1891 -
1973
In his time, one of master brains behind organized crime in New York,
nick-named "Prime Minister", for his contacts through city hall and across
the country.
Born in Cosenza, Italy, January 26, 1891. Moved together with his
family to East Harlem, New York, USA on 1895. In his youth he was
pulled into the crime world and became head of the infamous 104th
Street Gang. He was arrested and found guilty in 1915 of carrying
a concealed weapon.
On his release from prison he decided to be more devious and smooth,
and became involved in more serious crime. Costello joined the Lucky
Luciano gang, and after he was deported to Italy, Costello ran his
interests in the United States.
While in his twenties, he teamed with his childhood friends Meyer Lansky,
and Charlie Luciano, and then along with Benny Siegel, he started
making contacts in the political rings and the group formed a powerful
force in the underworld. Costello did very well, dealing with the
police, judges, mayors, and governors that ran the city. Costello
was "doing favors" for people that would allow the group to operate
freely.
The crime syndicate became bigger and started getting more attention
from the media and government. Despite, the FBI lead
by J. Edgar Hoover did nothing to persecute it. There are two theories
about this. One, is that Hoover had gambling habits, and Costello made
sure that he kept winning in horse races. The more Hoover won, the more
he denied the existence of organized crime or doing anything concerning
it. The other theory suggest that Hoover was involved in homosexual
activities and the syndicate has blackmailed him with the hold of
evidences about his activities.
After Prohibition ended, Costello switched to making money by investing
in gambling, He set up fake storefronts, such as butcher shops and
grocery stores, to hide and cover the gambling activities of
card tables and crap games.
Costello liked to be anonymous. In the Kefauver Committee hearings
he requested not to photograph his face. The camera instead concentrated
on his hands and he gain recognition for his fast hand movement and
raspy voice. His voice inspired Marlon Brando's portrayal of an
underworld boss.
In 1951 Costello was convicted and sentenced to 18 months for contempt
of court. This was followed by five years in prison for income-tax
evasion. Out on bail, Costello was shot in his hotel lobby. It was
believed that a rival gang leader, Vito Genovese, had
taken out a contract on Costello's life. Costello survived and served another
spell in prison for contempt of court, before dying of a heart
attack on February 18, 1973.
summarized from sources:
http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USACcostello.htm
http://www.murderinc.com/fam/costello.html