Whoo boy what a quote!
“If you want to work, you have to pay. In Russia, they call it corruption. Here, they call it something else. Either way, you have to pay.”
At least in Russia, once you pay the protection money, you get the protection. Here, after OSHA’s done with you, the EPA shows up, then DOJ, then the city inspectors, then the guys from the state EPA - you’re never free of yet one more bite of your business.
“They don’t let you live!”
Next candidate to exit NYC.
"So, mention extortion again...and I'll have your legs broken."
Sounds like a certain public employee was sending a message—grease the palm and all will be well.