THE FIVE CONSPIRACIES DESCRIBED IN THIS BOOK CONCERN, IN THE MAIN, THE CRIMES OF ARSON, SELLING NARCOTICS, COUNTERFEITING, SMUGGLING (BOTH PEOPLE AND THINGS), AND GAMBLING. THEY PERIPHERALLY INVOLVE BLACK MARKETING, CORRUPTION OF PUBLIC OFFICIALS, TAX FRAUD, AND VARIOUS OTHER REPRESENTATIVE BUSINESS CRIMES. THE AUTHOR CONTENDS THAT EACH SCHEME WAS CONTRIVED BY BONA FIDE BUSINESSMEN, THAT EACH ONE USED THE ACCUSTOMED TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES OF BUSINESS, AND THAT EACH WAS ANIMATED BY THE SPIRIT OF FREE ENTERPRISE. EMPHASIZED IN EACH ACCOUNT IS THE COMPLICITY OF 'HONEST MEN' THAT MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR THIS TYPE OF BUSINESSMAN-CROOK TO OPERATE. BOTH REAL AND FICTITIOUS NAMES HAVE BEEN USED BY THE AUTHOR.