Series 5 of /”Lansky The Power Of The Kosher Connection/” dives into the thrilling narrative of Benjamin /”Bugsy/” Siegel’s escapades in California and the evolving empire of Meyer Lansky. This episode, we explore Lansky’s increasing dominance in the gambling world, his strategic retreat from the limelight, and his ventures into international territories such as Havana, Cuba. There, Lansky didn’t just take over gambling operations; he expanded into hotels, casinos, and even the fishing and real estate industry, transforming Havana into a bustling hub for tourism and industry. This involved not only massive land acquisitions but also turning these areas into conduits for money laundering and ferrying weapons, money and drugs from one place into another.

Meanwhile, in California, Benjamin Siegel encountered mounting troubles, clashing with figures like Mickey Cohen. This episode recounts Siegel’s various Californian adventures, including a treasure hunt and a harrowing encounter with Joseph Goebbels of the Nazi Party, as narrated by George Raft and those close to Siegel.

The narrative also delves into the darker aspects of organized crime, including the actions taken by Siegel and Albert Anastasia, heads of the infamous Murder Incorporated, to avoid incarceration. Following the arrest of Louis /”Lepke/” Buchalter, Siegel and Anastasia allegedly orchestrated the elimination of several former allies to maintain their freedom, a maneuver falsely attributed to Buchalter.

We’ll also explore the significant impact of imprisonment on Lucky Luciano and how it shifted the dynamics of his criminal empire. With key figures like Vito Genovese fleeing to Italy and Frank Costello concentrating on Louisiana, the network’s stability was at risk. In prison, Luciano relied heavily on updates from Joe Adonis, Tommy Lucchese, and other prominent mobsters, including Carlo Gambino, who was profiting from wartime ration stamp schemes.

The season also introduces Virginia Hill, delving into her entry into the mob scene and her relationship with Siegel. As we reach the season’s climax, we see Lansky, Anastasia, and Frank Costello reacting to news of the Normandy invasion—a pivotal moment that ultimately leads to Luciano’s release and deportation. Though Luciano’s freedom marks a victory for Lansky, it comes with significant repercussions, setting the stage for profound changes in the landscape of organized crime through the 1950s.

As the season concludes, Lansky grapples with the transformations within his empire and the broader mob community, setting up intriguing questions for the next series about how he will navigate these turbulent waters as we move into the 1960s.

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