Scott Deitche Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 I've read in two accounts (one being the book DEADLY SECRETS) that PIttston/Wilkes-Barre mob boss Russell Bufalino, and Gambino soldier Jimmy "Jimmy Doyle" Plumeri were on a CIA boat just offshore of the Bay of PIgs during the ill-fated raid. Another internet account suggests they were employed by the CIA as spotters during the operation. Does anyone have anything more concrete or further info on this? FYI- Plumeri was strangled with is own necktie and dumped in an industrial park in Maspeth Queens on September 17th , 1971 (two days after I was born). Initially there was suspicion that he was killed because he was involved in anti-Castro activities. But the likely explanantion was because he kept butting heads with Carlo Gambino over the garment district rackets. RUssel Bufalino lived out his life to a ripe old age and died in a nursing home in the early 90's. HIs successor is believed to be William D'elia of Wilkes-Barre. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norman T. Field Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 After all that I have read about Mr. Bufalino and his power, I find it real hard to believe that he would be sitting in boat offshore. Why would he be there and what purpose would it serve? Men of his level use underlings to isolate themselves from the actions involved. It's called deniablity. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norman T. Field Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 (edited) deleted double post. Edited March 2, 2006 by Norman T. Field Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
James Richards Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 (edited) Hi Scott, The account of the mobsters initially came from Sacramento Bee reporter Denny Walsh. It seems that the CIA was securing information inside Cuba via four Mob informants - Russell Bufalino, George Levine aka George Lewis, Jimmy Plumeri and Salvatore Granello. It was also claimed that around $50,000 was paid to informants inside Cuba. The money had come from a $750,000 cache wrapped in oilcloth and buried inside Cuba by Granello and Levine just before their quick departure from Cuba. The four mobsters were guaranteed by the CIA that after the successful invasion, they would be able to retrieve the rest of the money. The Intellegence allegedy gathered by the mobsters involved Cuban troop and naval vessel movements. This intelligence also suggested that many Cubans would rise up against Castro when the Brigade landed on the beaches. Denny Walsh also reported that the mobsters had their own boat and were escorted by a CIA man. They were anchored just off shore when the battle began. When it became obvious that the Brigade was losing, the boat returned to Florida. Walsh's source was claimed as a former CIA employee now living in Las Vegas. CIA retired General Council, Lawrence Houston declined to confirm or deny the account. FWIW. Bufalino below. James Edited March 3, 2006 by James Richards Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dolva Posted March 3, 2006 Share Posted March 3, 2006 (edited) Hi Scott,The account of the mobsters initially came from Sacramento Bee reporter Denny Walsh. It seems that the CIA was securing information inside Cuba via four Mob informants - Russell Bufalino, George Levine aka George Lewis, Jimmy Plumeri and Salvadore Granello. It was also claimed that around $50,000 was paid to informants inside Cuba. The money had come from a $750,000 cache wrapped in oilcloth and buried inside Cuba by Granello and Levine just before their quick departure from Cuba. The four mobsters were guaranteed by the CIA that after the successful invasion, they would be able to retrieve the rest of the money. The Intellegence allegedy gathered by the mobsters involved Cuban troop and naval vessel movements. This intelligence also suggested that many Cubans would rise up against Castro when the Brigade landed on the beaches. Denny Walsh also reported that the mobsters had their own boat and were escorted by a CIA man. They were anchored just off shore when the battle began. When it became obvious that the Brigade was losing, the boat returned to Florida. Walsh's source was claimed as a former CIA employee now living in Las Vegas. CIA retired General Council, Lawrence Houston declined to confirm or deny the account. FWIW. Bufalino below. James While that promise may be meant as a sweetener for the mob by the CIA, it could also be an incentive for 'the mob' to provide intelligence that ensured an invasion. The truth appears that not many Cubans would rise up. It would be interesting to know where this 'treasure' was buried and if it ever was recovered. And to have a look at troop movements at the invasion site in relation to this 'buried treasure'. Also there is a tendency to understate such amounts so it may possibly have been more. Whatever it was, 750000 - 50000 = 700000 which was 4.3 million in 2003. Today? http://eh.net/hmit/ppowerusd/dollar_answer.php edit decimal point Edited March 3, 2006 by John Dolva Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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