Intelligence Matters: The Role of the Mafia and the Government in US History

Throughout various periods of American history, the roles of both the government and the Mafia have intersected in significant ways, often involving complex and sometimes controversial operations. This article explores several instances where the government turned to the Mafia for assistance in intelligence gathering and various covert operations.

Emerging Covert Alliances: The Early Days

During the Civil Rights Movement of the early 1960s, the government undertook covert operations to uncover details about the Ku Klux Klan's activities. One famous case involved a CIA operative, Gregory Scarpa, a captain in the Mafia. Scarpa was employed by the US government to find out the locations of three missing activists. He carried out a methodical and thoughful operation that ultimately led to the arrest of a KKK member, who, under torture, revealed the burial locations of the missing individuals.

Mafia-In-CIA Collaboration: Operations Against Communism and Beyond

Another notable example of government co-optation of the Mafia involves the Kennedy Administration and the CIA's involvement in various assassination plots against Fidel Castro in Cuba. After Castro took power in 1959, the Eisenhower Administration ordered the CIA to begin these assassination efforts. The Mafia's reputation for control and influence made them valuable allies in these covert operations. The history also highlights the Mafia's support during World War II, where they helped the US overcome Hitler and Mussolini, with the CIA and other agencies aiding the Mafia in maintaining order and defeating enemies in Italy post-war.

Complicated Alliances: The DEA and the CIA in South America

A more recent and intricate example involves the DEA, the CIA, and the S American drug trade. Former DEA agent and author Michael Levine details how these organizations navigated a complex situation where they had simultaneous interests. While the DEA sought to dismantle the drug cartels, the CIA often overlooked or facilitated their activities, leading to a confusing and sometimes dangerous situation. This oversight sometimes resulted in chaotic consequences, as former prisoners were bailed by the CIA and would later face erratic deaths.

Union Protection: The Role of the Mafia During WWII

The Mafia's influence extended to protecting infrastructure during World War II. In New York City and New Jersey, a longshoreman union run by the mob ensured that ships and docks remained secure against potential sabotage by enemies. The government's reliance on the Mafia for these security measures underscores the intricate web of relationships and the often murky lines between law enforcement and criminal organizations.

Conclusion

These examples serve as a reminder of the complex, often secretive, and sometimes morally ambiguous relationships between the government and the Mafia. While these alliances have helped achieve certain goals, they also highlight the dangers and unintended consequences that can arise from such collaborations. As Michael Levine's work suggests, a deep dive into historical records, such as those concerning intelligence and covert operations, can provide a more nuanced understanding of these interactions.

Further Reading

For those interested in delving deeper, consider reading the book by Michael Levine about the CIA and DEA in the South American drug trade. Levine's experience as a former DEA agent adds credibility to his insights, and his analysis offers a critical perspective on these historical events.