My vote goes to Louis (Lepke) Bucholter, who had a conglamorate in the Garment District, trucking, movies, bakeries, etc.
Well, what can you say. Lepke controlled a lot until he got fried. And, as you mentioned he had a lock on a lot of varied industries. After his demise Lepke's "assets" were parceled out among the Five Families. (I have no doubt thats one of the reasons why he was set up. In order to eliminate him and grab his rackets.)
i remember from one past t.v. program on LEPKE, it was alleged he was making 5 million a year in the 1930's from his rackets.it was also stated the LUCCHESE was also earning 5 million a year during the same time frame.
the alleged numbers for COSTELLO during prohibition were staggering. its believed he made 50 million during prohibition. a truely ungodly amount of money for that, or any era.
i dont think we can leave out TONY SALERNO either. while he may never had been more than the front boss his wealth is legendary.
