Criminal Empire: Mafia Mysteries & Killers

By: Charlie Outback
  • Summary

  • Dive deep into the dark underworld of crime with "Criminal Empire", the ultimate true crime show that brings you chilling documentaries and exclusive interviews with notorious mafia gangsters and infamous serial killers. Hear firsthand accounts from those who lived the life of organized crime, uncovering the secrets, power struggles, and brutal realities of the mafia's rise and fall. Paired with harrowing tales of history's most dangerous serial killers, this show will take you inside the minds of both ruthless masterminds and cold-blooded killers. Get ready for gripping stories of betrayal, violence, and survival that will leave you questioning the thin line between predator and prey.
    Step into the shadows of the criminal underworld with "Criminal Empire: Mafia Mysteries & Killer Chronicles", a gripping true crime show that takes you behind the bars and beyond the headlines. From the ruthless reign of mob boss John Gotti to the twisted mind of Charles Manson, this show delves into the lives of history’s most notorious criminals. Through chilling documentaries and raw, unfiltered interviews, you'll hear firsthand accounts from mafia insiders who reveal the brutal realities of life in organized crime, the backroom deals, violent betrayals, and the rise and fall of criminal empires.But that’s not all—"Criminal Empire" also peels back the layers on the darkest minds in history, exploring the twisted motives of infamous serial killers like Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer, and the Zodiac Killer. With never-before-heard stories from law enforcement, survivors, and even the killers themselves, we bring you face-to-face with the evil lurking beneath the surface. Prepare for a thrilling ride through the corridors of power, corruption, and chaos, where the line between mobsters and murderers blurs in a world where blood and power rule.
    This podcast and its content are the property of "Criminal Empire: Mafia Mysteries & Killers licensors. Unauthorized use, reproduction, or distribution of this podcast or its content is strictly prohibited without there written consent
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Mobsters "The Enforcer: The Frank Nitti Story"
    Sep 28 2024
    Discover the riveting journey of Frank Nitti, the notorious underworld figure who rose from the shadows of poverty in Brooklyn to the echelons of Chicago's mob hierarchy. Dubbed "The Enforcer," Nitti was a key architect behind the ruthless efficiency of Al Capone's empire, feared and revered for his cold, calculated approach to the mob's brutal business. After Capone's fall due to tax evasion, Nitti took the reins, expanding their illicit operations and steering the Chicago Outfit through the tumultuous Prohibition era. Unlike his predecessor, Nitti shunned the spotlight, preferring the quiet maneuvering that earned him a formidable reputation as both a strategist and a survivor in the violent world of organized crime. His story is a stark portrayal of ambition, power, and the American underworld.
    • [00:02] Frank Nitti, known as the "Enforcer," was secretive and avoided publicity, directing violent mob actions on behalf of Al Capone's Chicago Outfit.
    • [01:12] After Al Capone's imprisonment for tax evasion in 1932, Frank Nitti took over as the leader of the Chicago Outfit, orchestrating violent hits against rivals to maintain control over illegal businesses.
    • [06:37] Nitti, an Italian immigrant, settled in Chicago by 1913, where he started as a barber, later becoming involved in organized crime through fencing stolen goods, and eventually rising in the mob ranks during Prohibition.
    • [19:36] Nitti's methodical and quiet approach contrasted with Capone's flashier style; he managed the outfit's day-to-day operations, focusing on efficiency and profits which led to his nickname, the Enforcer.
    • [44:13] The portrayal of Frank Nitti in popular culture often exaggerates his violence; he was more of a strategic leader than a hitman, using intellect and organizational skills to manage and expand the mob's operations.
    Show more Show less
    45 mins
  • "Vegas Vices: The Rise and Fall of the Mob On The Run"
    Sep 28 2024
    "Vegas Vices: The Rise and Fall of the Mob Empire" is a riveting documentary that delves deep into the entwined history of organized crime and the development of Las Vegas. Through a mix of gripping archival footage and insightful interviews, this film reveals how the mob's influence sculpted the city from its gritty beginnings into a burgeoning hub of gambling and glamour. The documentary not only charts the mob's ascension and the heyday of Las Vegas's casino scene from 1931 to 1987 but also the consequent crackdown by law enforcement. Featuring stories from key players including mob bosses, casino moguls, and the journalists like Ned Day who dared to expose them, this film offers a nuanced exploration of both the allure and dangers of Las Vegas's underworld. "Vegas Vices" provides an essential look at the complexities of crime and commerce, and their lasting impact on one of America's most iconic cities.
    Origins and Influence: The documentary covers the substantial role of organized crime in the development and operation of Las Vegas casinos, particularly during the period from 1931 to 1987. It details the Mafia's early days and how it came to influence the city's growth​
    Notable Figures: It features various notable figures from the Las Vegas underworld, including high-profile mobsters and casino operators, alongside law enforcement officials who worked to curb their influence. These include both archival footage and interviews with individuals involved​
    Journalistic Efforts: Ned Day, a legendary journalist, led the investigative reporting in the documentary, highlighting the investigative nature and depth of the journalism in uncovering the mob's activities in Las Vegas
    Impact on Las Vegas: The documentary explores the dual impact of organized crime on Las Vegas: as a driving force behind the city's casino industry and a target of law enforcement efforts to dismantle the mob's influence in the city
    Public and Critical Reception: Upon release, "Mob on the Run" was recognized for its comprehensive coverage and was utilized in educational and discussion settings, such as events hosted by The Mob Museum in Las Vegas to reflect on the history and ongoing impact of organized crime in the area
    This documentary offers a detailed look into the intertwining of organized crime with the commercial development of Las Vegas, shedding light on both the criminal endeavors and the extensive efforts to counteract them.
    Show more Show less
    1 hr and 50 mins
  • "Empire of Shadows: The Tommy Lucchese Story"
    Sep 28 2024
    Explore the gripping saga of Tommy Lucchese in "Empire of Shadows: The Tommy Lucchese Story." This enthralling episode delves into the life of one of the most formidable figures in mafia history, tracing his journey from a young Sicilian immigrant to a mastermind of organized crime in America. Discover how Lucchese's strategic mind and cold ruthlessness enabled him to infiltrate legitimate businesses and manipulate unions, turning them into instruments of his vast criminal empire. Witness his manipulation of political figures and law enforcement, ensuring his operations ran unchecked during the tumultuous Prohibition era and beyond. Through interviews, dramatic recreations, and expert insights, uncover the legacy of a mobster who redefined the American underworld, all while maintaining a deceptively low profile that kept him out of the public eye until his operations were ultimately exposed by federal crackdowns in the 1980s. "Empire of Shadows" offers an unflinching look at the complex interplay of power, fear, and betrayal that fueled one of the most influential crime syndicates in history.
    • (00:01) Tommy Lucchese excelled at infiltrating legitimate businesses like unions and using these platforms for his criminal activities. Known for his ruthlessness, he was a feared figure within the mob, capable of murder to protect his interests.
    • (01:01 - 04:51) The episode highlights an incident involving violinist David Rubinoff, who owed Lucchese money and was threatened to ensure repayment, reflecting Lucchese's manipulation and control tactics. It also touches on Lucchese's early life, arriving in New York as an immigrant and quickly becoming involved in local gang activities.
    • (10:43 - 19:52) The narrative details the rise of Lucchese in the mafia hierarchy during Prohibition, utilizing bootlegging and later moving into various rackets like the kosher chicken industry. His method involved using his intellect over brute force to control industries.
    • (29:15 - 32:46) Lucchese's influence extended beyond criminal enterprises as he manipulated political figures and utilized corruption to maintain control over his operations, ensuring that law enforcement turned a blind eye to his activities.
    • (43:16 - 44:34) After Lucchese's death in 1967, the episode discusses the succession within the Lucchese family and the eventual crackdown in the 1980s led by federal prosecutor Rudy Giuliani, which significantly impacted the structure and operations of the mafia families in New York.
    Show more Show less
    45 mins

What listeners say about Criminal Empire: Mafia Mysteries & Killers

Average customer ratings

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.