The content provided is an introduction to a list of the top 10 infamous Mafia bosses and their crimes. It includes brief descriptions of each boss, their notorious activities, and their ultimate fate. The list includes well-known names such as Al Capone, John Gotti, Lucky Luciano, and more, showcasing their involvement in various criminal activities such as bootlegging, drug trafficking, extortion, and murder. The introduction also mentions the bosses’ ability to evade law enforcement and avoid significant jail time, showcasing the power and influence these individuals had within organized crime.
The Top 10 Infamous Mafia Bosses and Their Crimes
1. Al Capone
Al Capone, also known as “Scarface,” was one of the most notorious American Mafia bosses during the Prohibition era. He was the leader of the Chicago Outfit and was involved in various criminal activities, primarily bootlegging and smuggling illegal alcohol. Capone also committed multiple murders, bribed law enforcement officials, and controlled gambling and prostitution rings. However, he was ultimately convicted for tax evasion and spent several years in prison.
2. John Gotti
John Gotti, nicknamed “The Teflon Don,” was the boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and ruthless nature, Gotti expanded his empire through various criminal enterprises, including drug trafficking, extortion, and loan sharking. He was involved in several high-profile murders and managed to evade conviction multiple times. However, in 1992, Gotti was finally found guilty of racketeering charges and sentenced to life in prison without parole.
3. Lucky Luciano
Salvatore Lucania, better known as Lucky Luciano, was an Italian-American mobster who became one of the most influential figures in organized crime during the 1930s. He initiated the formation of the National Crime Syndicate, a conglomerate of criminal families that collaborated to control various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, prostitution, and labor union racketeering. Luciano was eventually convicted for running a prostitution ring and spent several years behind bars before being deported to Italy.
4. Frank Costello
Frank Costello, also known as the “Prime Minister of the Underworld,” was an Italian-American mobster and boss of the Luciano crime family. He served as a prominent figure within the American Mafia and was involved in numerous criminal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and controlling labor unions. Costello played a significant role in establishing the Commission, a governing body that mediated disputes among various crime families. Although he faced multiple criminal charges, Costello managed to avoid significant jail time.
5. Paul Castellano
Paul Castellano was the boss of the Gambino crime family from 1976 until his assassination in 1985. Under his leadership, the Gambino family became involved in drug trafficking, extortion, loan sharking, and labor racketeering. Castellano was known for his extravagant lifestyle and preferred to avoid the limelight. However, his reign ended abruptly when he was gunned down outside a steakhouse in New York City, allegedly ordered by John Gotti to take over the family.
6. Meyer Lansky
Meyer Lansky, often considered the financial genius of organized crime, was a major figure in the American Mafia and a close associate of Lucky Luciano. Lansky was involved in various criminal activities, including gambling operations, bootlegging, and money laundering. He played a significant role in the development of Las Vegas as a gambling paradise and had extensive international connections. Despite numerous investigations, Lansky managed to avoid any major convictions and spent his later years living a discreet life in Florida.
7. Vincent “The Chin” Gigante
Vincent Gigante, known as “The Chin,” was a powerful mobster who headed the Genovese crime family. He was known for his bizarre behavior, including wandering the streets in a bathrobe while pretending to be mentally unstable to protect his criminal activities. Gigante controlled various rackets, such as labor unions, loansharking, and extortion. Despite being under constant surveillance, he eluded law enforcement for a long time. However, in 1997, Gigante was convicted on racketeering charges and passed away while in prison.
8. Joseph Bonanno
Joseph Bonanno was an Italian-American mobster and founder of the Bonanno crime family, one of the “Five Families” of the New York Mafia. Known as “Joe Bananas,” he was involved in various criminal activities, including loan sharking, extortion, and drug trafficking. Bonanno was also known for his ability to form alliances and avoid conflict with other crime families. Although he faced multiple indictments, he managed to escape significant jail time, eventually retiring to Arizona.
9. Tony Accardo
Tony Accardo, nicknamed “Big Tuna,” was a prominent boss of the Chicago Outfit. He rose to power after the imprisonment of Al Capone and was involved in illegal gambling, labor racketeering, and organized crime activities. Accardo was known for his high intelligence and ability to avoid prosecution. He maintained a low profile, preferring to work behind the scenes, and was never convicted for major crimes during his long criminal career.
10. John “Dapper Don” Gotti Jr.
John Gotti Jr., the son of John Gotti, followed in his father’s footsteps and became the boss of the Gambino crime family. He continued his family’s legacy of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, loan sharking, and murder. Gotti Jr. led a flashy lifestyle, regularly appearing in the media. However, his reign was short-lived as he was indicted on racketeering charges in 1998. After several mistrials, Gotti Jr. ultimately pleaded guilty and received a reduced sentence.