Agency: FBI
Originator: FBI
From: DIRECTOR, FBI
Document date: 01/31/1969
Document type: PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

## Page 1

JFK Assassination System

Identification Form

Agency Information

Date:

6/12/201

AGENCY : FBI

RECORD NUMBER:

124-10197-10206

RECORD SERIES: HQ

AGENCY FILE NUMBER: 92-3182-1232

Released under the

John F. Kennedy

Assassination Records

Collection det of 1992

144 USC 2107 Notel.

Cased:NH 45679 Date:

41-16-2017

Document Information

ORIGINATOR: FBI

FROM:

DIRECTOR, FBI

TO :

TITLE :

DATE: 01/31/1969

PAGES:

30

SUBJECTS :

GAL, SUMMARY, NAME VARIATIONS, REL

DOCUMENT TYPE :

PAPER, TEXTUAL DOCUMENT

CLASSIFICATION :

Unclassified

RESTRICTIONS: 4; 10(a)2

CURRENT STATUS:

Redact

DATE OF LAST REVIEW :

06/05/1998

OPENING CRITERIA: INDEFINITE

COMMENTS :

y9.1

HW 45679

DocId: 32287430

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67

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(continued)

of those who robbed Thomas E

McGrath, a messenger for the Merchants

National Bank, 6/16/39 (91-1604). MoGrath stated Alex bore a general

resemblance to one of the robbers but could not be definite.

91-1804-9 p.1,2

(261

SI 94-1604-6 p.1

(267)

On 9/3/46 an unidentified man called the Barber Shop,

Gus (probably Gus Alex) coming over?"

replied, "Yes, later." (Delicate Confidential Source)

62-81893-9-333 p.7

(22)

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

02-81093-9-430 p.54,55

(22)

The following references in the file captioned "Reactivation

of the Capone Gang in Chicago! (62-81093) revealed that during the

period 9/6/46 to 10/3/40 John Oliver Kenny, suspect in the shooting

I 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)

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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.

+ 103771-1854 enot. p1=3

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.11

(190)

Chicago letter dated 4/21/59 advised that CG 6272-C.

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.

62-104518-85 p.3

(24)

CG 6343-C* advised that on 8/8/59 Gus Alex and Frank Ferraro,

Chicago syndicate hoodlums,

met with two individuals (LNU) 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

than to allow "that bunch from cleveland, the bonding business rather

to do so.

205-86292-48 p.7

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## Page 4

(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,

(46%)

114,142,147,223,224,229

By letter dated 1/22/62 David B. Whittington, Prosecuting

Attorney, Hot Springs, Arkansas, requested the record

#4244200. Pencilled notation indicated this letter was acknowledged

1/26/62 and record sent as ident.

32-5079-947 p.1

(30)

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

for the overall operation of organized crime

and he had primary jurisdiction over the Loop and First Ward area.

He

close contacts 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., Chicago.

92-6054-21 p.1,5,7,8,15,17

(419)

IG 6543-C-TE 1137-8008 advised that during the perioc

9/30/62 through 10/6/62

Gus Alex used to

meet operators of strin

tease joints owned by the "outfit"

at the Villa Vinice (not further

identified) where he held meetings.

Add. info.

137-8008-14 p.5-7,9

(45

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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 à top man.

He was a member of the

"governing board! of the organized criminal ele-

ment and was responsible for the activities within the First Ward.

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.

92-6054-131 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, 1901 to December,

these shows in the Loop area for

the Chicago out-

fit; derivea an income from several strip shows and was an associate of

Louis Arger, a strip and clip joint operator and

"the Mayor of South

Employees of Alex operated and collected profits from these

shows

• in Chicago's first district.

92-6470-1 p.19,20,24,29,35

(42)

CG 6568-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.

122-3106-20 ench. p.1

(45)

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)

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## Page 6

JEK Act 6 (4)

In January, 1964 PCI

(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

(420)

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

oI 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.

162-17-202-15 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.

and dual me were becoming none

It was noted that this motel was owned by tony Smith, a Greek

individual who was well acquainted with Gus Alex. Various other Chicago

becoming more frequent visitors of this motel.

162-4282-17 p.D

(46%

During

September, 1965, LA 4367-C-TE reported his trip to

Chicago with well-known hoodlum attorney Sidney Korshak. During their

Korshak told informant that he met with

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)

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## Page 7

-

eputy bernara Leonara, Lake county Sheritis Orrice, advise

hat on 9/0/05 Joseph Spingola reported that golf equioment had beer

stolen from his car

...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 lus Alex and Jack Cerone, well-known

Chicago hoodlums, and the club was known as a hangout for top Chicago

hoodlums.

92-020-12p.1,3

(44)

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.

(421)

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 Chicago area about 1/9/66, after learningl

Alex contemplated European

travel; however,

was hesitant because of the embarrassment to bim if he

vas forced to return to the Us again departed on 125/00 for an unknown

urned to Chicaro on 2/7/60 an

destination and undetermined length of time.

13756857-93 p-2-5

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.

82-6205-15 p.4

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On 2/15/67 CG 7221-C (137-18150) advised that Gus Alex had

visited Chicago hoodlum Sam Giancana who resided at the Hotel Nationale

in Mexico City, Mexico.

137-18150-1p.3

( 45)

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'

Illinois.

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

(250)

• The following

references in the file captioned "Top Hoodlum

Program"

contain information pertaining to the gambling.

other activities of Gus Alex during the period 1940 to 8/30/67. Alex

ten pertas the

racketeer and

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, Connecticut, NYC and various

US resorts.

He had been investigated by the government

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.

REFERENCE

62-9-308 p.1

-361 p.1

-500

-503

p.2

-513

pol

-519

p.1

-534

p.1

p.1

-537 p.1

-570 encl. p.1

-589 p.2

-592

ench.

p.10

-735 p.1,2

SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER

44*

4-

4-

(4.)

(continued)

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## Page 9

(continued)

REFERENCE

62-9-23-383 p. 56

62-9-26-359 p.15,16

-051X p. 24,29,144

62-9-29-390 p.1

62-9-34-427 p.1

62-9-43-640 p.1

-646 p.1

62-9-48-162 p.4

62-9-65-141 p.23,24

-753 p.3,5

SEARCH SLIP PAGE NUMBER

(181)

18)

18,769

(18%

:(24

(184

18010

118)

During June, 1967 OM 148 C-TE advised that Gus Zapas headed

Incago Can cleaning and Dye House workers, International Union,

and was under the controlof the syndicate through Gus

Alex.; On 9/20/67 CG 6443-CTE advised it was indicated that zapas and

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.

73-5262-60 p. 2-3

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

tempted to obtain a interest 1r

gambling casinos in London, England. Alex was älso known to have been

(continued)

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