During Prohibition, American gangs became extremely wealthy through bootlegging and illegal alcohol distribution. The mob families of New York were established after high-profile gangsters like Salvatore Maranzano and Joe Masseria were murdered, ending a war between their factions. Major cities across the US had organized crime bosses and structures that profited off Prohibition, such as Johnny Torrio, Al Capone, and Carlos Marcello who led criminal operations in Chicago and New Orleans respectively. Politicians may also have financially benefited from the lucrative illegal alcohol trade.