Ep 3. Real Mafia Underground

In the third episode of Cities of the Underworld season 3, viewers are transported to the subterranean world of the Real Mafia Underground. Host Don Wildman takes us on a tour of the hidden locations where the Italian Mafia operated during the 20th century in New York City. Wildman explores the secret lairs and passageways that were used by the organized crime syndicates in the city.

The episode begins with a brief history of the origins of the Mafia in New York City, detailing how the first immigrant gangs from Italy formed in the late 19th century. It then delves into how the Mafia operated in New York City during the 20th century, exploring their infamous criminal operations, from bootlegging to drug trafficking.

The show takes viewers on a journey through various hidden locations that were used by the Mafia, including speakeasies, secret hideaways, and underground tunnels. One such location is an abandoned railway tunnel in Brooklyn that was used by the Mafia to transport stolen goods and illegal alcohol during the Prohibition era.

Through interviews with historians, law enforcement officials, and Mafia experts, viewers gain insight into the extent of the Mafia's influence in New York City during the 20th century. The episode also explores the ways in which the Mafia was able to operate for so long, despite the concerted efforts of law enforcement to take them down.

One particularly fascinating aspect of the episode is the use of advanced technology to explore the underground world of the Mafia. Viewers are shown how LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) technology was used to map out the hidden tunnels and passageways used by the Mafia and gain a better understanding of how these networks were constructed.

The episode concludes with a look at the legacy of the Mafia in New York City, including their impact on the city's architecture and culture. It also touches on the current state of organized crime in the city and the ongoing efforts to combat it.

Overall, Real Mafia Underground is a fascinating exploration of the hidden world of organized crime in New York City. Through a mix of historical research, first-hand accounts, and advanced technology, the episode offers viewers a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most notorious criminal syndicates in American history.