This article sets out the testimony of Paolo, an Italian entrepreneur who worked under the control of an ‘Ndrangheta clan for years, and finally rebelled against that criminal organization. Paolo operated on a crucial front line, as he managed the relations between his company and the dominant criminal organization in his area. This story constitutes a ‘wake-up call’ for more research on the intrusion of organized crime in the labour market. Paolo’s story reveals how strongly organized crime can penetrate decision-making processes and control key people’s management practices. Such control is decisive not only while under the direct influence of organized crime, but also after rebelling against it. Overall, this article provides insights into how organized crime affects employment relations and it calls for more attention to be paid to this topic in the sociology of work and employment relations.