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The top 5 heists in Mob history

This crime scene photo from the Pierre Hotel robbery shows the safe room after the heist. Law enforcement initially thought the boxes were chosen at random, but insiders later shared the culprits had a list of contents that informed their selections. New York Daily News Archive
September 10, 2024

What makes a “good” heist? Is it an exceptionally detailed plan, a cast of colorful characters or an unfathomable amount of stolen money or goods? Armed robberies have never been the bread and butter of organized crime activities, but the Mob has been involved in some large, high-profile heists over the past century. Here are the top five heists in Mob history, selected for their strong Mob ties, incredible stories and the exceptionally high value of the stolen goods. 5. Plymouth Mail heist, Plymouth, Massachusetts Law enforcement narrowed their investigation to a small group of suspects during the five-year investigation but struggled to ...

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In the upcoming film Alto Knights, Robert De Niro plays a dual role portraying Mob bosses Vito Genovese, left, and Frank Costello, right, as they are locked in a dispute over Mob leadership. Library of Congress, Jeff Spicer/Getty Images, Library of Congress

Upcoming film ‘Alto Knights’ depicts mobsters Vito Genovese, Frank Costello in bitter feud

The Mafia movie Alto Knights features veteran actor Robert De Niro playing dual roles as rival mobsters Vito Genovese and…

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Chicago crime boss Al Capone transferred to Alcatraz 90 years ago this month

Depression-era mobsters and outlaws often found themselves locked up in undeniably unpleasant jails and prisons, but being sent to Alcatraz…

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CIA, Mob team up to topple Fidel Castro in Paramount Plus docuseries ‘Mafia Spies’

The CIA’s alliance with the Mafia during the Kennedy years to assassinate Cuban leader Fidel Castro is at the center…

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John Dillinger’s wooden gun and death mask preserve notorious moments in his life

On July 22, 1934, “Public Enemy Number One” – John Dillinger – was killed by federal agents moments after he…

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Scarface retains cult status with Al Pacino’s ‘iconic’ performance

Scarface retains cult status with Al Pacino’s ‘iconic’ performance

The 1983 movie Scarface, featuring Al Pacino in the title role, continues to attract attention more than 40 years after…

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Jose Manuel Martinez booking photo

The life and crimes of a Sinaloa sicario

Ten years ago, the confessions of a California-based hitman revealed new information on decades-old unsolved cases and offered a glimpse…

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In the Oscar-winning 1954 movie On the Waterfront, Marlon Brando, right, starred as Terry Malloy, a dockworker who stands up to the Mob. Courtesy of Columbia Pictures

Oscar-winning ‘On the Waterfront’ premiered 70 years ago, with Marlon Brando as a dockworker confronting the Mob

On the Waterfront, which debuted 70 years ago this summer, is a ground-breaking tale about dockworkers standing up to a…

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