Frank Costello
Frank Costello (born Francesco Castiglia; 1891–1973) was an Italian-born American mobster who became a leading figure in organized crime in the United States.
Frank Costello (born Francesco Castiglia; 1891–1973) was an Italian-born American mobster who became a leading figure in organized crime in the United States. Associated with Lucky Luciano and the Luciano crime family, he was known for his political connections, influence in gambling and bootlegging, and later role as acting boss of the family.
Early life
Born in Italy as Francesco Castiglia, Costello immigrated to the United States as a child and grew up in New York City. He entered gang life at a young age.
Rise in organized crime
Costello built influence through bootlegging during Prohibition and developed close ties with Lucky Luciano and other leading gangsters. He became a major figure in the National Crime Syndicate.
Leadership and political influence
From 1937, Costello served as acting boss of the Luciano crime family. He was noted for cultivating political connections and using them to protect criminal enterprises.
Conflict with Vito Genovese
Costello became embroiled in a power struggle with Vito Genovese. After surviving an assassination attempt in 1957, he retired from active leadership.
Later life and death
In the 1950s, Costello was imprisoned for tax evasion. He lived the rest of his life in New York City and died in 1973.
Key facts
- Frank Costello was an Italian-born American mobster and a key figure in the Luciano crime family.
- He rose to prominence through bootlegging during Prohibition and close ties with Lucky Luciano.
- Costello served as acting boss of the Luciano family from 1937 and was known for his political connections.
- He survived an assassination attempt in 1957 ordered by Vito Genovese and then retired.
- Costello was convicted of tax evasion in the 1950s and died of natural causes in 1973.
Frank Costello is mainly relevant to Canadian readers as a key figure in the history of North American organized crime, Prohibition-era bootlegging, and Mafia politics that influenced criminal networks across the continent.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Frank Costello?
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References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_CostelloSupports: Birth in Italy, youth gang activity, bootlegging with Lucky Luciano, National Crime Syndicate involvement, acting boss role, tax evasion imprisonment, retirement after Genovese-ordered assassination attempt.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Frank-CostelloSupports: Identity, birth and death dates, major American syndicate gangster status, association with Lucky Luciano, political influence.
- The Mob Museum — https://themobmuseum.org/notable_names/frank-costello/Supports: Birth name, nickname, immigration to the United States, associations, influence in national Mafia leadership, death.
- EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/history/frank-costelloSupports: Immigration, rise in organized crime, bootlegging during Prohibition, political connections, gambling focus.