But since mafia families are themselves organized by geography rather than by function, the intricacy of the protection market impinges on the economy. Permission cooperate in a given area must be sought if one is to work in a territory other than one's own: "It must be clear once and for all," says Salvatore Contorno, "that in order to build or begin any significant activity, it is necessary to obtain the permission of the family with jurisdiction over that territory" (TC: 19). Moreover, permission must be sought through the mafioso who controls the area where the firm is normally based.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 523