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Operation Underworld: Mob Boss Prison Release

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By the mid 1930’s, Charles “Lucky” Luciano was the undisputed head of the Genovese family. He had taken out his main rival, “the boss of all bosses” Salvatore Maranzano and was living the high life. Holed up in the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, living under the assumed name of Charles Ross.

It would all soon come crashing down.

Imprisonment

In 1935, Thomas E. Dewey was named special prosecutor. His job was to investigate organised crime. Luciano at first resolved to have him killed, but changed his mind, reasoning that killing him would only lead to more efforts to stop the crime syndicate.

Lucky Luciano mugshot

Luciano was arrested in Hot Springs, Arkansas, April 3rd 1936. By June 18th, he had been convicted on 62 counts of compulsory prostitution. The sentence? 30 – 50 years. If not for the outbreak of war, he likely would have died in prison.

World War 2 – Operation Underworld

1942. The American authorities are troubled. They believe that German and Italian spies are entering the US through the New York ports. Lucky Luciano might be in jail, but has kept control of his crime family.

The authorities approach him about providing intelligence about anyone coming through the waterfront. In an effort to show that they are sincere, Luciano is moved from Clinton Prison to Great Meadow Correctional Facility. Situated in Comstock, Great Meadow is much closer to New York.

Eventually a deal is struck between Luciano, the Navy and the State of New York.

Albert Anastasia, who controls the docks for Luciano, promises no strikes during the war. Luciano also allegedly provides Sicilian mafia contacts to the military, in advance of the 1943 invasion of Sicily.

On January 3rd, 1946, Thomas E. Dewey (now Governor) reluctantly agrees to commute Luciano’s sentence. But on one condition.

As soon as Lucky leaves jail, he is to be deported to Sicily. Never to return. Federal agents escort Luciano to his ship while deportation proceedings are concluded. On February 9th, 1946, Lucky Luciano has a celebratory meal with 6 guests. One of who is Albert Anastasia, the dock boss.

Aftermath

It has been widely debated whether Lucky’s contribution amounted to anything at all during the war. Reportedly, the enemy threat to the docks, started by the sinking of the SS Normandie in New York harbour, was supposedly masterminded by Albert Anastasia’s brother. Although no evidence of sabotage was found.

In 1947, the Naval Officer in charge of Operation Underworld stated that Luciano’s contribution was minimal. Governor Dewey disagreed, he felt that Luciano’s contribution was significant.

Whatever the truth, Luciano’s efforts earned him release from jail. He spent some time in Italy before a brief sojourn in Cuba. From 1947 onwards, he was confined to Naples by the Italian authorities. He died in 1962, at Naples airport, of a heart attack.

Family Vault, Queens, New York

His ashes are flown back to the United States and interred in the family vault in St John’s Cemetery, Queens, New York.

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