The Chicago Outfit, a notorious force in the city for decades, was believed to be responsible for hundreds of unsolved murders. Many wonder if the mob is still active today, and the answer is a surprising yes. Although experts acknowledge that there are remnants of the mob lingering in the Chicago area, it is not as powerful as it once was.
FBI Special Agent in Charge Douglas Depodesta mentioned that while the Outfit is still considered viable by the FBI, they are not as violent as they used to be. He noted that the mob has learned that violent actions often lead to imprisonment, causing them to shift their focus to other criminal activities. Mob murders have become less frequent, with the last suspected hit occurring years ago in the case of Anthony Zizzo.
Despite the decrease in violence, the mob is still involved in various illegal activities such as fraud, online gambling, illegal marijuana, and other schemes. Mobologist John Binder stated that the current version of the mob in Chicago is a mere shadow of its former self. Binder attributed the decline of the Outfit to the legalization of gambling, which has significantly impacted their operations. The Outfit still plays a role in gambling, labor racketeering, narcotics, and lending juice, according to Binder.
It remains a topic of debate among those familiar with organized crime whether the mob still operates in the same capacity. Reformed mobster Frank Calabrese Jr., whose father was a prominent Outfit boss, expressed his belief that the organization is almost non-existent. He mentioned that while a few individuals remain, the mob is essentially on life support, with many former members transitioning to legitimate enterprises due to increased government scrutiny. The evolution of the Outfit comes at a time when long-held secrets within the mob are beginning to surface.
The mystery surrounding the assassination of Sam Giancana, considered one of Chicago’s most significant hits, has finally been unraveled after decades of speculation. NBC 5 Investigates delved into the cold case, speaking to former mob insiders and external investigators to shed light on the crime. Through a thorough examination of law enforcement documents, photos, and lab reports, as well as interviews with law enforcement officials, prosecutors, and mob associates, the team has identified the perpetrator behind Giancana’s murder.
In the upcoming segment of this exclusive report, NBC 5 Investigates plans to reveal the identity of the killer, bringing closure to one of the longest-standing mob mysteries in Chicago’s history. Viewers can tune in to the broadcast airing at 10 p.m. on Thursday on NBC Chicago to witness the unmasking of the individual responsible for Giancana’s assassination. Whether the revelation will mark the end of an era or spark new investigations into the mob’s activities, only time will tell.
