Meyer Lansky Biography

Meyer Lansky was one of America’s most powerful gangsters of the 19th century. He played an important role in the development of the national crime syndicate in the United States. He ran his operations running across the USA, Cuba and the Caribbean that involved gambling, theft, narcotics and other forms of organised crime, including murder. His skills at money laundering earned him the nickname ‘Mob’s Accountant’. He was a friend of gangster, Bugsy Siegel, and started his criminal activities by forming the Bugs and Meyer Mob that became notorious in Manhattan. He ensured complete integrity within his organisation and dealt any cheating strictly. Born into a Polish–Jewish family who were victims of anti Semitic activities, he was actively involved in breaking up pro-Nazi rallies during the World War II. He was instrumental in getting Batista back to power in Cuba by bribing his rival to step down. Ultimately he fled Cuba before Fidel Castro came into power and turned his attention to Las Vegas, and other parts of the Caribbean. He spent the last days of his life at his home on the Miami Beach. He died of lung cancer the age of 80. It is said that he had over $300 million in bank accounts, and the money was never found after his death.