‘Scarface’ achieves cult status with Al Pacino in starring role
When Scarface premiered in 1983, starring Al Pacino as a Cuban drug trafficker in South Florida, the movie was regarded…
Author: James Riter
Bureau of Narcotics Commissioner Harry Anslinger led America’s crusade against drugs
Harry Anslinger is best known as the first head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics (FBN), the first in the…
Al Pacino’s new memoir ‘Sonny Boy’ charts his path to movie stardom
On the set of The Godfather, during the early days of filming, Al Pacino was worried about being fired. Francis…
Sicilian mafioso Tommaso Buscetta broke the sacred oath of omertà 40 years ago
In April 1988, mafioso-turned-informant Tommaso Buscetta testified before the U.S. Senate’s Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations, which was investigating the state…
The world’s top 5 cybercrime schemes
Last year a ransomware gang took control of the networks of two major casino corporations in Las Vegas. Caesars Entertainment…
Author explores ties between mobsters and U.S. presidents
On a hot summer day in the early 1980s, Eric Dezenhall, then in his 20s and working in President Ronald…
Charles Luciano survived ‘gang ride’ 95 years ago
With unseasonably warm weather for a mid-October evening, Officer Henry A. Blanke dropped the convertible top of his Ford patrol…
Columbus Day and its ‘Mafia’ origins
On July 21, 1892, President Benjamin Harrison proclaimed that Friday, October 21st, would be a celebration of the 400th anniversary…
Veteran crime reporter Anthony M. DeStefano doubles as Mafia author
In the mid-1970s, New York reporter Anthony M. DeStefano didn’t know much about the Mafia. But working at Fairchild News…
The top 5 heists in Mob history
What makes a “good” heist? Is it an exceptionally detailed plan, a cast of colorful characters or an unfathomable amount…