The Real Story Of The Lufthansa Heist: The Mafia And Murder

Welcome to the captivating world of crime, intrigue, and the notorious Mafia. Today we delve into the real story behind the infamous Lufthansa Heist, a crime that sent shockwaves through the world in the 1970s. Prepare to be amazed, as we uncover the truth behind this audacious theft and the dark connections to the Mafia and murder.

Setting the Stage

It was a cold winter night in December 1978 when the crime of the century unfolded at New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport. The target: the Lufthansa cargo building. The objective: making off with millions in cash, jewelry, and other valuable items that were being transported on that fateful night. The mastermind behind this audacious plan was none other than James Burke, a ruthless gangster and associate of the mafia.

The Big Heist: The Real Story of the Lufthansa Heist, the Mafia, and Murder

by Anthony M. DeStefano (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2776 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

The Heist

Under the cover of darkness, a team of highly skilled robbers, handpicked by Burke, infiltrated the cargo building. They knew the layout and meticulously planned the heist to perfection, exploiting the weaknesses in security. The thieves, armed with weapons, swiftly neutralized the guards, enabling them to gain access to the vaults.

The heist was executed flawlessly, with the criminals grabbing millions of dollars in cash and a collection of priceless jewels. The audacity of the crime shocked the world, leaving investigators puzzled. However, what remained unknown to them was the deep involvement of the mafia in orchestrating and executing the heist.

The Mafia Connection

As the investigation progressed, the ties between the heist and the mafia started to emerge. It became evident that Burke, also known as "Jimmy the Gent," had close connections with the powerful Lucchese crime family. The Lufthansa Heist was not just an incredibly lucrative opportunity for Burke and his crew; it was a meticulously planned operation financed and supported by the mafia.

The mafia's involvement ensured that the stolen goods could be quickly fenced, and the cash quietly laundered. Their vast network spanned across the United States and enabled the thieves to safely disappear into the underworld, leaving the authorities scrambling for leads.

Murder and Betrayal

However, this captivating tale of crime and intrigue would not be complete without a touch of betrayal and violence. Over the years, many of the participants in the heist met with untimely deaths, often at the hands of their own associates or those seeking vengeance.

One such incident was the murder of Thomas DeSimone, also known as "Two-Gun Tommy." He was a key member of the crew, responsible for logistics and dismembering the stolen vehicles. DeSimone's unpredictability and violent nature eventually turned him into a liability. The mafia, fearing he might become an informant or endanger their operations, ordered a hit on him.

The Unsolved Mysteries

Despite several arrests, the full story behind the Lufthansa Heist remains shrouded in mystery. Many aspects of the crime are still unresolved, leaving us to speculate and wonder about the missing pieces of the puzzle. Who pulled the strings behind the scenes? Who were the masterminds directing the robbery and protecting those involved?

The Lufthansa Heist stands as a testament to the audacity of organized crime and the power of the mafia. It showcased their ability to orchestrate sophisticated crimes with precision while maintaining an air of mystery around their operations.

The real story of the Lufthansa Heist unveils a world of chaos, greed, and violence. It sheds light on the criminal underbelly of society and the far-reaching influence of organized crime. The audacity of the heist and the connections to the mafia and murder make this tale all the more intriguing. Although the main characters may have faded into history, the legend of the Lufthansa Heist lives on, forever etched in the annals of crime.

The Big Heist: The Real Story of the Lufthansa Heist, the Mafia, and Murder

by Anthony M. DeStefano (Kindle Edition)

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	2776 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	288 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE

This Pulitzer Prize-winner’s account of the heist that inspired Goodfellas reveals the rest of the story that couldn’t be told—until now (Publisher Weekly).
 
One of the biggest scores in Mafia history, the Lufthansa Airlines heist of 1978 has become the stuff of mafia legend—and a decades-long federal investigation. Now Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter Anthony DeStefano sheds new light on this unsolved case using new evidence revealed during the 2015 trial of eighty-year-old mafioso Vincent Asaro. 
 
For the first time, Asaro speaks out on his role in the brazen heist that removed millions of dollars from John F. Kennedy International Airport. This authoritative account goes behind the headlines and Hollywood movies, taking readers inside the ranks of America’s infamous Mafia families—with never-before-told stories, late-breaking news, and bombshell revelations.
 
“A comprehensive account…impressive.”—Publishers Weekly