 2023. (U.S. Department of Justice)
The crew members were so pleased with their operation that one of them posed for a photo hoisting a bottle of champagne after the carting business owner started paying again.
Francesco “Uncle Ciccio” Vicari, who was pictured with the bubbly, was one of seven men, along with Lanni, the alleged ringleader, who pleaded guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges.
Prosecutors said one of their victims was beaten with a hammer in punishment for missing payments, and another was threatened with a knife.
Other schemes involved no-show jobs with union benefits, and embezzlement from union and employee benefit plans.
Officials said the crew also rigged bids in the demolition and carting industries.
A total of seven individuals have pleaded guilty, and another reportedly may do so soon. Each of the defendants faces 20 years in prison
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