Johnny Torrio was an Italian-American gangster, who is widely acknowledged as the founder of organized crime in America. For his shrewdness, leadership and entrepreneur skill, he was also known as ‘The Fox’, ‘Papa Johnny’ and ‘The Immune’. Born as Giovanni Torrio in Italy, he came to New York with his widowed mother at the age of two. Early in his teens he was introduced to the world of crime through his stepfather’s bootlegging business. Eventually, he joined a group of petty criminals known as the James Street Gang and became its leader. He moved to Chicago at the invitation of his aunt, who operated hundred of brothels and saloons with her husband Big Jim, eventually taking over their business. He not only improved the existing infrastructure, but also began bootlegging, thus amassing huge wealth. To stop turf war, he also met other gang lords and worked out a system of territories. Even after he retired, handing over his business to his protégé, Al Capone, he continued to earn respect, and was considered an ‘elder statesman’ by other gangsters.