A group of mobsters admitted guilt on Friday for engaging in a series of violent extortion activities, which involved arson, vandalism, and some traditional beatdowns.
Federal authorities revealed that when a New York City carting business owner refused to make their regular “protection” payments to a group linked to the Gambino crime family, the mobsters retaliated by setting his home’s steps on fire. A few weeks later, they deflated the tires of his hauling trucks.
Joseph “Joe Brooklyn” Lanni, an alleged captain of the Gambino family, confessed in Brooklyn Federal Court, acknowledging his awareness of the illegality of these actions as he pleaded guilty to charges, including racketeering and extortion.
Prosecutors stated that the crew aimed to exert control over the carting and demolition sectors in New York City.
Lanni admitted to the court that from 2017 to 2023, he “knowingly and voluntarily” engaged in schemes where he or others planned to carry out illegal acts.
Ironically, despite his nickname “Joe Brooklyn,” Lanni resides 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
Originally Published: October 17, 2025 at 5:52 PM EDT
