Crime Time Cafe
Season 1
Murder, Inc.: The Mafia’s Deadly Hit Squad Exposed
by Scott Cardinal
Grab your coffee and settle in for a chilling deep dive into one of the most notorious chapters in American organized crime. In this episode of Crime Time Cafe, we uncover the dark history of Murder, Inc. — the Mafia’s ruthless, professional hit squad that turned contract killing into a cold-blooded business during the 1930s and early 1940s. Operating as the enforcement arm of the National Crime Syndicate, this multi-ethnic crew of killers — led by figures like Louis “Lepke” Buchalter and Albert “Mad Hatter” Anastasia — carried out hundreds of murders across the country. From ice-pick executions in Brooklyn to nationwide “contracts,” they eliminated rivals, informants, and anyone who crossed the mob. We explore their rise under Lucky Luciano’s vision, the brutal methods that made them legends of the underworld, and the shocking betrayal by insider Abe “Kid Twist” Reles that brought the organization crashing down. Packed with mob lore, courtroom drama, and the gritty reality of Depression-era gangland violence, this episode serves up a strong shot of true crime history with a side of justice. Pour yourself another cup and join us as we step into the lethal world of Murder, Inc. Find me at these sites: https://linktr.ee/strangehistorysociety Kindly check out my sponsor: CampfireShoppe.com
In this episode of Crime Time Cafe, we step into the glamorous yet shadowy world of high-end art forgery with Elmyr de Hory — the charming Hungarian-born master who fooled galleries, museums, and collectors for decades. Posing as a displaced aristocrat, he cranked out over 1,000 "in the style of" masterpieces by Picasso, Matisse, Modigliani, and more, injecting millions (in today's dollars) worth of fakes into the global art market. We explore the business side: how he built his forgery empire, the dealers who moved his work, the staggering profits, and why many of his pieces may still hang undetected in prestigious collections today. A tale of deception, style, and the ultimate con in the art world.