Vincent Asaro, a well-known American ‘Goodfellas’ mobster and former captain of the Bonanno crime family, has recently passed away at the age of 86. Born in Queens’ Ozone Park, New York City, in 1935, Asaro’s involvement in the criminal underworld spanned several decades, marked by various high-profile criminal activities and legal entanglements.
He was accused of making off nearly $6 million in 1978 from a Lufthansa hangar at JFK airport in Queens. He beat rap in 2015 – only to be jailed for arson in an unrelated road rage incident.
View this post on InstagramIn 2020 the ailing Capo, who had suffered paralysis while behind bars, was granted compassionate release amid fears that he had contracted the COVID-19 virus.
🇺🇸 – Morreu o mafioso Vincent Asaro, ex-capitão da família Bonanno de Nova York.
Vinny Asaro, de 88 anos, era conhecido por ter comandado uma célula dentro da família e mantido os interesses criminosos dos Bonanno no Aeroporto JFK, em NY.
Vinny teria iniciado o próprio filho,… pic.twitter.com/NqsC8sAjwZ
— Alerta Mundo (@AlertaMundo_) October 22, 2023
Throughout his career, Asaro ascended the ranks of the Bonanno crime family, starting in 1977, following the footsteps of his father Joseph and his uncle Michael. Notably, he played a significant role within the family, overseeing operations at JFK airport and mentoring his own son, Jerome Asaro, in the ways of the criminal underworld.
Asaro’s involvement in the infamous 1978 Lufthansa robbery brought him under the radar of federal authorities, leading to his arrest in 2014, alongside several other associates. Despite his notoriety, controversial claims emerged, suggesting his potential innocence in the Lufthansa heist, a point that was disputed in the book “The Lufthansa Heist” authored by Daniel Simone.
Furthermore, Asaro faced additional legal troubles, including his indictment in an arson case in 2017, where he pleaded guilty to ordering the arson of a vehicle. Despite being linked to a string of criminal activities, Asaro served relatively limited time in prison compared to the severity of his crimes, a fact that drew criticism from the prosecution.
Morreu o mafioso Vincent Asaro, ex-capitão da família Bonanno de NY.
Vinny Asaro, de 88 anos, era conhecido por ter comandado uma célula dentro da família e mantido os interesses criminosos dos Bonanno no Aeroporto JFK, em NY.
Vinny teria iniciado o próprio filho, Jerome… pic.twitter.com/JkvSX90fqs
— Submundo Criminal (@submundodocrime) October 21, 2023
In 2020, Asaro was granted compassionate release from the United States Medical Center for Federal Prisoners, citing his advanced age and declining health. His legacy within the realm of organized crime remains a contentious subject, marked by both his alleged involvement in various criminal activities and the controversies surrounding his role in the notorious Lufthansa heist.
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