The American Mafia is considered by the U.S. Government, the FBI and investigative reporter Selwyn Raab, as “the most powerful, wealthiest, influential, successful, sophisticated, intelligent, crafty, infamous, cunning, vicious, deadliest, dangerous, feared and highly organized criminal organization in the World, and in history.”
The following are a few of the individuals that spent their days in New York, and for better or worse, greatly helped shape the trajectory, resources and happenings of New York City and organized crime as it exists today. Stay in school.
1. Charles “Lucky” Luciano
DOB: November 24, 1897
Nickname: Lucky
Occupation: Manhattan waterfront union activities, waste management and trucking
Known for: Father of modern organized crime in the United States
Charges: Compulsory prostitution
Died: Heart attack in Naples, Italy | 1962
Interesting Fact: During 1925, Luciano grossed in excess of $12 million with 25 percent said to go to bribing the police and political body
2. “Papa Johnny” Torrio
DOB: January 20, 1882
Nickname(s): Papa Johnny, The Fox, The Immune
Occupation: Billiards hall owner
Known for: Member of the infamous Five Points Gang
Charges: Prohibition violation, income tax evasion
Died: Heart attack in Brooklyn, New York | 1957
Interesting Fact: Encouraged his younger followers to dress conservatively, stop swearing and set up fronts as legitimate entrepreneurs
3. Frank Costello
DOB: January 26, 1891
Nickname: The Prime Minister
Occupation: Bootlegger, Businessman, Crime Boss, Mobster, Racketeer
Known for: Boss of the Luciano crime family
Charges: Assault and robbery, contempt of senate, tax evasion
Died: Heart attack in Manhattan, New York | 1973
Interesting Fact: At the end of Prohibition, he invested in gambling enterprises, earning millions from slot machines and casinos.
Article as featured in Whalebone’s NYC Issue, out now.
