THE MOST BRUTAL BOSS OF THE LUCCHESE MAFIA FAMILY - Biography of Anthony “Gaspipe” Casso

Step into the dark and treacherous world of Anthony "The Gaspipe" Casso, one of the most infamous underbosses in the history of organized crime. This in-depth episode unravels the life of a man who rose to power in the Lucchese crime family with unparalleled cunning and ruthlessness. From his early days as a mob enforcer to orchestrating multimillion-dollar rackets, Gaspipe's legacy is a chilling tale of violence, betrayal, and survival. Explore how Casso’s mastery of bribes and alliances infiltrated law enforcement, including the NYPD’s "Mafia Cops." Learn about his shocking betrayals, including turning state’s evidence, only to face even darker consequences. Discover the paranoia, brutality, and ultimate downfall of a man whose life defined the deadly allure of the mob. This is the gripping story of Anthony Casso—a life of crime like no other.

• Early Life and Influences
  • Born May 21, 1942, in Brooklyn to Michael Casso, a dock worker with mafia connections.
  • Nicknamed "Gaspipe" after his father, who carried a lead gas pipe for protection.
  • Grew up in a family influenced by the mafia, with Sal Calabro, a Genovese family capo, as his godfather.
• Entry into Crime
  • Became a member of the South Brooklyn Boys gang as a teenager.
  • Worked at docks and festivals through mafia connections, earning his first income.
  • Dropped out of school at 16 and started working in organized crime under Christopher “Christy Tick” Furnari of the Lucchese family.
• Criminal Operations
  • Involved in diverse criminal activities, including drug trafficking (marijuana, cocaine, heroin), robbery, extortion, and murder.
  • Operated sophisticated schemes like truck heists, jewelry store robberies, and safe-cracking, earning over $100 million.
• Key Partnerships and Strategies
  • Worked closely with law enforcement insiders, including corrupt NYPD detectives and an FBI agent, to stay ahead of investigations.
  • Partnered with Gregory Scarpa for hits and leveraging law enforcement contacts.
• Drug Trafficking
  • Imported drugs through innovative routes using shrimp trawlers, warehouses, and even a rumored Boeing 707.
  • Expanded operations to include cocaine imports via planes landing in Florida.
• Notable Incidents
  • Shot Bobby "B-Bop" in 1961, leading to a high-stakes negotiation to resolve the conflict.
  • Oversaw the murder of Paul Bennett, a rat, and others involved in a failed drug shipment.
• Rise in the Lucchese Family
  • Officially inducted into the Lucchese family in 1974 alongside longtime partner Vic Amuso.
  • Declined the position of capo but recommended Vic Amuso, solidifying their influence.
• Collaborations with Other Mafia Families
  • Worked with Gerard Papa and Peter Savino on a city window replacement project that generated profits for multiple mafia families.
  • Assisted Marat Balagula, a Soviet immigrant, in resolving conflicts with the Colombo family over the gasoline racket.
• Legacy and Infamy
  • Known for his brutality and cunning, Casso combined violence with business acumen.
  • Left a trail of high-profile crimes and a reputation as one of the most feared figures in the mafia world.
• Connections to Pop Culture

• Inspired details in films like The Godfather and Thief through his criminal techniques and associates.