Charles “Lucky” Luciano
Charles 'Lucky' Luciano was an Italian-born gangster who operated mainly in the United States and was instrumental in the development of the National Crime Syndicate.
Salvatore Lucania
Business Figure
November 24, 1897
Sagittarius
January 26, 1962
64
Lercardia Friddi, Sicily, Italy
Charles “Lucky” Luciano, a notorious American mobster of Italian origin, played a pivotal role in shaping the modern American Mafia. Rising to power in the early 20th century, he engaged in various criminal activities such as gambling, racketeering, and prostitution. Luciano is best known for organizing the National Crime Syndicate, known as the Commission, and laying the groundwork for contemporary organized crime in the United States. His other notable achievements include leading the Genovese crime family, participating in bootlegging during Prohibition, and collaborating with the US government during World War II to support the Allied effort.
Besides his involvement in organized crime, Luciano was also an avid horse racing enthusiast. He owned and trained thoroughbred horses and aspired to open his own racetrack. However, his criminal activities ultimately prevented him from obtaining a racetrack license.
In recent years, Luciano’s legacy has continued to intrigue popular culture, with appearances in various films, TV shows, and documentaries such as “Boardwalk Empire” and “The Making of the Mob.” His life and criminal activities have also been extensively researched and examined by historians and criminologists, providing valuable insights into organized crime in America.