Gangland Wire

エピソード

• 
  Prosecutor Gregg Owen on Bob Cooley, Harry Aleman, and Chicago Mob Justice 14.09.2026 1時間

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit Detective Gary Jenkins welcomes former Cook County prosecutor Greg Owen, author of Convergence, for an insider's look at one of the most corrupt periods in Chicago's criminal justice history. Times when gangsters like Harry Aleman or Tony Spilotro evaded justice and even beat murder cases, aided by a system of corrupt lawyers like Bob Cooley and several corrupt judges. Gregg tells about these case and another interesting case about the murder of Gio Messina and Delphine Moore and how Chicago corruption can fix any case. The book is Convergence and click here to get that book  Before entering the courtroom, Greg Owen enjoyed a successful career as a professional musician. He shares the unlikely path that led him from touring with a band to prosecuting violent criminals in Chicago's busiest courthouse, where he quickly discovered that corruption reached far beyond organized crime and into the very courtrooms entrusted with delivering justice.Gary and Greg explore Operation Greylord, the landmark FBI investigation that exposed widespread judicial corruption in Cook County. Greg explains how traffic ticket schemes evolved into fixing serious felony and murder cases, revealing how judges, attorneys, court personnel, and organized crime figures manipulated the justice system for profit. The discussion also revisits attorney Bob Cooley, whose cooperation with federal authorities helped expose corruption at the highest levels of Chicago's political and judicial establishment. Greg offers his firsthand perspective on Cooley, the infamous Harry Aleman murder case, the influence of the Chicago Outfit, and the FBI's unprecedented undercover operation involving prosecutor Terry Hake, who spent years secretly recording corrupt judges and lawyers.Greg also recounts remarkable behind-the-scenes stories from his own prosecution career, including jury tampering concerns, courtroom manipulation, and the extraordinary lengths honest prosecutors had to go to ensure justice prevailed in Chicago during the Outfit's most powerful era. If you're fascinated by the Chicago Outfit, judicial corruption, FBI undercover investigations, and the real history behind Operation Greylord, this episode provides a rare firsthand account from someone who lived it.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent
• 
  Stefano Magaddino and the Mafia’s Deadly Revenge 07.09.2026 19分

  Gary Jenkins, a retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective, sits down with author David Kinney to uncover a little-known chapter of Mafia history: a mob war between Stefano Magaddino and local bookies from Batavia, New York. Batavia is a small city located between Buffalo and Rochester that was strategically important to organized crime.     Kinney is the author of Mobbed Up in Batavia, a nonfiction investigation into the bookmakers, bootleggers, murders, and Mafia connections that surrounded this western New York community during the Prohibition era and the years that followed.  At the center of the story is powerful Buffalo Mafia boss Stefano Magaddino. During Prohibition, liquor moving south from Canada passed through western New York, and Batavia sat along an important route toward the rest of the state. Kinney explains how Magaddino's organization profited from bootlegging and later expanded its influence into gambling and bookmaking.  But this story becomes much more personal—and much more violent.   Kinney examines the bombing of the home of Arcangelo Longo, Magaddino's sister, who was killed in the explosion. He believes the bombing may explain a subsequent series of killings traditionally described as Batavia's “Bookie War.”  Gary and David discuss the murder of bookmaker Frank LoTempio, the killing of Alfred Panepinto, attempts on other Batavia gambling figures, and the possibility that these crimes represented something more than a fight over gambling profits. They may have been part of an old-fashioned Mafia vendetta.  The conversation also explores illegal horse betting, dice games, prostitution, the racing wire, protection payments, and the remarkable amount of money bookmakers could generate even during the Great Depression.  It is a fascinating look at how organized crime extended far beyond New York City and Chicago—and how one violent act in a small western New York town may have triggered a deadly Mafia campaign of revenge.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
• 
  The Untold Story of Meyer Lansky 31.08.2026 38分

  The Untold Story of Meyer Lansky: The Man Behind Organized Crime. Who was the real Meyer Lansky? Was he America's greatest criminal strategist, a financial genius, or simply one of the most misunderstood figures in organized crime history?  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Detective Gary Jenkins welcomes award-winning investigative journalist and author Sandra Peddie to discuss her new book, The Lansky Legacy.Drawing on never-before-seen family letters, photographs, and personal memories from Meyer Lansky's grandson, Sandra paints a revealing portrait of the man who helped reshape organized crime in America.  You'll hear how Lansky forged his lifelong partnership with Lucky Luciano, helped organize the modern Mafia during Prohibition, expanded gambling into Florida, Cuba, and beyond, and quietly influenced some of the biggest events in organized crime history.The listener will also hear about National Crime Syndicate, Havana casinos, Cuba gambling Las Vegas history, Frank Costello, Santo Trafficante, Bugsy Siegel and others in the pantheon of the American Mafia.Click here to get The Lansky Legacy: The Life and Letters of Meyer LanskyClick here to get her book on Sonny Franzese Sonny: The Last of the Old-Time Mafia Bosses, John "Sonny" FranzeseBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent
• 
  Mob Influence in the New Jersey Nightclub Business | Tommy Dorfman Interview 24.08.2026 26分

  Tommy Dorfman joins Gary Jenkins for a fascinating look inside the nightclub and concert promotion business, where organized crime, celebrity entertainment, and billion-dollar corporations often collide.Tommy recounts how he went from throwing teenage house parties in northern New Jersey to becoming one of the East Coast's most successful nightclub promoters, eventually producing major events featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment.  During the conversation, Tommy describes his encounters with members and associates of the Lucchese crime family and other organized crime figures who controlled or influenced many New Jersey clubs during the height of his career. He shares personal stories involving John Perna, who he says treated him respectfully after mutual acquaintances introduced them, and discusses a confrontation with Tommy Gambino, along with other incidents involving mob-connected club owners, extortion attempts, and violent disputes over nightclub profits.  The discussion then shifts to Tommy's rise from the nightclub business into large-scale concert promotion. After building a successful career and securing an exclusive agreement to produce concerts and festivals at the Meadowlands, Tommy says his project was derailed by Live Nation. He explains why he believes the company's control over artists, venues, and ticketing exceeds even the influence once exercised by organized crime, leading to a lengthy federal lawsuit and allegations of industry blacklisting.  Gary and Tommy also explore how concert promotion really works—from booking artists and securing venues to marketing, security, and logistics—before examining the modern music industry's antitrust issues, Ticketmaster's role, and the future of competition in live entertainment. This episode offers a rare insider's perspective on both the Mafia's historic influence in New Jersey nightlife and today's battle over control of the concert business.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
• 
  Iowa, Chicago, Kansas City, and Las Vegas mob connections 17.08.2026 36分

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins talks with author Tiffany Hanson about her novel My Name Was Jerry Sass, a fictionalized account inspired by the life of her father and the Chicago Outfit. Tiffany explains how the project began when she searched for information about her father and found almost nothing. A DNA test later connected her with previously unknown half-siblings, opening the door to family stories and long-buried questions about a man who disappeared from her life before she was born.The conversation explores rumors, memories, and fragments of evidence that suggested her father moved through Iowa, Chicago, Kansas City, and Las Vegas while operating around criminal circles. To protect family members, Hanson chose the fictional name Jerry Sass while weaving historical mob influences into her story.Gary and Tiffany discuss the often-overlooked world of mob associates—men who worked around organized crime families without being formal members. These individuals frequently handled robberies, gambling operations, transportation, and other criminal activities while maintaining distance from leadership.The discussion also examines Midwestern organized crime, including Chicago's influence in Iowa, gambling operations in Des Moines and Council Bluffs, and the role these regions played in larger criminal enterprises involving casinos, sports betting, and money movement.Gary shares insights into Kansas City organized crime figures such as Tuffy DeLuna, discussing surveillance operations, investigations, search warrants, and the realities of law enforcement efforts against organized crime.This fascinating conversation blends family history, true crime, mob history, and the challenges of uncovering the truth when the evidence has largely disappeared.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
• 
  They Cloned His Daughter’s Voice: Inside an AI Phone Scam 13.08.2026 29分

  What would you do if your phone rang and you heard your child crying for help? In this episode of Gangland Wire, we borrow a public service episode from  Murder Blueprint. Gary Jenkins examines a disturbing form of fraud that uses AI voice cloning, caller ID spoofing, social media information, and psychological pressure to convince victims that a loved one has been kidnapped, injured, arrested, or is otherwise in immediate danger.  The episode begins with a frightening case from Arizona. A mother receives a call from what appears to be her daughter, who sounds terrified and says she is in trouble. A man then takes over the call, claims he has kidnapped her daughter, demands money, and warns the mother not to contact police. By keeping her on the phone and emotionally overwhelmed, the scammer attempts to prevent her from verifying whether her daughter is actually in danger.  Gary then talks with Mick, who experienced a remarkably similar call after leaving the gym. Mick heard what sounded like his own daughter telling him she had been in a car accident. A man then came on the line, claimed he was with her, made threats, and tried to maintain control of the conversation. Mick kept him talking long enough to contact family and confirm that his daughter was safe.   The episode also examines a scam targeting an elderly woman whose grandson was supposedly jailed in Mexico and desperately needed money.  These scams succeed by creating fear, urgency, and confusion. The victim is pressured to act before having time to think, verify the story, or contact someone else.   Gary explains several simple precautions families can take: independently call or text the supposedly endangered person, immediately involve another trusted person, resist demands for secrecy and urgency, and establish a family code word known only to trusted relatives.   As artificial intelligence makes cloned voices increasingly convincing, hearing a familiar voice may no longer be enough to prove who is really on the other end of the phone.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
• 
  Working for Genovese Capo Big Al Bruno: A Former Mafia Bookmaker Tells All 10.08.2026 45分

  Former Springfield sports bookmaker Chicky Ciccatelli returns to Gangland Wire for a candid conversation about organized crime, illegal sports betting, federal prison, and rebuilding his life.  Host Gary Jenkins sits down with Chicky as he prepares for a live appearance in Las Vegas to better understand how traditional bookmakers operated before the era of legalized sports betting. Chicky explains how he entered the gambling business after a Navy injury and eventually worked for Adolfo "Big Al" Bruno, a powerful Genovese crime family figure in Springfield, Massachusetts.  The discussion takes listeners inside the day-to-day operations of a Mafia-connected sportsbook. Chicky explains how bookmakers set betting lines, balanced action on both sides of games, managed betting limits, collected debts, and dealt with the constant pressure of large wagers. He also discusses the overlap between sports betting and loan-sharking, and how experienced bettors attempted to exploit changing betting lines.  Beyond gambling, Chicky shares an inspiring personal story of survival. After nearly dying from heart failure and other serious health complications, he completely transformed his lifestyle—losing more than 200 pounds through diet and exercise while committing himself to family, faith, and sobriety.  The conversation also explores Chicky's unexpected acting career, including his appearance in The Featherweight, the acclaimed Willie Pep boxing film, and his experiences attending movie premieres and working alongside professional actors.  This episode offers a rare insider's look at Mafia bookmaking, federal investigations, organized crime, and the possibility of redemption after prison.  Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
• 
  The Treehouse Gang: Inside a Master Criminal's Mind 03.08.2026 1時間 11分

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins is joined by retired FBI agent Shawn Johnson and retired bank robber Stephen Myers to examine one of the most sophisticated bank robbery investigations in modern American history. The discussion focuses on the notorious career of Scott Scurlock, known as the "Hollywood Bandit," and the law enforcement effort that ultimately brought the robbery spree to an end.  Get the book, Click Here on The Treehouse: The True Story of Hollywood the Bank Robber. Shawn Johnson begins by discussing his career with the FBI, including assignments involving violent crime, counterterrorism, instruction at the FBI Academy, and his work training new agents after retirement. His experience provides insight into the methods and challenges of major federal investigations.  Stephen Myers recounts his unusual path from Kansas City to a life of architecture, sculpture, furniture design, and restoration work around the world. He explains how he first met Scott Scurlock while helping build a treehouse compound in Washington State and how that relationship eventually drew him into a criminal enterprise.  The conversation explores Scurlock's early involvement in methamphetamine production and the development of the remote treehouse property that served as a base of operations. After a violent incident ended that chapter, Scurlock turned his attention to bank robbery, approaching it with meticulous planning and extensive research.   Stephen describes how Scurlock studied failed robberies, developed disguises using prosthetic masks, conducted surveillance operations, mapped escape routes, and used radios and communications equipment to reduce the chances of capture. The pair discuss the first successful robberies and the methods that allowed the crew to evade authorities.  Shawn Johnson explains how the FBI investigation evolved into a major task force operation. Investigators analyzed robbery patterns, vehicle purchases, tire records, witness statements, and other forensic evidence to identify the perpetrators and understand their operating methods. The episode examines the robbers' transition from traditional teller robberies to more ambitious vault takeovers. Stephen discusses the use of insider information, surveillance of cash deliveries, and careful target selection designed to minimize risk and avoid unnecessary violence.  The discussion also highlights the emotional impact of bank robberies on victims. Shawn explains how repeated robberies affected tellers and customers and how investigators worked to document both the physical evidence and the human consequences of the crimes.  A key breakthrough came through the use of ProNet tracking devices secretly placed inside bank vaults. Shawn details how these tracking tags helped investigators close in on the suspects and ultimately unravel the robbery operation.  The episode concludes with the dramatic final robbery on Thanksgiving Eve, the ensuing shootout, Stephen Myers' arrest, and the death of Scott Scurlock. Both guests reflect on the investigation, the lessons learned, and the unlikely friendship that later developed between a former FBI agent and a former member of the robbery crew.They also discuss Stephen's book, The Treehouse, which provides a detailed account of the case and its aftermath.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.
• 
  From Temple Raiders to Elite Collectors: The Artifact Smuggling Pipeline 27.07.2026 31分

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit Detective Gary Jenkins welcomes journalist and author Matthew Campbell to discuss one of the largest antiquities trafficking scandals of modern times.   Drawing on his book The Man Who Stole the Gods, Campbell explains the rise and fall of Douglas Latchford, a British art dealer accused of orchestrating an international network that moved looted Cambodian treasures from ancient temples into private collections, museums, and auction houses worldwide.  The conversation explores the decades-long theft of priceless Khmer artifacts from Cambodia during periods of war and instability. Campbell describes how looters stripped ancient temple sites, often under dangerous and violent conditions, while middlemen and dealers created false ownership histories to conceal the artifacts' origins.  Gary and Matthew examine the mechanics of the antiquities black market, tracing the path from local thieves and smugglers to wealthy collectors and major institutions. They discuss how fake provenance documents helped stolen treasures enter the legitimate art market and how federal investigators eventually built fraud and conspiracy cases against Douglas Latchford.  The discussion also covers restitution efforts involving museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and examines the role of private collectors whose acquisitions helped fuel demand for looted artifacts.  Beyond Cambodia, the conversation expands into broader issues of organized crime, corruption, and conflict. Campbell explains how war zones and unstable border regions—from Cambodia's jungles to the Golden Triangle and beyond—have long provided opportunities for traffickers, smugglers, and criminal enterprises.  Additional topics include legendary silk merchant Jim Thompson, notorious artifact thief Tuk-Tik, attorney Bradley Gordon, and the continuing effort to recover stolen cultural treasures from collections around the world.   This episode provides a fascinating look at a criminal enterprise that operated far from traditional organized crime but employed many of the same techniques of deception, laundering, and international trafficking.Get Matt's book The Man Who Stole the Gods. Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent
• 
  The Secret Six: Chicago’s Vigilantes Who Took on Al Capone 20.07.2026 43分

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with author Kevin E. Meredith to examine a little-known but highly influential force in Chicago’s Prohibition-era crime wars—the Secret Six. Click here for a link to get the book The Secret Six: The Rise and Fall of Chicago's greatest VigilantesMeredith, a former newspaper reporter turned historian, explains how he uncovered the story while researching another project. What he found was a group unlike any other: wealthy businessmen who stepped outside traditional law enforcement to combat the chaos of organized crime and corruption gripping Chicago in the early 1930s.The Rise of the Secret SixThe conversation begins with the conditions that gave rise to the Secret Six—widespread corruption, violent labor disputes, and a city dominated by gangland power structures. A key turning point was the murder of construction supervisor Philip Meeker, which galvanized prominent business leaders into action. Rather than working quietly, the Secret Six operated in full public view, using media attention as a weapon. They were not truly “secret,” nor limited to six members, but their branding captured public imagination during a time of fear and instability. Vigilantes with Resources: Meredith details the group’s unconventional tactics: running a covert jail inside the St. Clair Hotel; financing independent investigations; using early lie-detection technology; coordinating with local law enforcement. Their financial power allowed them to function almost like a parallel police force, blurring the line between legal authority and private enforcement.High-Profile Cases and Mob PressureThe Secret Six became entangled in some of the most notorious events of the era, including fallout from the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Their aggressive tactics earned both praise and criticism. One of the most striking episodes discussed is their involvement in an extortion case tied to socialite Marian Wright. Their heavy-handed investigative style brought results—but also legal and ethical scrutiny. Their existence also intersected with figures like Al Capone, who recognized the group as a legitimate threat to organized crime operations.The Fall and LegacyOperating from roughly 1930 to 1933, the Secret Six ultimately collapsed under mounting criticism and suspicion. Deals that appeared questionable—such as the recovery of stolen bonds—raised doubts about their methods and motives. Despite their short lifespan, they had a significant impact. Meredith emphasizes how their story reflects enduring tensions between public safety and civil liberties—questions that remain relevant today.Final TakeawayThis episode explores a unique chapter in American crime history where private citizens took the fight to organized crime, raising complex questions about justice, power, and accountability. Get this great book The Rise and Fall of Chicago's Greatest VigilantesBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use...
• 
  Chicago Heights Mob History: Al Capone, Frank LaPorte, The Chicago Outfit & The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre Connection 13.07.2026 25分

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins welcomes author Ray Franze to discuss his historical fiction novel The Heights, a story inspired by the real-life mob figures who controlled Chicago Heights and Northwest Indiana for much of the twentieth century. Drawing on FBI files, family stories, and historical research, Franze explores the rise of Frank LaPorte and the Chicago Heights crew, one of the most influential factions associated with the Chicago Outfit.The conversation begins with the famous 1928 photograph showing Al Capone and several future participants in the St. Valentine's Day Massacre. Franze explains the long-standing belief that members of the Chicago Heights crew may have been involved in planning the infamous gangland murder and discusses the crew's close relationship with Capone and his associates.Gary and Ray examine the unique position of Chicago Heights, located south of Chicago near the Indiana border, and how the area developed its own powerful criminal organization before eventually becoming part of the Chicago Outfit. They discuss the role of the Union Siciliana, the Beer Wars of Prohibition, and the alliance between Capone and local leaders such as Dominic Roberto, Jimmy Emery, and Frank LaPorte.The discussion also covers the expansion of organized crime into Northwest Indiana, Calumet City, and Joliet. Ray explains how gambling, vice, and bootlegging operations flourished in these territories and how Chicago Heights became a major power center within the Outfit structure.The conversation explores Frank LaPorte's leadership style and his remarkable ability to avoid publicity and law enforcement attention. Unlike many notorious gangsters, LaPorte remained largely unknown to the public while building a powerful organization through trusted family members, loyal associates, and strategic insulation from criminal activity.Gary and Ray also discuss the Outfit's transition into seemingly legitimate businesses, including jukeboxes, vending machines, and cigarette distribution, as federal investigators increased pressure on traditional gambling operations. The evolution of mob-controlled businesses reflects the Outfit's efforts to adapt to changing law enforcement tactics.Click here to get Ray's book, The Heights.Another fascinating topic is the legendary Villa Venice nightclub, opened by Sam Giancana with appearances by Frank Sinatra and the Rat Pack. Ray shares family memories of the grand opening and explains how these firsthand accounts became one of the most authentic scenes in his novel.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or...
• 
  The Chicago Outfit During the 1960s: Sam Giancana, Anthony Accardo, and Mob Power 06.07.2026 46分

  Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins welcomes back organized crime historian and author John Binder for an in-depth discussion about his new book, The Chicago Outfit During the 1960s. Together, they explore one of the most important yet often overlooked decades in the history of the Chicago mob.The conversation examines how the Chicago Outfit evolved during the 1960s under powerful figures like Sam Giancana and Anthony Accardo. John Binder explains how the Outfit expanded beyond traditional rackets into massive gambling operations, Las Vegas casinos, labor racketeering, prostitution, truck hijacking, and narcotics trafficking. Gary and John discuss the transition from the old Prohibition-era gangsters to a new generation of mobsters emerging from the infamous 42 Gang. The episode details how Giancana cultivated loyal associates, enforced discipline through violence, and helped reshape the Outfit’s power structure during a turbulent period marked by gangland murders and internal rivalries.The discussion also explores the Outfit’s extensive network of political corruption in Chicago. Binder explains how mob-controlled wards, corrupt politicians, and labor influence allowed organized crime to manipulate elections and maintain enormous influence over city government and law enforcement.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
• 
  Prohibition Chicago: How Al Capone Created America’s Most Powerful Crime Syndicate 29.06.2026 36分

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with organized crime historian and author John Binder to explore the violent and chaotic world of Prohibition-era Chicago. Drawing on his acclaimed book Al Capone's Beer Wars, Binder traces the explosive rise of organized crime in the 1920s and how bootlegging transformed local street gangs into powerful criminal empires.The discussion examines how Prohibition reshaped America’s underworld, creating unprecedented opportunities for ambitious gangsters like Al Capone. Gary and John trace the roots of Chicago’s infamous gang wars, focusing on the bitter conflict between Capone’s organization and the North Side Gang. Central to the story is the assassination of Dion O'Banion, a murder that ignited a bloody cycle of revenge killings and permanently altered the balance of power in Chicago’s criminal landscape.The episode dives into the roles played by immigrant communities, particularly Italian and Jewish gangs, who entered the bootlegging business during a period when economic opportunities were limited. Gary and John discuss how organized crime flourished in poorly policed neighborhoods, where gangs established territorial control and built sophisticated alcohol distribution networks spanning multiple states.Listeners also hear detailed stories about notorious gangland figures including Machine Gun Jack McGurn and the fearsome Frank McErlane, whose violent reputation became legendary even within criminal circles. The conversation reveals the ruthless tactics these men employed as rival factions fought for dominance in the lucrative bootlegging trade. The episode also explores the blurred line between organized crime and legitimate business during Prohibition, showing how gangsters used political influence, territorial control, and business alliances to expand their operations. Gary and John discuss the strategic importance of places like Cicero, which became critical strongholds for Capone’s growing empire.John Binder also discusses his Chicago Prohibition Gangland Tour, which allows participants to visit the streets, neighborhoods, and historic locations where these infamous events unfolded. The tour provides a rare opportunity to experience the physical landscape of Chicago’s mob history while learning about the real people behind the myths. This episode offers a compelling look into the rise of organized crime during Prohibition, separating fact from fiction while uncovering the brutal realities that created some of America’s most notorious gangsters.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"
• 
  From Cuba to Amsterdam, Netherland: Lansky Cellini in the Netherlands 25.06.2026 31分

  Gary Jenkins celebrates the Netherlands, who are in Kansas City for the World Cup. He has a discussion with a Dutch organized crime researcher, David Amoroso, and they trace how the American Mafia expanded its gambling empire after losing Cuba. The episode explores how Meyer Lansky's vision of luxury casinos evolved into an international operation spanning the Bahamas, London, and Amsterdam.  David explains how the Genovese crime family, under Meyer Lansky, relied on the Cellini brothers from Steubenville, Ohio to establish professional casino operations throughout Europe. The discussion examines the logistics of exporting experienced casino managers, dealers, and security personnel while navigating cultural differences and working alongside local criminal organizations.  The conversation also explores the unique gambling laws across Europe, where many governments controlled legal casinos while organized crime filled the demand through illegal gambling operations. Gary and David compare these European developments with the early growth of casino gambling in Las Vegas and the influence of American mob figures.  The discussion shifts to the modern era, where organized crime has increasingly focused on online gambling, sports betting, and international drug trafficking. David describes how ports such as Rotterdam and Antwerp became major hubs for global narcotics smuggling and explains why European criminal organizations have embraced these lucrative markets.  Another major topic is the growing threat of match-fixing in international sports. The hosts discuss how Italian Mafia groups, Chinese gambling syndicates, and other criminal organizations manipulate soccer, tennis, and other sporting events through bribery and coercion. They explain how athletes can become trapped through seemingly minor requests that eventually lead to long-term criminal control.  Gary and David conclude by examining the challenges European law enforcement faces when investigating cross-border organized crime, comparing the fragmented legal systems in Europe with coordinated enforcement efforts in the United States. The episode provides an insightful look at how organized crime has adapted from traditional casinos to today's global gambling and sports betting networks.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent
• 
  From Albert Anastasia to Joe Colombo: Joey Gallo’s Deadly Mob War 22.06.2026 1時間 10分

  In this replay, as a tribute to Camillius "Cam" Robinson, Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins, and co-host Cam dive deep into the wild life and violent death of one of the Mafia’s most unpredictable figures—Crazy Joey Gallo.From Brooklyn’s Red Hook streets to the bloody wars of the Colombo crime family, Joey Gallo built a reputation as a fearless outlaw who challenged Mafia bosses, embraced celebrity culture, and became a folk hero to outsiders and artists alike. Gary and Cam explore Gallo’s transformation from street gangster to media sensation, his fascination with philosophy and existentialism, and his notorious appearances before the McClellan Committee wearing dark sunglasses and mocking authority.The episode examines the Gallo crew’s role in the assassination of Mafia boss Albert Anastasia inside the Park Sheraton barber shop, including insider accounts from Pete “The Greek” Diapoulas and theories involving Carmine Persico and the Patriarca family. Gary and Cam break down how the Gallos evolved into a rogue faction willing to kidnap capos, challenge Joe Profaci, and wage war against the Colombo family itself.The conversation also explores Joey Gallo’s prison years, his relationship with Harlem heroin kingpin Nicky Barnes, and the intellectual awakening that shaped his later persona. The hosts discuss Gallo’s ties to New York celebrities, including Jerry Orbach, Pete Falk, Ben Gazzara, and Neil Simon, along with the cultural impact that inspired Bob Dylan’s famous song “Joey.”Gary and Cam revisit the unsolved shooting of Joe Colombo at the Italian-American Civil Rights League rally and examine competing theories involving Jerome Johnson, the Gambino family, and the Gallos themselves.They also unpack the dramatic final hours of Joey Gallo’s life at Umberto’s Clam House in Little Italy, where Colombo gunmen allegedly tracked him down during his birthday celebration and opened fire in one of the Mafia’s most legendary assassinations.Using firsthand accounts, old newspaper reports, and mob insider testimony, this episode paints a vivid portrait of Joey Gallo’s rise, wars, betrayals, and enduring legend in organized crime history.Buy Cam's book Chicago Swan Song: A Mob Wife's Story the story of Frank Calbrese's wife and living in a Chicago Outfit familyBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent
• 
  The Joe Colombo Assassination Attempt: Mafia Conspiracy, Italian Unity Day Shooting & The Unsolved 1971 Mob Mystery 15.06.2026 24分

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins examines one of the most puzzling events in organized crime history—the 1971 shooting of Joe Colombo.At the height of his influence, Colombo stood before a crowd of nearly 50,000 at Italian Unity Day in New York City when he was gunned down by Jerome A. Johnson, a man posing as a journalist with a camera. The brazen daylight attack shocked both the public and law enforcement, immediately raising questions about motive, planning, and whether larger forces were at work.Drawing on insights from Chief by Albert A. Seedman, Jenkins breaks down the NYPD's investigation. Despite intense scrutiny, detectives found no clear ties between Johnson and organized crime, a fact that complicated the case from the outset.The episode explores:The chaotic scene at Italian Unity Day and Colombo’s shootingJohnson’s background, including his strange attempts to break into filmmakingThe investigative work of Detective John Weber and the efforts to link Johnson to militant or political groupsThe difficulty in determining whether Johnson acted alone or as part of a larger conspiracyAlthough authorities ultimately concluded Johnson was a lone gunman, lingering questions remain. Was he truly acting independently, or was he manipulated or used as a disposable asset?Jenkins also examines the broader consequences of the shooting. Colombo’s incapacitation triggered instability within the Colombo crime family, leading to internal conflict and a significant shift in New York’s organized crime landscape.This episode provides a detailed look at an unresolved mystery that continues to spark debate among historians, law enforcement, and mob insiders alike.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
• 
  Mob Fences, Cocaine, and Prison Ministry | Bill Corum Interview 08.06.2026 1時間

  Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with former criminal and prison minister Bill Corum for one of the most unusual conversations ever featured on Gangland Wire.Bill Corum recounts his journey from car theft and prison escapes in the early 1960s to his deep involvement in Kansas City’s criminal underworld in the 1970s and early 1980s. He describes his work around pornography, prostitution, stolen property, cocaine trafficking, and his connections to notorious Kansas City underworld figures.Gary and Bill discuss legendary Kansas City mob fence Sol Landi and his murder by assassins sent by the mob, the River Quay era, Junior Bradley, corrupt influences in local politics and the courts, and the explosive cocaine culture that swept through Kansas City during the 1980s. Bill also shares stories involving Weld Wheels founder Kenny Weld, cocaine trafficking operations, and the dangerous atmosphere surrounding organized crime in Kansas City.The conversation dives into:Bill’s prison escape and stolen car careerThe prostitution business in Independence, MissouriMob-connected fences and stolen property ringsCocaine trafficking in Kansas City during the early 1980sThe murder of Saul LandyRiver Quay nightlife and mob influenceCorrupt officials and criminal networksKansas City organized crime personalitiesPrison life and criminal cultureBill Corum’s dramatic religious conversion in 1983His decades-long prison ministry work across AmericaBill also explains how he transformed his life after addiction, violence, and years in the criminal world, eventually dedicating his life to prison outreach and ministry programs throughout the United States.You can learn more about Bill Corum and his book at either The Ultimate Pardon or Bill Corum Official WebsiteBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent
• 
  Hoffa’s Connections: Mob, Unions, and Sylvia Pagano 01.06.2026 49分

  In this episode of Gangland Wire, retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with author Frank Hayde to explore his latest book, Hoffa’s Connection. Hayde, a Kansas City native and noted mob historian, brings forward a largely overlooked figure in organized crime history—Sylvia Pagano.The conversation centers on Pagano’s rise from Kansas City to Detroit, where she operated at the intersection of organized crime and labor unions under Jimmy Hoffa. Known for her effectiveness as a union organizer, Pagano infiltrated workplaces, signed up members, and quietly maintained ties to powerful mob figures. Her ability to navigate both worlds made her a key behind-the-scenes operator during a volatile era in American labor history.Hayde details Pagano’s role in helping broker alliances between the Mafia and the Teamsters during a turbulent strike, marking a turning point in the relationship between organized crime and labor. Drawing from FBI wiretaps, he reveals candid conversations that shed light on her relationships with influential mob leaders like Tony Giacalone and Moe Dalitz, emphasizing her strategic importance across multiple crime families.The episode also explores the life of Chucky O'Brien, who grew up surrounded by Hoffa and organized crime figures. Through Hayde’s research and interviews, listeners gain insight into the generational impact of mob ties, as well as the strict code of silence that governed both mother and son.Beyond individual stories, the discussion expands to the broader national network connecting crime families and labor unions. Pagano’s reach extended well beyond regional boundaries, illustrating how organized crime leveraged union influence across the country.This episode offers a fresh perspective on the enduring mystery surrounding Hoffa’s disappearance by examining the deeper historical context—and the overlooked players like Sylvia Pagano who helped shape it. It’s a detailed look at power, loyalty, and survival within the American Mafia.The book is Hoffa's Connection: The Story of Sylvia Pagano: the Kansas City Girl at the Center of the Mafia's Alliance with the Teamsters Union Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent
• 
  From Black Liberation Army Cop Killers to the Mafia: An NYPD Detective's Prison Ministry 25.05.2026 44分

  Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins sits down with former NYPD officer Jimmy Dennedy and NYC Brooklyn prosecutor Michael Vecchione for a gripping discussion on violent crime, justice, and redemption.  Jimmy recounts the shocking murder of NYPD officers Rocco Laurie and Gregory Foster by the Black Liberation Army, while Michael reveals the challenges of prosecuting those responsible. The conversation then shifts to something unexpected—redemption. After retiring, Jimmy began working in prison ministry, where he witnessed firsthand how even hardened criminals, including mobsters, can change their lives.This episode dives deep into:The reality of cop killings in New York CityThe struggle to prosecute violent offendersInside stories from mob casesRedemption and transformation inside prisonsIf you’re interested in true crime, mafia history, and real law enforcement stories, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Subscribe for more mafia history and true crime stories every week.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.
• 
  Louis “Streaky” Gatto: New Jersey and the Genovese Mob 22.05.2026 20分

  Retired Kansas City Police Intelligence Unit detective Gary Jenkins examines the rise and influence of Louis “Streaky” Gatto and the Genovese crime family’s powerful New Jersey faction. Drawing from a 2004 New Jersey Crime Commission report, this episode explores how Genovese crews operated across multiple counties while controlling illegal gambling, loan sharking, and waterfront rackets through intimidation and organized violence.  Gary breaks down the structure of Gatto’s Bergen County crew, including the involvement of his son Joseph Gatto and son-in-law Alan “Little Al” Greco. The discussion details how the crew maintained control over bookmaking and gambling operations and how prosecutors later tied key members to murders connected to their criminal enterprises.  The episode also dives into the federal RICO prosecution and the dramatic courtroom testimony of witness Robert Belli. Gary explains allegations that associates of the Gatto crew attempted to pressure and intimidate witnesses before testimony, including claims involving the infamous “evil eye” or malocchio. Prosecutors argued that subtle intimidation tactics, courtroom stares, and indirect threats were all part of an effort to influence testimony.  Another major focus is Moe Brown, a reputed associate connected to the Gatto organization. The episode explores how prosecutors used recordings and testimony to connect Brown to the defendants and how his conduct in court became part of the government’s intimidation narrative.  Finally, Gary examines the subsequent criminal cases involving Joseph Gatto, including offshore sports-betting operations, convictions, prison sentences, and the eventual decline of the family’s gambling empire. The episode concludes with the deaths of both Joseph Gatto and Louis “Streaky” Gatto, marking the end of an era for one of New Jersey’s most feared Genovese crews.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/gangland-wire--5504357/support.Subscribe to Gangland Wire wherever you get your podcasts, and join us each week as we uncover the stories buried beneath the headlines—and the bodies.Listen now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or your favorite podcast app.Hit me up on Venmo for a cup of coffee or a shot and a beer use @ganglandwireClick here to "buy me a cup of coffee"To go to the store or make a donation click here.  To rent Ballot Theft: Burglary, Murder, Coverup, click hereTo rent Brothers against Brothers, click here.To rent Gangland Wire, click here.