38 Facts About Meyer Lansky

Early Life

Meyer Lansky, born Maier Suchowljansky, was a significant figure in organized crime. His early years shaped much of his future.

1. Born on July 4, 1902, in Grodno, Poland, Lansky immigrated to the United States with his family in 1911.
2. Settling in New York City, he grew up in the Lower East Side, a melting pot of cultures and a breeding ground for future mobsters.
3. Lansky met Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel in his teens, forming a lifelong partnership that would influence organized crime in America.

Rise to Power

Lansky's intelligence and business acumen helped him climb the ranks of the criminal underworld.

4. He co-founded the "Bugs and Meyer Mob" with Siegel, specializing in bootlegging during Prohibition.
5. Lansky was instrumental in forming the National Crime Syndicate, a coalition of Italian and Jewish mobsters.
6. He avoided the spotlight, earning him the nickname "Mob's Accountant" due to his financial expertise.

Criminal Enterprises

Lansky's ventures extended beyond bootlegging, making him a pivotal figure in various illegal activities.

7. He played a key role in the development of Las Vegas, investing in casinos and hotels.
8. Lansky was involved in the Cuban casino industry before Fidel Castro's rise to power.
9. He had connections with infamous mobsters like Charles "Lucky" Luciano and Frank Costello.

Legal Troubles

Despite his efforts to stay under the radar, Lansky faced numerous legal challenges.

10. In 1970, he was indicted for tax evasion but managed to avoid conviction.
11. Lansky attempted to seek asylum in Israel in 1972 but was denied and deported back to the United States.
12. He was arrested multiple times but often managed to evade long-term imprisonment.

Personal Life

Lansky's personal life was as complex as his criminal career.

13. He married Anna Citron in 1929, with whom he had three children.
14. Lansky was known for his loyalty to friends and family, often helping them financially.
15. Despite his criminal activities, he maintained a relatively low profile, living modestly compared to other mobsters.

Legacy

Lansky's influence on organized crime remains significant, even after his death.

16. He passed away on January 15, 1983, in Miami Beach, Florida, from lung cancer.
17. Lansky's life inspired numerous books, movies, and TV shows, cementing his place in popular culture.
18. His financial strategies and business acumen are still studied by those interested in the history of organized crime.

Interesting Tidbits

Lansky's life was filled with fascinating anecdotes and lesser-known facts.

19. He was a chess enthusiast, often using the game to strategize his criminal activities.
20. Lansky once claimed he had a net worth of only $57,000, though many believed he had hidden millions.
21. He was known for his philanthropy, secretly donating to various charities and causes.

Connections with Other Mobsters

Lansky's network included some of the most notorious figures in organized crime.

22. He had a close relationship with Arnold Rothstein, a mentor who taught him the ropes of the underworld.
23. Lansky and Luciano's partnership was pivotal in establishing the modern American Mafia.
24. He was involved in the infamous Havana Conference of 1946, where mobsters discussed their interests in Cuba.

Influence on Popular Culture

Lansky's life and career have left a lasting impact on media and entertainment.

25. The character Hyman Roth in "The Godfather Part II" is based on Lansky.
26. He was portrayed by Richard Dreyfuss in the 1999 TV movie "Lansky."
27. Lansky's story has been featured in numerous documentaries, highlighting his role in organized crime.

Financial Genius

Lansky's financial skills were legendary, earning him respect even among his enemies.

28. He was known for his ability to launder money, making illegal profits appear legitimate.
29. Lansky invested in legitimate businesses, including hotels and real estate, to diversify his income.
30. He was a pioneer in offshore banking, using foreign accounts to hide his wealth.

Final Years

Lansky's later years were marked by legal battles and declining health.

31. He spent his final years in Miami Beach, living quietly with his second wife, Thelma Schwartz.
32. Lansky's health deteriorated due to lung cancer, leading to his death in 1983.
33. Despite his criminal past, he was never convicted of a major crime, maintaining his reputation as a master of evasion.

Lesser-Known Facts

Some aspects of Lansky's life remain obscure, adding to his mystique.

34. He was fluent in multiple languages, including Yiddish, Polish, and English.
35. Lansky had a passion for classical music, often attending concerts in his spare time.
36. He was a meticulous record-keeper, maintaining detailed accounts of his financial transactions.

Impact on Modern Crime

Lansky's methods and strategies continue to influence organized crime today.

37. His approach to money laundering set the standard for future criminal enterprises.
38. Lansky's emphasis on financial control and diversification remains a key strategy for modern mobsters.

Meyer Lansky's Legacy

Meyer Lansky's influence on organized crime remains unmatched. Known as the "Mob's Accountant," he played a key role in shaping the American underworld. Lansky's financial genius helped build a criminal empire that spanned continents. Despite his criminal activities, he managed to avoid long-term imprisonment, showcasing his cunning and strategic mind.

Lansky's life was a mix of crime, business, and survival. His ability to navigate the complexities of the underworld while maintaining a low profile made him a legend. Even today, his story fascinates many, offering a glimpse into the darker side of American history.

Understanding Lansky's life provides insight into the workings of organized crime and its impact on society. His legacy, though controversial, is a testament to his intelligence and adaptability. Meyer Lansky remains a significant figure in the annals of crime history.