Exploring The Life And Legacy Of Frank Costello: The Prime Minister Of The Underworld

Frank Costello was not just any gangster; he was a pivotal figure in the landscape of organized crime in America. Born into a humble Italian family in 1891, Costello’s life journey from a small village in Calabria to the heights of the Mafia world is a story filled with ambition, power struggles, and extensive influence. His reign as a crime boss was marked by significant wealth and a well-structured criminal empire, which made him a notable character in the annals of American history.

Costello's net worth at the time of his death was estimated to be around $1 billion when adjusted for inflation, illustrating the immense scale of his operations. He was known for his strategic alliances and ability to navigate the treacherous waters of organized crime, earning him the moniker, "The Prime Minister of the Underworld." Throughout his life, he controlled a gambling empire and exerted political influence, which significantly shaped the Mafia's operations in New York City.

This article delves into the multifaceted life of Frank Costello, exploring his background, rise to power, and the legacy he left behind. From his early days to his eventual downfall, understanding Costello’s life offers a glimpse into the world of organized crime and the complex personalities that inhabited it.

Frank Costello's Biography

What is Frank Costello's Net Worth?

Frank Costello was an Italian American Mafia gangster and crime boss who had a net worth equal to $1 billion at the time of his death in 1973 (adjusting for inflation). During his life, Frank ran one of the wealthiest and most powerful criminal organizations in history. At the peak of his success, his illicit empire generated the equivalent of $60 billion (after adjusting for inflation) in revenue.

Frank Costello was born in Cassano allo Ionio, Calabria, Italy in January 1891 and passed away in February 1973. He rose to the top of organized crime in America and controlled a gambling empire while having political influence. Costello was known as "The Prime Minister of the Underworld." He led the Luciano crime family which was later called the Genovese crime family. The Lucianos were one of the Five Families who operated in New York City. He was introduced to gang activities at a young age after boarding a ship to the United States in 1895. He worked for the Morello gang and met Charlie "Lucky" Luciano and hit it off as friends and partners. In 1961 the United States Supreme Court upheld a decision that stripped him of his U.S. citizenship but set aside a deportation order. Frank Costello passed away on February 18, 1973, at 82 years old of a heart attack.