Frank Costello: The Real Godfather

Frank Costello: The Real Godfather

Frank Costello, born Francesco Castiglia on January 26, 1891, in Lauropoli, Italy, was a prominent figure in the American Mafia during the early to mid-20th century. Often referred to as the “Prime Minister of the Underworld,” Costello wielded immense power and influence in the criminal underworld of New York City.

Early Life and Rise to Power

Costello immigrated to the United States with his family in 1895, settling in East Harlem, New York. As a young man, he became involved in petty crime and quickly rose through the ranks of the Italian-American Mafia. By the 1920s, he had established himself as a powerful crime boss, controlling various rackets, including gambling, prostitution, and extortion.

Political Connections and Influence

One of Costello’s most notable traits was his ability to forge alliances with powerful politicians and law enforcement officials. He cultivated relationships with influential figures, including New York City Mayor Fiorello La Guardia and Police Commissioner Lewis J. Valentine. These connections allowed Costello to operate his criminal empire with relative impunity for many years.

The Luciano Connection

Costello’s rise to power was closely intertwined with that of another notorious gangster, Charles “Lucky” Luciano. Together, they formed a formidable alliance that dominated organized crime in New York City. Luciano was the brains behind many of their criminal operations, while Costello handled the political and financial aspects.

The Castellammarese War

In the early 1930s, Costello and Luciano found themselves embroiled in a bloody conflict known as the Castellammarese War. This power struggle between rival Italian-American gangs resulted in the deaths of hundreds of mobsters. Ultimately, Costello and Luciano emerged victorious, consolidating their power and establishing their dominance over the New York City underworld.

The Commission

In the aftermath of the Castellammarese War, Costello and Luciano played a pivotal role in forming the Commission, a governing body that aimed to regulate organized crime activities and prevent future gang wars. Costello served as the Commission’s treasurer, further solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in the American Mafia.

Downfall and Later Years

Despite his immense power, Costello’s reign as the “Prime Minister of the Underworld” eventually came to an end. In 1957, he was convicted of tax evasion and sentenced to five years in prison. Although he was released after serving only a fraction of his sentence, his reputation was tarnished, and his influence within the Mafia diminished.

Legacy

Frank Costello remains an iconic figure in the history of organized crime in the United States. His ability to navigate the criminal underworld and forge alliances with powerful individuals made him a formidable force in the world of crime. Although his reign was marked by violence and corruption, Costello’s legacy continues to fascinate and intrigue people to this day.

Additional Resources:

• Book: “Five Families: The Rise, Decline, and Resurgence of America's Most Powerful Mafia Empires” by Selwyn Raab
• Documentary: “The Real Godfather” (2019) directed by Peter Landesman
• Article: “Frank Costello: The Prime Minister of the Underworld” by History.com