Definition
Anthony Graziano (January 12, 1940 – August 25, 2019) was an American organized‑crime figure who served as a caporegime (captain) in the Gambino crime family, one of New York City’s five major Mafia families.
Overview
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Graziano entered the criminal underworld in the 1960s, eventually rising through the ranks of the Gambino family. He was reputed to control several lucrative rackets, including construction and waste‑management businesses, and was involved in extortion, loan‑sharking, and illegal gambling. In 1990, Graziano was convicted of racketeering and sentenced to 5½ years in federal prison. He was released in 1994 and later became a cooperating witness, providing limited information to authorities. In 2018, he was again indicted on racketeering and fraud charges related to a scheme involving a fake cryptocurrency investment platform; he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 11 years in prison. Graziano died in 2019 while serving his sentence at a federal prison in Texas.
Etymology / Origin
The surname Graziano is of Italian origin, derived from the medieval given name Graziano, which itself stems from the Latin Graziānus meaning “graceful” or “full of grace.” The name is common in Southern Italy, particularly in the regions of Campania and Sicily, and was brought to the United States by Italian immigrants in the early 20th century.
Characteristics
- Criminal Role: Caporegime in the Gambino family, overseeing crews that managed extortion, loan‑sharking, and construction‑related rackets.
- Legal History: Convicted of racketeering (1990) and later of fraud and racketeering related to cryptocurrency (2018).
- Business Activities: Operated legitimate‑front businesses, notably a construction firm and a waste‑management company, which were used to launder illicit proceeds.
- Public Profile: Frequently mentioned in federal indictments and media reports on organized crime; known for the nickname “Tony” or “Tino” within the mob community.
- Family Connections: Son of Anthony “Tony” Graziano Sr., also involved in organized crime; his children have occasionally been cited in legal proceedings related to the family’s activities.
Related Topics
- Gambino crime family
- Organized crime in the United States
- Racketeering (RICO Act)
- Mafia hierarchy (boss, underboss, caporegime, soldier)
- Federal investigations of the New York Mafia
- Cryptocurrency fraud cases involving organized‑crime figures