You may be interested in the book “Wiseguy”, a very interesting, informative, and often hilarious book about Henry Hill, a member of the mafia in New York.
It explains in great detail how he got into the mob and how the mob works. I would assume many organized crime groups follow similar paths. Essentially young kids with problems with authority meet hoodlums who can vouch for them, they get into the lifestyle, and start learning how to hustle. No one rats because doing so means death.
This book is also what the superb movie Goodfellas is based on, which is a fairly close portrayal of the book.
https://www.amazon.com/Wiseguy-Nicholas-Pileggi/dp/143918421...
It explains in great detail how he got into the mob and how the mob works. I would assume many organized crime groups follow similar paths. Essentially young kids with problems with authority meet hoodlums who can vouch for them, they get into the lifestyle, and start learning how to hustle. No one rats because doing so means death.
This book is also what the superb movie Goodfellas is based on, which is a fairly close portrayal of the book.