What is an Associate? - The Mafia Hierarchy

An Associate is not a made member of the mafia, but works with or for a crime family.

Associates can be anyone from low-level criminals to corrupt professionals — bookies, loan sharks, muscle, or even businessmen.

They do the dirty work, generate money, and prove their loyalty — sometimes in hopes of becoming a “made man” one day.

While they lack formal protection or rank, Associates often make up the majority of people involved with organized crime.