Join us on a captivating journey through the life of one of New York's most notorious mobsters, Frank Costello. Born Francesco Castiglia in the poverty-stricken hills of Calabria, Italy, Costello's early life was marked by hardship and the relentless pursuit of a better future. Discover how his family’s migration to America and the bustling streets of East Harlem shaped his path into the criminal underworld. As a young immigrant, Costello navigated the challenges of a new country, learning English late and turning to petty crime as a means to escape the crushing poverty that defined his childhood.
Listen in as we explore the transformative years that saw Frank Costello rise from small-time street hustler to a powerful figure in organized crime. The era of Prohibition served as a turning point, propelling him into alliances with infamous gangsters like Charles "Lucky" Luciano and Vito Genovese. Uncover how Costello's strategic partnerships with bootleggers and his investment in legitimate businesses laid the foundation for his criminal empire. This episode reveals the intricacies of his operations and his uncanny ability to balance the world of crime with seemingly lawful enterprises.
As the conversation unfolds, we chart Costello's ascent to power amidst the Mafia's tumultuous landscape during World War II and beyond. Facing legal troubles, assassination attempts, and the infamous Kefauver hearings, Costello's story is one of resilience and cunning. Despite his criminal background, he managed to retire gracefully, leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue historians and crime enthusiasts alike. Tune in to hear how this "Prime Minister of the Underworld" managed to walk away from a life of crime and spend his final years in relative peace.