Post by Paul Camacho

Mob Museum Minute: In June of 1962, Giuseppe “Joe” Profaci died after leading the Profaci crime family for more than 30 years. Following his death, the organization eventually became known as the Colombo crime family. Profaci entered the United States illegally in the 1920s and built his criminal empire through bootlegging, human trafficking, loansharking, and illegal gambling. He also used those profits to establish legitimate businesses, including the Mama Mia Olive Oil Company. At one point, the company was one of the largest importers of olive oil and tomato paste in the United States, earning Profaci the nickname “The Olive Oil King.” FBI investigators suspected he used the business as a front to smuggle narcotics. Profaci remained firmly in control of the family until his death from liver cancer in 1962. He was 64. Source: The very cool Mob Museum.