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Since World War II, Russian mobsters have traded prison cells for battlefields

In 2010, Russian mobster Sergey Tsapkov was responsible for 12 murders on a farm in southwest Russia. Although he died in prison in 2014, his accomplices received an early release for military service in the Russo-Ukrainian War. Aleksandra Larinzeva/Kommersant Photo/Sipa USA (Sipa via AP Images)
June 4, 2026

“I like watching historical films,” said the Wolf, a middle-aged ex-convict who wished to remain anonymous. “I don’t watch all those films where the hero shoots 100 people, because I've been shot—in the head, in the chest—so I know what it’s like.” “Stabbed, too,” he continued. “They wanted me under their banner, and I told them to f--- off, so they shot me in the head but didn't kill me. I came back and shot all those f---ers.” The ex-convict’s nickname comes from a wolf tattoo on one of his forearms. “A wolf is a wild animal; he doesn’t obey or answer ...

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On March 14, 1891, a lynch mob stormed the Orleans Parish Prison and murdered 11 Italians prisoners held in relation to the assassination of Chief of Police David Hennessy. The outrage that followed from the Italian American community contributed to the first Columbus Day.

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…

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Reporter and author Anthony DeStefano has written on organized crime topics since the 1970s, including 10 nonfiction books.

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…

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This crime scene photo from the Pierre Hotel robbery shows the safe room after the heist. Law enforcement initially thought the boxes were chosen at random, but insiders later shared the culprits had a list of contents that informed their selections. New York Daily News Archive

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…

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In the upcoming film Alto Knights, Robert De Niro plays a dual role portraying Mob bosses Vito Genovese, left, and Frank Costello, right, as they are locked in a dispute over Mob leadership. Library of Congress, Jeff Spicer/Getty Images, Library of Congress

Upcoming film ‘Alto Knights’ depicts mobsters Vito Genovese, Frank Costello in bitter feud

The Mafia movie Alto Knights features veteran actor Robert De Niro playing dual roles as rival mobsters Vito Genovese and…

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Chicago crime boss Al Capone transferred to Alcatraz 90 years ago this month

Depression-era mobsters and outlaws often found themselves locked up in undeniably unpleasant jails and prisons, but being sent to Alcatraz…

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CIA, Mob team up to topple Fidel Castro in Paramount Plus docuseries ‘Mafia Spies’

The CIA’s alliance with the Mafia during the Kennedy years to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro is at the center…

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John Dillinger’s wooden gun and death mask preserve notorious moments in his life

On July 22, 1934, “Public Enemy Number One” – John Dillinger – was killed by federal agents moments after he…

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