During World War II, the Allied forces sought the assistance of the Mafia to gain control of Sicily and other Italian territories occupied by the Axis powers. The Mafia, led by Lucky Luciano and Vito Genovese, provided intelligence, sabotaged Axis operations, and assisted in the Allied landings. In exchange, the Allies promised to reduce law enforcement efforts against the Mafia after the war. This cooperation contributed to the Allied victory in Italy but also strengthened the influence and power of the Mafia in the post-war era, leading to increased organized crime activities and corruption in both Italy and the United States.
