"Underworld Prime Minister: The Frank Costello Chronicles Part 2"
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"Underworld Prime Minister: The Frank Costello Chronicles Part 2"
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Dive into the riveting world of Frank Costello in "Underworld Prime Minister: The Frank Costello Chronicles Part 2." This episode unveils the intriguing and tumultuous life of Frank Costello, from...
show more- (00:01 - 00:38) Frank Costello, born Francesco Castiglia, chose a life of crime over conventional schooling, forming a highly efficient gang with Luciano, Lansky, and Siegel. They deeply engaged in New York politics which bolstered their criminal activities during Prohibition.
- (01:11 - 04:41) The rivalry between Costello and Vito Genovese began amidst New York's mob scene, which escalated into the Castellammarese War, a violent conflict in New York's streets. Peace was not an option, leading to a strategic assassination of opposing mob bosses, securing Costello's power in the underworld.
- (05:16 - 07:13) By the early 1930s, Prohibition ended but left Costello and his associates wealthy from bootlegging. Foreseeing the end of Prohibition, Costello shifted to gambling, particularly slot machines, creating a lucrative business thanks to his political connections.
- (09:23 - 11:44) The election of Mayor Fiorello LaGuardia, who was determined to eradicate organized crime, posed significant challenges for Costello. LaGuardia’s crackdown included the destruction of Costello’s slot machine operations, significantly impacting his business.
- (12:26 - 14:37) After a crackdown in New York, Costello and his associate Phil Castell relocated their slot machine operations to Louisiana, invited by Governor Huey Long, where they continued their profitable endeavors without legal interference.
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