Almost eight decades after Al Capone's death, the financial empire he built remains a topic of fascination. As one of history's most notorious mobsters, Capone amassed his fortune through a variety of illegal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and organized crime. But how does his wealth compare to today's standards? And what does it say about his lasting legacy in American history?
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Key Takeaways
- Alphonse Gabriel Capone, better known as Scarface, is one of America's most infamous gangsters.
- Capone's wealth came from various illegal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and extortion.
- His criminal empire came crashing down when he was imprisoned at the age of 33.
- Capone controlled brothels and entire red-light districts in Chicago, cementing his reputation as a kingpin.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Alphonse Gabriel Capone |
| Nickname | Scarface |
| Gender | Male |
| Date of Birth | January 17, 1899 |
| Date of Death | January 25, 1947 |
| Age at Death | 48 years old |
| Zodiac Sign | Capricorn |
| Place of Birth | Brooklyn, New York City, United States |
| Nationality | American |
| Ethnicity | Italian-American |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Sexuality | Straight |
| Height | 5' 10" (178 cm) |
| Weight | 95 kg (210 lbs) |
| Hair Color | Dark Brown |
| Eye Color | Brown |
| Mother | Teresa Capone |
| Father | Gabriele Capone |
| Siblings | 8 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Wife | Mae Capone (née Coughlin) |
| Children | 1 |
| Profession | Gangster, Businessman |
What Was Al Capone's Net Worth at Death?
According to sources like Celebrity Net Worth and Market Realist, the legendary Chicago crime boss was worth over $100 million when he passed away in 1947. That staggering figure makes him one of the richest gangsters in history. In the 2011 memoir Uncle Al Capone: The Untold Story From Inside His Family, his grandniece, Deirdre Marie Capone, recounts a conversation with her grandfather, Ralph, who revealed details about Capone's immense wealth. As Vanity Fair reported, Ralph shared:
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Al had an incredible amount of money. Money he couldn’t put into a bank account or openly invest. He didn’t trust the stock market; he called it a ‘game.’ And he didn’t trust anyone enough, even me, to help take care of the money.
How Did Al Capone Make His Money?
As one of the most infamous figures in organized crime, Capone's fortune came from a variety of illegal ventures. Let’s break down how each of these activities contributed to his massive wealth:
Bootlegging
During the Prohibition era (1920–1933), the illegal alcohol trade was a goldmine for Capone. When the 18th Amendment banned alcohol nationwide, Capone seized the opportunity to build a sprawling network of breweries, distilleries, and speakeasies. Smuggling and distributing alcohol across Chicago and beyond made him millions, cementing his status as the kingpin of the city's underworld.
Gambling
Illegal gambling was another major source of income, with countless underground casinos and gambling dens operating under Capone’s control. These venues offered everything from card games and roulette to slot machines, thriving thanks to Capone's influence over law enforcement and local politicians. His ability to grease palms ensured that his operations remained untouched.
Vice Activities
Vice operations played a critical role in Capone's empire. He controlled brothels and red-light districts, managing and protecting illegal businesses while ensuring they remained profitable. His dominance in this area allowed him to expand his influence throughout Chicago and beyond.
Other Rackets
Capone’s wealth also grew through extortion, loan sharking, and protection rackets. Businesses were forced to pay for “protection” from violence, creating a steady stream of revenue for his criminal empire. With a workforce of over 600 gangsters at his disposal, these operations ensured that his empire ran smoothly and profitably.
How Much Did Al Capone Make a Year?
While Capone's exact salary was never disclosed, estimates suggest he earned around $105 million annually at the peak of his power. His empire generated $60 million from illegal alcohol sales, $25 million from gambling, $10 million from vice activities,
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