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Om IAN ew ft: 10 ¥ we eos Oo 2 on “eee nee and his poor health have tended to reduce his standing among Mafiosi and other , criminals. However, he appears not to have suffered financially, as he has pe extensive and profitable legitimate business interests. (62-75147-34-240, a 1) : Much has been said about Costello's political influence and the fact | that gamblers operated with impunity in New York City during the 1940's because of it. Costello reportedly exercised considerable power over Tammany Hall o | during that period, being instrumental in bringing about the nomination of ‘ | Thomas Aurelio, who was clected to a judgeship on the New York State: Supreme Court. Once, when asked about his influence with politicians, Costello said it stemmed from the fact that he had lived all his life in Manhattan. He added ‘that he was "Just a friend” of politicians, he knew many of them well, and they had (93) “confidence in him. The Mafia controls the gambling syndicate in Detroit, according to : informants, although there are persons other than Italians involved in gambling operations in that city. However, leaders of the syndicate are Mafiosi who exact tribute from all gambling operations, which include horse bets, "barbute, "' floating crap games, and numbers. It is said to be impossible to open up even a small card game in Detroit without authority from the syndicate. (100-42303 -280)