Joe Colombo's Rise: Profaci Family Power War & Greg Scarpa's FBI Files

Greg Scarpa: FBI Informant

• 💡 Greg Scarpa became a government informant for the FBI on November 21, 1961, a role kept secret until the 1990s.
• 💰 His primary motivation for flipping was financial strain caused by the Gallo-Profaci War, as his income was suffering.
• 📌 Scarpa provided detailed insider views on the Profaci family's power struggles, particularly his close associate Charles LoCicero.

The Gallo-Profaci War

• 💥 The Gallo-Profaci War erupted in 1960 when the Gallo brothers rebelled against Joe Profaci over tribute demands and unfair racket distribution.
• ⚠️ Joe Profaci initially tried to ambush and eliminate the Gallo brothers, but a police intervention exposed the plot, leading to open warfare.
• 🤝 Charles LoCicero played a key role in negotiating temporary truces during the conflict, though a lasting peace was elusive.

Succession After Profaci's Death

• 👑 Following Joe Profaci's death from cancer in 1962, a fierce power struggle ensued for control of the family.
• 🗳️ Joe Magliocco was elected boss by the captains in Charles LoCicero's absence, but his appointment was not approved by the Commission due to the ongoing Gallo War and internal dissent.
• ⚔️ LoCicero actively undermined Magliocco's authority, attempting to orchestrate his murder and using internal disputes to discredit him with the Commission.

Joe Colombo's Rise to Power

• 🚀 Joe Colombo emerged as an unexpected leader, building a loyal following and gaining influence within the family.
• ✅ The Commission ultimately denied Magliocco's leadership and, after Magliocco's forced retirement, appointed Colombo as the new boss.
• 📈 Colombo proceeded to reorganize the family, ending the Gallo War, and consolidating his authority, leading to the family being renamed the Colombo Family.

Charles LoCicero's Demise

• 📉 Despite his initial influence, Charles LoCicero's power waned as he was outmaneuvered and isolated by Colombo.
• 💀 LoCicero was murdered in 1968, with Joe Colombo implying that LoCicero's own son, Frank, was responsible due to family grievances, specifically the death of his grandson.