ABSTRACT
This chapter provides insights into the crimes of the marginally powerful, and the symbiotic ties between the regulators and the regulated. The chapter begins with an overview of the role that physical cash plays in facilitating economic exchange – independent of its legality. From employee theft to money laundering, I document various systematic efforts to maximize personal gain at various levels of the nightlife economy. I “follow the money” from the customer up through the occupational hierarchy of the bar and nightclub business. While this chapter is primarily focused on Metropolis East, much of the phenomena described has been documented in other jurisdictions. This chapter sets the stage for explaining normal nightlife corruption in other cities – which is the focus of Chapter 6.
