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# The Life and Legacy of Charles "Lucky" Luciano Charles "Lucky" Luciano is often regarded as the father of modern organized crime in the United States. Born on November 24, 1897, in Sicily, Italy, and later immigrating to New York City, Luciano's influence on the criminal underworld would forever alter its landscape. ## Early Life and Immigration

Luciano was born Salvatore Lucania in a small town in Sicily. His family immigrated to the United States in 1906, settling in the Manhattan neighborhood known as Little Italy. Growing up in a tough environment, Luciano quickly learned to navigate the streets using both charm and force.

### Youthful Ventures

As a teenager, Luciano became involved in petty crime. He was known for his entrepreneurial spirit, selling cigarettes and bootleg liquor during Prohibition. These early ventures laid the foundation for his future in organized crime.

## Rise to Power ### The Formation of the Five Families

In the early 1930s, Luciano played a pivotal role in creating The Commission, an assembly of the major crime families in New York. This coalition included five families: the Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Colombo, and Bonanno families. This arrangement helped reduce violent conflicts among different factions and allowed organized crime to operate more efficiently.

### The National Crime Syndicate

Luciano's vision extended beyond New York City. He sought to unify the nation's criminal enterprises into what would become the National Crime Syndicate. This organized network not only centralized power but also diversified interests into legitimate businesses.

## Innovative Approaches ### The Bakery and Labor Unions

One of Luciano's most innovative strategies was infiltrating legitimate businesses, particularly the bakery industry. He manipulated labor unions, securing favorable contracts and protecting his interests through intimidation and violence. This approach not only generated significant revenue but also solidified his influence over both criminals and businessmen.

### The Drug Trade

Although Luciano was primarily involved in gambling and racketeering, he recognized the profitability of the drug trade. He collaborated with other organized crime figures to ensure that drugs flowed freely into American cities, expanding his empire significantly.

## Arrest and Deportation ### The Fall from Grace

In 1936, Luciano's reign came crashing down when he was arrested on charges of compulsory prostitution. He was convicted and sentenced to 30 to 50 years in prison. His incarceration marked a significant shift in organized crime dynamics, but he remained influential even from behind bars.

### The Deal with the Government

In a surprising turn of events during World War II, Luciano offered his connections to help the U.S. Navy combat the menace of German U-boats along the East Coast. The government granted him commutation in exchange for his cooperation, and he was deported to Italy in 1946.

## Last Years and Death ### Life in Italy

After his deportation, Luciano lived a relatively quiet life in Italy, although he continued to entertain connections with the American Mafia. He ultimately died of a heart attack on January 26, 1962, at the age of 64. His death marked the end of an era in organized crime, yet his legacy endures in popular culture.

## Conclusion

Charles "Lucky" Luciano profoundly impacted organized crime, shaping it into a professionalized enterprise. His life story reveals the complex interplay between authority, crime, and society, making him an enduring figure in American history.

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