I'm tempted to make an analogy with 'protection' money paid by some small businesses to the mafia in order to be able to operate without being 'hassled' ... Of

I'm tempted to make an analogy with 'protection' money paid by some small businesses to the mafia in order to be able to operate without being 'hassled' ... Of course, it's just subjective image that popped into mind as I read this.