Your Daily Hood: Meyer Lansky

Meyer Lansky (1902-1983) was a Jewish American gangster known as the Mob's Accountant, Lansky was instrumental in the development of the National Crime Syndicate in the United States. He built a gambling empire that stretched around the world. Despite nearly 50 years as a member-participant in organized crime, Lansky was never found guilty of anything more serious than illegal gambling. He is considered one of the most financially successful gangsters in American history. Before he fled Cuba, he was said to be worth an estimated $20,000,000 (equivalent to $180,375,940 in 2016). However, when he died in 1983, his family was shocked to learn that his estate was worth less than $10,000, with Lansky saying before he died that Cuba “ruined” him. At the time of his death, the FBI believed he left behind more than $300 million in hidden bank accounts, but they never found any money.