Ep 4. Taking Down the Mob

Inside the American Mob is a six-part docuseries featuring personal accounts and perspectives from former members and associates of the American mafia. In season 1 episode 4, titled Taking Down the Mob, the show delves into the landmark RICO trial that sent many high-ranking members of the mob to prison.

The episode covers the FBI's use of the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, a law that allowed federal prosecutors to go after entire criminal organizations rather than just individual members. This strategy proved to be highly effective in taking down the American mafia, and the episode showcases how the FBI built their case against the mob through wiretaps, surveillance, and testimony from informants.

Viewers are taken through the intricacies of the RICO trial through interviews with former FBI agents, prosecutors, and even members of the mob who testified against their former associates. The episode also highlights the dangers and risks associated with being an informant, as well as the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those who choose to cooperate with law enforcement.

One of the key figures in the RICO trial was Sammy "The Bull" Gravano, a former underboss of the Gambino crime family who turned informant and testified against his boss, John Gotti. The episode explores Gravano's motivations for cooperating with the government and the impact his testimony had on the trial.

In addition to the RICO trial, the episode also covers the fallout that resulted from the mob's exposure. Viewers learn about the power vacuum that emerged after the arrests of high-ranking mobsters, and the subsequent violence that erupted as rival factions fought for control.

Throughout the episode, archival footage and photographs are used to transport viewers back to the heyday of the American mob, while expert commentary and analysis help to provide context and insight into the complex web of the criminal underworld. By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a greater understanding of the RICO trial and its significance in the fight against organized crime in America.

Overall, Taking Down the Mob is a thrilling and informative episode of Inside the American Mob that provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the most important moments in the history of the American mafia.