The Valachi hearings were a series of congressional hearings held in 1963, focusing on organized crime in the United States. Named after Joseph Valachi, a former member of the Genovese crime family, these hearings marked the first time a Mafia insider testified publicly about the inner workings of organized crime. Valachi's testimony provided valuable insights into the structure and operations of the Mafia, revealing its influence on various aspects of American society. The hearings were conducted by the Senate Subcommittee on Investigations, led by Senator John L. McClellan. Valachi's revelations helped to raise public awareness about organized crime and led to increased law enforcement efforts against such activities. The hearings were significant in shaping the government's approach to tackling organized crime in the following decades.