Al Capone
Al Capone led a Chicago criminal empire involving bootlegging, gambling, prostitution, bribery, extortion, and violence. Federal prosecutors ultimately convicted him of income-tax evasion in 1931.
At a glance
- What happened
- The FBI describes Capone's organization as an empire encompassing illegal liquor, gambling, prostitution, bribery, narcotics trafficking, robbery, protection rackets, and murder. His federal conviction was for tax evasion, supported by financial evidence; that conviction should not be misrepresented as a murder conviction.
- When
- 1920s–early 1930s: Chicago organized-crime activity. 1931: tax conviction and sentencing. 1939: release from prison. 1947: death.
- Where
- Chicago, Illinois; federal imprisonment included Alcatraz in California. His final years were spent in Florida.
- Why / motive
- The organized-crime operations sought profits from bootlegging, gambling, and other illegal businesses. The tax prosecution addressed concealed taxable income.
- Outcome
- Capone received an 11-year prison sentence, a $50,000 fine, and liability for back taxes and interest. He was released in 1939 after serving approximately seven and a half years.
Who is involved
- Alphonse 'Al' Capone — subject
Sources
- FBI Vault — Al Capone historical files“Alphonse Gabriel “Al” Capone (1899-1947)”
- FBI — Capone's criminal empire“gambling, prostitution, bootlegging, bribery, narcotics trafficking, robbery, “protection” rackets, and murder.”
Sources last checked: Not recorded · Dossier last changed: · Editorially reviewed: Not yet reviewed.