Mob Money: Murders & Acquisitions

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The American Mafia thrives in this country because of its unique business model that operates more like a corporate empire than a band of thieves. For more than 80 years, the Mafia has represented the dark underbelly of capitalism and a warped vision of the American Dream.

Corruption, violence and murder help keep the Mob in the red. “Mob Money: Murders and Acquisitions” explores seven different murders and how they helped line mobster pockets. From the 1931 murder of Joe Masseria to the 1985 murder of Paul Castellano, millions of dollars are at stake in some of the American Mafia's biggest mob hits.

“Big” Paul Castellano
At the end of his era, Gambino family mob boss Carlo Gambino named his cousin/brother-in-law, “Big” Paul Castellano, his successor. Big Paul’s approach to the position was more business than gangster.

Joe “The Boss” Masseria
Joe Masseria, a top Mafia boss in New York, had no qualms about murdering gangsters who crossed his bootlegging territories.

Web Extra: Selwyn Raab, author of Five Families, explains how bootlegging shaped the American Mafia

Charles “Lucky” Luciano
Charles Luciano’s “lucky” year was definitely 1931. After taking out the mob’s top two bosses, Luciano established the “Commission,” a uniting of mob families across the nation and the official establishment of what is known today as the American Mafia.

Albert Anastasia
One of the homicidal leaders of the legendary hit team, Murder Incorporated, Albert Anastasia had a long and violent history with the mob. If Anastasia wanted something, most mobsters complied, or they’d end up dead.

Web Extra: Author T.J. English Albert Anastasia’s presence in Cuba

Angelo “The Gentle Don” Bruno
A loan shark who brought in the cash but nixed the violence, Angelo “The Gentle Don” Bruno ran the Philadelphia Mob Family. For decades everything’s running smoothly until he refused to let NY and Philadelphia mobsters in on Atlantic City gambling action. His reluctance to expand cost him his life.

Web Extra: Retired FBI Agent James T. Maher remembers meeting Bruno

Daniel Seifert
Daniel Seifert, part owner and foreman of International Fiberglass, agreed to cooperate with the feds against Chicago Mobster Joey “The Clown” Lombardo who helped The Outfit funnel millions of dollars from the Teamsters Pension Fund. Seifert was gunned down in September 1974 and the scam continued for years.

Web Extra: Daniel’s son Nicholas Seifert gives his views on Lombardo

Greg Smith
Greg Smith, a reporter at New York Daily News and author of Nothing but Money: How the Mob Infiltrated Wall Street, explains how the mob's tactics allow them to thrive in this economy.
The American Mob
George Anastasia, author and reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, shares what it’s like to have a price on your head.
Allen Dorfman
Dan E. Moldea, author of The Hoffa Wars, remembers his encounter with mob figure and attorney Allen Dorfman.
Mobster Movies
Nicholas Seifert, son of slain federal witness Daniel Seifert, discusses the mystique and reality of mobster movies.
Mob Money: Drug Deals
Former mobster Nick Caramandi on the inner workings of drug dealing.
The Brooklyn Docks
Ernest Volkman, author of Gangbusters, talks about how the mob ran the Brooklyn, N.Y. Docks.
The Havana Mob
T.J. English, author of Havana Nocturne, describes the Havana, Cuba of the 1950s.

SHOW TIMES

SHOW HOST

Stacy Keach

"Mob Money" is narrated by Stacy Keach. The award-winning actor of stage, film and television is best known as the star of "Prison Break" for his portrayal of Detective Mike Hammer. He is currently starring in the new FX series, "Lights Out," and is appearing in the Lincoln Center hit play, "Other Desert Cities."

SLIDESHOW

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