Crime Boss

In the latter half of the 19th century, the crime boss profession emerged as a prominent and influential figure in the criminal underworld. With the rapid advancement of technology and the monopolization of emerging innovations, a new breed of criminal enterprises arose to exploit the black market demand for illegal technologies. This article delves into the role of crime bosses in 1880 and the impact of their operations on society.
The California Technological Rights Act of 1866
The California Technological Rights Act of 1866 granted Miles Morgan, a prominent entrepreneur and Inventor, a monopoly on emerging technologies. This legislation required businesses to pay a substantial annual fee to Morgan in order to legally engage in innovation. The monopolization of technological advancements and the high costs associated with legal innovation created a ripe environment for the growth of black market organizations, which sought to profit from the demand for unauthorized technologies.
The Rise of the Crime Boss
As black market organizations flourished, the crime boss emerged as a central figure in orchestrating and overseeing the production, distribution, and sale of illegal technologies. These individuals commanded significant power and influence within the criminal underworld and were often responsible for directing large networks of criminals, including thieves, assassins, and spies.
The Evil Eye Syndicate and Other Organizations
One notable criminal organization in this era was The Evil Eye Syndicate, led by the infamous Maxwell Gregg. The Syndicate specialized in the production and distribution of various illegal animal automatons, such as steely cats, steely snakes, and steely spiders. These automatons were designed to perform a range of tasks, from acting as covert assassins to serving as unconventional pets. The Syndicate was also dabbling in unauthorized modifications to auto sapient steelies, which were originally produced by Morgan's company.
The Apprehension of Maxwell Gregg
In January 1878, Private Investigator James Creed successfully apprehended Maxwell Gregg, the leader of The Evil Eye Syndicate. This high-profile arrest represented a significant victory for law enforcement in their ongoing battle against the criminal underworld and its exploitation of emerging technologies.
Conclusion
The crime boss profession in 1880 played a pivotal role in the development and distribution of illegal technologies, fueled by the monopolization of innovation under The California Technological Rights Act of 1866. As law enforcement, led by figures like James Creed, sought to dismantle these criminal enterprises, the struggle between innovation and regulation continued to shape the course of society.

Type

Illicit