Carmine Romano: A Notable Figure in Organized Crime
Carmine Romano, born on August 21, 1935, was a significant figure in New York’s organized crime scene, particularly known for his role as a captain in the Genovese Crime Family. His influence extended over the Fulton Fish Market, a vital distribution center located in Downtown Manhattan. This article delves into the life of Carmine Romano, the control exerted by the mob over the Fulton Fish Market, Romano’s legal troubles, and the eventual decline of mob influence in this sector. Through exploring these facets, we can better understand the interplay between organized crime and legitimate business operations in New York City.
Mob Control of the Fulton Fish Market
The Fulton Fish Market has been synonymous with mob control since the 1920s. During this period, it became a focal point for various illicit activities orchestrated by organized crime figures. The market was not just a place for trading seafood; it evolved into a domain where mobsters enforced their power through intimidation and extortion. Unloading crews at the market would demand “parking fees” and kickbacks from out-of-town fish companies that wished to operate there. Companies that dared to refuse these demands faced dire consequences, including having their goods spoiled by sabotaged unloading processes.
The mob’s influence did not stop with extortion; they also manipulated various aspects of market operations to their advantage. Employees loyal to the mob received special privileges, creating an environment that benefited criminal enterprises over legitimate businesses. Furthermore, a security force supported by mob interests operated a protection racket, ensuring that retail shops and vehicles near the waterfront were shielded from potential harm—at a price.
Romano’s Leadership and Legal Troubles
Carmine Romano’s leadership in the Genovese Crime Family marked a significant chapter in the history of organized crime in New York. His connection to the seafood industry allowed him to exert considerable influence over operations at the Fulton Fish Market. However, as law enforcement agencies began to take action against organized crime during the late 1970s and early 1980s, Romano’s grip on power began to wane.
In 1978, authorities took steps to address corruption within labor unions associated with the seafood industry. Romano faced scrutiny when he was removed from his position as leader of the seafood union due to allegations of extorting wholesalers and enforcing a cartel system that benefited mob interests at the expense of legitimate businesses.
By 1981, Romano shifted his focus and attempted to transfer control of operations into New Jersey through younger members of his crew. Herman Weiner emerged as a key figure during this transitional phase, managing operations in New Jersey while remaining largely unscathed for several years. Despite these changes, Romano’s criminal activities continued unabated until law enforcement finally caught up with him.
In 1982, Carmine Romano was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to fourteen years in prison. His downfall signified not only a personal setback but also highlighted ongoing issues related to organized crime’s pervasive influence over legitimate business sectors.
The Intimidation Tactics of Romano
Even before his imprisonment in 1981, Romano employed aggressive tactics to maintain control over his interests. A notable incident occurred when he attempted to intimidate the non-mob owner of Carmine’s restaurant into selling it back to his uncle. On January 21, 1981, Romano and his associates visited the restaurant and unleashed a wave of destruction: they smashed windows, vandalized furniture, threw food around, and even robbed the cash register before departing.
This incident is emblematic of the lengths that organized crime figures would go to preserve their power and influence. Despite their violent tactics aimed at coercing compliance from business owners, many individuals resisted such intimidation attempts. The owner of Carmine’s restaurant did not yield to pressure and refused to sell back his establishment, demonstrating resilience against mob threats.
Efforts to Clean Up the Fulton Fish Market
The landscape of organized crime began shifting significantly in the 1990s under Mayor Rudy Giuliani’s administration. In 1994, Giuliani launched an extensive campaign aimed at eradicating mob control from various sectors within New York City, including the Fulton Fish Market. Utilizing civil suits and imposing new regulations on market operations, Giuliani’s administration sought to expel mob-affiliated employees and vendors who had historically exploited legitimate businesses.
Despite resistance from organized crime figures—who resorted to arson and wildcat strikes in retaliation—the city pressed forward with its initiatives. The efforts proved successful as law enforcement’s crackdown on extortion rackets significantly diminished mob influence over seafood vendors operating at the market.
The Aftermath: Life After Prison
<pFollowing his release from prison in 1999 after serving time for racketeering charges, Carmine Romano relocated to New Bedford, Massachusetts. There he assumed ownership of Hygrade Ocean Products—a legitimate business within the seafood industry—though it remained unclear how much influence he retained from his previous life as a mobster. His move marked an attempt to distance himself from his past while still remaining active in an industry he had once dominated through illicit means.
In November 2005, significant changes occurred when all seafood wholesale operations were relocated from the historic Fulton Fish Market to a new facility in Hunts Point in the Bronx. This transition effectively closed down operations at the Fulton Fish Market permanently—an event marking an end to an era dominated by organized crime.
Carmine Romano passed away on January 28, 2011, in New Bedford. His life serves as a reminder of how deeply entrenched organized crime can become within legitimate business sectors and how efforts toward reform can lead to significant changes within communities.
Conclusion
The story of Carmine Romano encapsulates both individual ambition and systemic corruption within one of America’s most notorious crime families—the Genovese family. His rise through the ranks of organized crime and subsequent legal troubles illustrate not only personal choices but also highlight broader societal issues concerning organized crime’s impact on legitimate business practices.
As cities like New York continue their ongoing battles against organized crime, understanding figures like Carmine Romano becomes essential in recognizing patterns and dynamics that shape urban environments. Ultimately, reforms initiated by leaders like Rudy Giuliani have paved the way toward reducing mob influence—significantly altering how industries operate today while honoring those who have resisted such intimidation throughout history.
Artykuł sporządzony na podstawie: Wikipedia (EN).