Delve into the chilling and paradoxical life of Gregory Scarpa, a man who embodied ruthless violence and clandestine manipulation. As a feared captain in the Colombo crime family, Scarpa's moniker "The Grim Reaper" was well-earned, but his life was marked by an astonishing duality: serving as an informant for the FBI while orchestrating Mafia operations. This episode unravels Scarpa's intricate dance between the law and the underworld, his role in Mafia wars, and his covert missions—including a harrowing act of torture to uncover civil rights activists’ killers. Learn how Scarpa leveraged his FBI connections to eliminate rivals, build power, and even involve his son and lovers in his sinister empire. From deadly conspiracies to shocking family dynamics, this gripping episode exposes the dark yet fascinating life of a man who lived on both sides of the law.
- Introduction to Gregory Scarpa:
- A Colombo Mafia Family member and secret FBI informant for decades.
- Manipulated information to eliminate rivals and gain power.
- Played a significant behind-the-scenes role, earning the nickname "The Grim Reaper."
- Early Life and Mafia Involvement:
- Born in 1928 in Brooklyn to a poor Italian-American family.
- Joined the Colombo family in the 1950s under boss Joe Profaci.
- Collaboration with the FBI:
- Recruited as an informant in 1961 after an armed robbery arrest.
- Received over $150,000 (equivalent to $1M today) for his services.
- Provided intelligence on mafia operations and took part in covert government missions.
- Key FBI Operation:
- Tortured a Ku Klux Klan member in 1964 to uncover the location of missing civil rights activists in Mississippi, showcasing his brutal methods.
- Criminal Operations:
- Ran theft teams specializing in bank robberies, jewelry store heists, truck hijackings, and illegal lotteries.
- Used his FBI connections to shield his activities and profit from insurance scams.
- Personal Life and Unconventional Relationships:
- Maintained relationships with multiple women, including his wife Connie and mistress Linda Schiro.
- Allowed Linda to take a lover, Larry Mazza, whom Scarpa later turned into a hitman.
- Groomed his son, Gregory Jr., to join his criminal operations, instilling a violent mindset.
- Violent Legacy:
- Ordered dozens of murders and directly participated in killings.
- Died of complications from AIDS in 1994 after continuing his violent ways late into his life.
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