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A mobster, 44-year-old Damiano Zummo of the Bonanno crime family, conducted an initiation ceremony and now the world has an understanding of the inner workings of the Mob, thanks to an undercover agent who videotaped the event. It is believed to be the first of its kind ever.
Zummo is heard congratulating the new member, who is named as John, in the recording.
"From this guy, this guy, this guy, everybody approved it, so from this day forward, you're a member of the Bonanno family. Congratulations," he said. "You're going to be in our regime. You answer only to the Bonanno family."
Typical initiations are said to involve a blood oath and the ritual burning of an image of a Catholic saint, though none of this are mentioned in court documents.
Zummo was arrested last week on charges of drug trafficking, loansharking and firearms offences. He and his associates are accused of selling cocaine out of his Manhattan ice cream shop.
The Bonanno Crime Family is also heavily involved in illegal gambling, according to authorities.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
