James Murdoch like 'Mafia boss,' says lawmaker

London (CNN) -- News International chief James Murdoch rejected allegations Thursday his company behaved like a Mafia organization over the News of the World phone-hacking scandal.

The accusation was put to the son of media tycoon Rupert Murdoch as he faced questions from lawmakers about what he knew and when. It is alleged that his company's newspaper intercepted cellphone calls and messages of almost 5,800 royals, politicians, celebrities and business leaders -- and most controversially of all, a 13-year-old murder victim.   More Read