AGENCY : RECORD NUMBER : RECORD SERIES : AGENCY FILE NUMBER : t ORIGINATOR : i FROM: TO: OPENING CRITERIA : COMMENTS : v9.1 HW 45679) Docld:32267430 TITLE: . DATE: PAGES: SUBJECTS : DOCUMENT TYPE : CLASSIFICATION : ~ RESTRICTIONS : CURRENT.STATUS : DATE OF LAST REVIEW: JFK Assassination System Date: 6/12/201 Identification Form Agency Information Released under the ohn F. Kennedy Wssgasgsination Records Ollection Act of 1992 FBI 124-10197-10206 (44 USC 2107 Note). asef# iN 45679 Date: 1i—16-2017 HQ 92-3 182-1232 Document Information FBI DIRECTOR, FBI 01/31/1969 30 GAL, SUMMARY, NAME VARIATIONS, REL PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMEN Unclassified : 4; 10(a)2 Redact 06/05/1998 INDEFINITE 67 Page 1
L vo ae Tas KS ; (continued ) of those who robbed Thomas E. McGrath, a messenger for the Merchants National Bank, 6/16/39 (91-1604). McGrath stated Alex bore a general . resemblance to one of the robbers but could not be definite. 91-1f04-9 p.1,2 5 ; Ne Q2-1604-6 p.l (2 On 9/3/46 an unidentified man called the Barber Shop, Chicagoan Hotel, Chicago, and talked to Jack Guzik (not identified)..- The caller asked,"Is Gus (probably Gus Alex) coming over?" Jack — replied,"Yes, later." (Delicate Confidential Source) 62-81093-9-333 p.7 (say On 9/18/46 Jack Guzik and a man named Gus, believed to be Gus Alex,. contacted Alphonse Capone at 7244 South Prairie Avenue, Chicago. On 9/23/46 Guzik made arrangements to meet with Alex at Gino's Italian Restaurant in Chicago, to talk over a few matters. This serial identified Guzik and Capone as key figures in the Chicago criminal syndicate. CGO-564 es, 093-9-430 p.54,55 The following references in the file captioned "Reactivation of the waite Gang in Chicago’ (62-81093) revealed that during the 6 period 9/6/46 to 10/3/46 John Oliver Kenny, suspect in the shooting of James M. Ragen, Sr., was acquainted with and in contact with Gus Alex. Kenny denied any connection with this shooting and also denied knowing Alex. (continued) HW 45679 DBocld:32267430 Page 2?
- - On 6/24/58 Lawrence E. Walsh, Deputy Attorney General, was advised that Robert F. Kennedy, chief counsel of the Senate Select Committee on Improper Activities in the Labor or Magement Field (62-103771), had requested that Bufiles be reviewed for pertinent ' information concerning Gussie Alex of Chicago. In connection with this request, a memorandum containing information pertaining to Alex, was furnished to the Department for clearance to the committee. 63 3771-1234 encl. p.1-3_ The 9/2/58 issue of the "Chicago Tribune" contained an arti- cle captioned "Joey Caesar Cleans Up on Rush Street Bar-'No Muscle Used Tho,' He Says." This article stated that Joseph (Caesar) DiVarco, a diminutive gambler, had forced a score of Rush Street night. club operators to buy glass-washing machines. Daniel Kostakos, owner of a tavern-restaurant and who was related by marriage of Gus Alex, told the "Tribune" that he had not been pressed when he refused to. buy the: washer, - 62-302-9-42 encl. p.1l (19¥ Chicago letter dated 4/21/59 advised that CG 6272-C. was very close to many top hoodlums throughout the US. He was particu- larly close to Gus Alex who had allowed him to operate free of "muscle" | in the Chicago Loop area, although it was known that his prime com- | petitors paid off the Chicago crime syndicate monthly in order to operate. Therefore, the identity of this informant should be carefully concealed and protected. 62-164518-85 p.3 (24 CG 6343-c* advised that on 8/8/59 Gus Alex and Frank Ferraro, Chicago syndicate hoodlums, met with two individuals (INU) in Chicago to discuss the formation of the Trans-American Surety, Inc. After these two individuals left, Alex indicated to Ferraro that it would be, better for those in Chicago to take over the bonding business rather than to allow "that bunch from Cleveland" to do so. 105 p6291 -8 p.7 (4 HW 45679 DBocld:32267430 Page 3
A (continued) The Security Director at Chicago race tracks, a PD Captain on leave of absence, received $1,000 per week from a representative for Alex and others who operated books on the track in violation of track regulations. 162-786-3 p.11,16-18,21,29,41,54, a 114,142,147, 223, 22h, 229 (4eyx" By letter dated 1/22/62 David B. Whittington, Prosecuting Attorney, Hot Springs, Arkansas, requested the record of Gus Alex, FBI #4244200. Pencilled notation indicated this letter was acknowledged 1/26/62 and record sent as ident. a 79-947 pl This reference pertains to the activities of Gus Alex in the organized criminal operations in the Chicago area.during the period 1959 to 4/30/62. Alex was a member of the governing board which was directly responsible for the overall operation of organized crime and he had primary jurisdiction over the Loop and First Ward area. He had close contac&s with other top hoodlums and was responsible to the head of this. Criminal” "Commission" (92-6054) for the operation of gambling, vice and "Juice" in his assigned area. Alex also operated a bookmaking service at the Santa Fe Hotel, 8 West Polk St., Chicagol 92-6944-21 p.1,5,7,8,15,17 (4ary CG 6543-C-TE (137-8008) advised that during the period 9/30/62 through 10/6/62 Gus Alex used to meet operators of strip- tease joints owned by the "outfit" at the Villa Vinice (not further identified) where he held meetings. Add. info. 137-8608-14 p.5-7,9 (457 -12- HW 45679 DBocld:32267430 Page 4
° ‘ (~ ‘ if NL ‘ as This reference pertains to the activities of Gus Alex in ‘the organized criminal operations in the Chicago area during the period of September to December, 1962. Alex was reportedly considered a top man.. He was a member of the "governing board" of the organized criminal ele- ment and was responsible for the activities within the Pirst Ward. Alex associated with other hoodlums and was connected with the operation of a handbook and "juice" racket. on the near north side, and with the Apex Amusement Corporation. John D'Arco, who opposed being replaced as alder- man of the First Ward, contemplated contacting Alex and others to cham- pion his cause. : 92-6954~-131 p.1,3,6-8 (41) , This reference revealed that Gus Alex was the owner of various Chicago Strip Shows (92+6470),during the period March, 1961 to December, 1962. He controlled_these shows in the Loop area for the Chicago out- fit; derived an income from several strip shows and was an associate of Louis Arger, a strip and clip joint operator and "the Mayor of South Street." Employees of Alex operated and collected profits from these shows in Chicago's first district. ; 92-6470-1 p.19,20,24,29,35 ay (4 CG 6563-C advised that Gus Alex, who was listed as an employee of DeLuxe Cigarette Service, Incorporated (122-3106), decided not to put any more men in the union at this time because of the present investiga- tion concerning DeLuxe Cigarette Service. Alex was of the opinion that if these men were put in the union at this time, it would appear that DeLuxe was worried about the investigation. Therefore, additional em- ployees were not placed in the union. This information was submitted by Chicago airtel dated 3/20/63. 1paqafo6-20 encl. Pt On 6/21/63 William A. Geoghegan, Department of Justice, called and requested any information in Bureau files regarding the \System Auto Parts, Inc. (63-8525). He specifically inquired as to whether Gus Alex (continued) © -13- HW 45679 DBocld:322767430 Page 5
“+t /JFK Act 6 (4) In January, 1964 eexf protect identity) advised that Louis Arger had taken over completely the magagement of the * Chez Dot, a Chicago Strip Show (92-6470). The former manager apparently was unable to manage this strip show to the satisfaction of the Chicago hoodlums and Arger was given complete control probably by Gus Alex. 92-6470-8 p.10 (4ay Miami letter dated 10/8/64 stated that Assistant Commissioner S. R. Moir, Bahamas Police Force, advised that the Bahamas Police had the prerogative of excluding from the Island undesirable convicted felons. He said the availability of Identification Records of known gamblers and hoodlums would assist them in effectively combatting the criminal influence on the Island. A list of known gamblers, hoodlums and members of Cosa Nostra, who had frequented this area and might travel to the Bahamas, was set forth. It was requested that the Identifcation Records for these individuals, including Gus Alex, be forwarded to Moir. 162-14202-15 p.2 (46 Miami report dated 4/20/65 advised that a call was made from the home telephone of Max Fogel (162-1282) in Miami Beach, Florida, to HA 7-6969, Imperial Inn, 506 West Harrison, Chicago. It was noted that this motel was owned by Tony Smith, a Greek individual who was well acquainted with Gus Alex. Various other Chicago area hoodlums were becoming more frequent visitors of this motel. ; 16259282-17 p.D (46 During September, 1965, LA 4367-C-TE reported his trip to Chicago with well-known hoodlum attorney Sidney Korshak. During their three day stay, Korshak told informant that he met with Italians on numerous occasions. According to Korshak, Gus Alex had taken over for Sam Giancanna while Sam was in jail. Korshak also stated that he, Alex and Murry Humphreys went up the back stairs of a hospital to avoid ‘being seen to visit a top man who was confined as a result of a heart attack. 66-2542-11-26-54 p.8,9 (257 - -15-_ g-3ib OX HW 45679 DBocld:322767430 Page 6
Nw ’ NZ Deputy Bernard Leonard, Lake County Sheriff's Office, advised that on 9/8/65° Joseph Spingola reported that golf equipment had been . stolen from his car at the Riverwoods Country Club, Deerfield, Ill. This serial identified Spingola as the business agent of Local 1001, International Hod Carriers, Building and Common Laborer's Union of America (92-7320). It was noted that the Riverwoods Country Club was managed by one Lou Rosanova, close friend of Gus Alex and Jack Cerone, well-known Chicago hoodlums, and the Club was known as a hangout for top Chicago hoodlums. . , 92-7320-12 p.1,3 (aay On 2/25/66 cG 6443-C-TE advised that Gus Alex reportedly would obtain 20% of the proceeds from the operation of The Chez Dot, a go-go club in Chicago. . ‘ 92-6470-14 p.1,5. (429°  JEK Law 10(a)2 This reference pertains to the activities of Gus Alex during the period December, 1965 to 2/25/66, as furnished by CG 6443-C-TE (137-6857). Alex associated and was in contact with various. individuals. He departed the Chicag after learning| : Alex contemplated European @) © He re- unknown Eg €par destination and tnde termined length of time. 137 76857-93 p.1-5 In July, 1966 CG 6036-C advised that Leonard Patrick had long been associated with the organized criminal element of Chicago's near north side and more recently with Gus Alex and Fiore Buccieri, both Chicago top hoodlums. 92-6205-15 p.4 (UY | -16- AW 45679 DBocld:32267430 Page f
Le i ra Va On 2/15/67 CG 7221-cC (137-18150) advised that Gus Alex had visited Chicago hoodlum Sam Giancana who resided at the Hotel Nationale in Mexico City, Mexico, tapRtet5e- p.3 Co Chicago airtel dated 2/23/67 set out the following information concerning the Criminal Influence in Labor Organizations (63-6466): Louis Briatta was the former business agent of the County, Municipal Employees and Foremen's Union, Local 1001-International Hod Carriers, Building anc Common Laborers', Union of America, Chicago, Iilinois. Briatta had been reported as a fence for stolen merchandise and as a collector from bookmakers in the Loop area, on behalf of Gus Alex, well-known "syndicate" Loop gambling czar. 63 -6466-605 encl. p.14 (254 The following references in the file captioned "Top Hoodlum Program" contain information pertaining to the gambling, racketeer and other activities of Gus Alex during the period 1940 to 8/30/67. Alex~ was in contact and associated with politicans, union officials, busi- ness executives, movie personalities, hoodlums and other prominent indi- viduals in the Chicago area, Nevada, Idaho, Connecti &, NYC and various US resorts. He had been investigated” by the Bovernment and had an in- formant in the Chicago PD. Financial interest in illegal and legitimate enterprises, attempt to deposit money in Swiss banks. and background in- formation regarding Alex set out. During this period he also toured Europe, . Namen sical Turi ciaitud, REFERENCE SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 62-9-308 -361 -~500 ~503 ~513 ~519 -53h 1. pl ie Se © © © © © es MONOGHHPEPRPENDEHE p.10 oO O'O D'C WD's 'O'S'd'D (continued) ~17- HW 45679 DBocld:322767430 Page 6
A SS . ~~ JY LH (continued) REFERENCE SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER 62-9-23-383 p.56 _ net: a 62-9-26-359 p.15;16 17 -651X p.2h, 29,144 18476 62-9-29-390 p.l (a8, (62-9-34-427 p.l | (2 : , ( & 62-9-43-640 pl 10y f -646 p.l 184" 62-9-48-162 p.4 | 18)" . 62-9-65-141 p.23,24 18) . -753 p.3,5 a During June, 1967 OM 148 C-TE advised that Gus Zapas headed Local 46, Laundry, Cleaning and Dye House Workers, International Union, Chicago (92-5202) and was under the controlof'thesyndicate through Gus Alex. On 9/20/67 CG 6443-CTE advised it was indicated that Zapas and Alex were involved in a scheme whereby all buildings under construction in the Loop area and perhaps the near north area of Chicago, were forced to have a toilet on every floor of the. construction. They had arranged to obtain this concession and it was believed that the contractors had been "muscled" to comply with this. Informant indicated that Zapas and Alex might have received authorization for this through Sidney Smith, Chicago Building Commissioner. 92-5202-60 p.1-3 (38 The following references on Gus Alex appear in the main files of hoodlums and others associated with or involved in organized crime as listed below, for the period 3/30/35 to 2/15/68. These references set out the contacts; associations; financial and business activity in il- - legal and legitimate enterprises; involvement with a Grand Jury inquiry ; and the control of various unions that Alex had with these and other individuals in the Chicago area. He attempted to obtain an interest in gambling casinos in London, England. Alex was &lso known to have been (continued ) “ -21-° HW 45679 DBocld:32267430 Page 9