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Frank Costello, born Francesco Castiglia on January 26, 1891, in Calabria, Italy, was a powerful Italian-American crime boss who led the Luciano crime family. He immigrated to the U.S. as a child and became involved in organized crime, forming a close alliance with Lucky Luciano. Costello played a key role in bootlegging operations during Prohibition and later expanded into gambling and political influence.
By the late 1930s, Costello was acting boss of the Luciano crime family, maintaining control through his connections with politicians and law enforcement. His influence earned him the nickname "Prime Minister of the Underworld". However, his reign was challenged in the 1950s when he was convicted of tax evasion and later survived an assassination attempt ordered by Vito Genovese. Following the attempt on his life in 1957, Costello retired from active crime but remained a respected figure in the underworld.
He passed away on February 18, 1973, in New York City, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most politically connected mob bosses in American history. His life was marked by power, influence, and survival in the volatile world of organized crime.
Offered is an original TYPE I photograph that measures 8” x 10” in size with the original UPI and King Features stampings on the back of the photo (with paper caption).
The paper caption reads:
NXP128#346......................NEW YORK BUREAU
COSTELLO BEGINS SERVING SECOND SENTENCE
NEW YORK: GAMBLER FRANK COSTELLO IS SHOWN AFTER STEPPING FROM THE WAGON WHICH BROUGHT HIM FROM THE FEDERAL HOUSE OF DETENTION TO THE CHARLES STREET PRECINCT HERE, JUNE 20 TO BE BOOKED. COSTELLO WAS RELEASED FROM THE FEDERAL JAIL ON COMPLETION OF HIS SENTENCE FOR INCOME TAX EVASION. HE WAS THEN REMANDED TO RIKERS ISLAND WORKHOUSE TO COMPLETE SERVING A 30-DAY SENTENCE FOR CONTEMPT.
NKA EUR-U
CREDIT (UPI PHOTO) 6/20/61 MT
Item: 13879
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