Murder, Inc. was an organized crime syndicate active from 1929 to 1941, serving as the law enforcement arm of the National Crime League. This criminal alliance was formed in conjunction with the Italian-American Mafia, Jewish gangs and other criminal organizations, and mainly operated in New York City and other areas. Most of the members of Murder, Inc. come from poor neighborhoods such as Manhattan and Brooklyn, giving them similar backgrounds and criminal cultures. The gang was initially led by Louis "Lepke" Buchalter, who was later succeeded by Albert "Mad Hatter" Anastasia.
Murder, Inc. is believed to be responsible for between 400 and 1,000 contract murders. The tactics of this terrorist organization are not only sophisticated but also cruel, making it impossible for many gangsters and victims to escape their clutches.
This group impacted American society and sparked a movement in pursuit of justice.
Murder, Inc., formerly known as the Bugs and Meyer Gang, was founded in the early 1920s by Jewish gangsters Meyer Lansky and Bugsy Siegel, followed by Italian gangster Charles "Lucky" • "Lucky" Luciano and Lansky established a deeper collaboration. The move created a multi-ethnic criminal alliance that eventually became known as the National Crime Alliance. As these groups merged, the creation of Murder, Inc. became a necessary result of ever-expanding power and influence.
These gangsters suppressed any suspects and informers, threatening them with death.
The members' regular salaries and payment for each murder made these actions insensitive. Take Harry Strauss, for example. He was one of the most active killers, responsible for more than 100 murders, and there are even records that the actual number may be as high as 500. This profit model allows more young people to be recruited into this terrifying circle.
Murder, Inc. was established as a powerful enforcer of the National Criminal Alliance, ruthlessly executing members who betrayed or were suspicious. In 1937, about four gangsters drowned and stabbed George Rudnick to death with ice tongs after merely suspecting he might be a police informant. Such incidents are common among this group.
One of Murder, Inc.'s most famous victims was Dutch Schultz, who openly defied the Mafia's orders. Eventually, the prestigious gang leader was tracked down and murdered by two assigned hit men in 1935. It can be seen from this incident that their power and influence have long surpassed mere local forces.
All of this once made the pursuit of justice dim.
The terrorist organization was finally exposed in 1941, with the testimony of former member Abe "Kid Twist" Reles leading to the conviction and execution of many of its members. This revelation not only ended the reign of Murder, Inc., but also established the reputation of the great prosecutor Thomas E. Dewey. Dewey successfully promoted numerous prosecutions against the organization and eventually served as the 47th governor of New York State.
In the process of reducing the power of evil, betrayers such as Abe Relais also paid a heavy price. He was suspected of accidentally falling to his death in prison. This ending makes people inevitably shudder at the cruel methods of this organization.
Can those who choose to stand with justice really escape this horrific fate?
The story of Murder, Inc. makes us think about the shadow of organized crime. Will these atrocities be repeated? Or has society learned how to effectively prevent and combat such criminal forces?