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Meyer Lansky
Born: July 4, 1902
Died: July 15, 1983, lung cancer
Criminal activity: Bootlegging, gambling, drug smuggling, prostitution, extortion, tax evasion
In this Associated Press photo, Lansky surrenders to police in Ballston Spa, N.Y. on Sept. 10, 1952, two days after he was named in an indictment on charges of conspiracy, gambling and forgery.
Known as the "Mob's Accountant," it's been documented that Lansky started gambling rings in Florida, Louisiana and Cuba and was the major investor in Bugsy Siegel's first casino in Las Vegas.
The FBI believed he had $300 million stashed away in secret bank accounts, but it never was found. When he died, it's believed he had $400 million in his possession.
