Robert Blakey, architect of the RICO Act that crippled the Mob, dies at age 90
No one made life more difficult for the Mob than Robert Blakey. In 1969, Blakey, a Notre Dame Law School…
Author: James Riter
Myth busted: Vietnam War-era drug traffickers did not smuggle heroin in soldiers’ coffins
Fifty years after U.S. officials brought down Leslie “Ike” Atkinson, the claim that heroin was smuggled into the United States…
Geraldo Rivera uncovered ‘The Mystery of Al Capone’s Vaults’ on live television 40 years ago
On April 21, 1986, television reporter Geraldo Rivera completed his final on-air shot in a live broadcast from the Chicago…
Embattled Montreal Mafia clings to underworld power amid setbacks
After nearly two decades of intermittent unrest in the Montreal Mafia, the Rizzuto dynasty is once again on the ropes….
Colombia approves plan to euthanize ‘cocaine hippos’ introduced by Pablo Escobar
More than 30 years after his death, Colombia is still struggling with the consequences of Pablo Escobar’s reign. This week,…
‘Ketamine Queen’ conviction over Matthew Perry’s death highlights evolving drug trade
Cartels have held a monopoly on the drug trade for decades, but there’s a new supplier in town. Medical professionals…
New York’s ‘Mafia Cops’ faked arrests, leaked information to aid Mob killings
In March 2005, two retired New York City detectives were arrested without much fanfare outside of Piero’s, a restaurant near the Las…
Benny Binion’s colorful life story slated for television series
Years ago in Las Vegas, a friend of professional poker player Doyle Brunson relayed an alarming message: If Brunson didn’t…
Virginia Hill, reputed ‘Queen of the Mob,’ died in Austria 60 years ago
On March 24, 1966, Virginia Hill died far from the life that made her famous. Sixty years later, she has…
New memoir ‘The Bookie’ highlights the mobsters and characters in Las Vegas sportsbooks
Early in his career at Las Vegas casino sportsbooks, when mobsters were an intimidating presence around town, Art Manteris confronted…