ARSON AND THE MOB - SPECIAL REPORT

• NCJ Number: 43011
• Journal: FIREHOUSE Dated: (AUGUST 1977) Pages: 22-27,68-69
• Author(s): C L Karchmer
• Date Published: 1977
• Length: 8 pages
• Corporate Author: Firehouse Magazine Associates
• Publication Format: Article
• Language: English
• Country: United States of America
• Note: REPRINT

Annotation

ARSON-FOR-INSURANCE IS A LUCRATIVE CRIME THAT IS OFTEN DIFFICULT TO PROVE. THIS ARTICLE TRACES THE INVOLVEMENT OF THE MAFIA IN ARSON-IN-HIRE, AND DETAILS THE LAW ENFORCEMENT CRACKDOWNS ON THESE ACTIVITIES.

Abstract

ORGANIZED CRIME GROUPS HAVE ENTERED THE ARSON-FOR HIRE MARKET BY OFFERING SUCH ACTIVITIES (PACKAGE DEALS), STARTING WITH THE FIRE AND ENDING WITH COMPLETE ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE INSURANCE SETTLEMENT. OFTEN A 'MAFIA' MEMBER OR ASSOCIATE SERVES AS THE BROKER FOR THE FIRE. THE ARTICLE MENTIONS SEVERAL ORGANIZED CRIME FIGURES INVOLVED IN THE ARSON-FOR-HIRE BUSINESS, AND DESCRIBES SEVERAL ARSON CASES KNOWN TO BE PART OF THE MAFIAS ARSON-FRAUD ACTIVITIES. FINALLY, EFFORTS OF THE FEDERAL ORGANIZED CRIME FORCES TO INVESTIGATE AND HALT THESE ACTIVITES ARE DETAILED. (AUTHOR ABSTRACT MODIFIED)...DMC