Intro: The Evolution of Covert Operations (1832-1938)
From the early 19th century to the onset of World War II, the dynamics of covert operations and the intersections between intelligence agencies and organized crime saw significant developments. These years laid the groundwork for the complex relationships that would later shape major historical events and covert operations, such as Operation Underworld and Operation Gladio.
1832: Privatization of British Drug Trade
In 1832, the British Empire began privatizing its extensive drug trade. This period marked the transition from direct colonial control to a more privatized and clandestine approach to managing the lucrative opium trade. The British East India Company, which had maintained a near-monopoly on the opium trade in Asia, started winding down its operations, leading to the externalization of black market activities. See Dope Inc.
Late 19th Century: The End of the East India Company
By the late 19th century, the East India Company had fully dissolved, and the British government had to find new ways to maintain influence and control over the global drug trade. This period saw the rise of private enterprises and secret agreements that perpetuated the illicit drug markets, which would later be instrumental in funding covert operations. See Dope Inc.
Early 20th Century: Prelude to Global Conflict
As the 20th century dawned, the geopolitical landscape was increasingly volatile, setting the stage for World War I and its aftermath. Intelligence agencies began to form and evolve, focusing not only on traditional espionage but also on manipulating black markets and covert operations to achieve political and military goals.
1930s: Rise of Organized Crime and Intelligence Collaboration
During the 1930s, organized crime syndicates, particularly in the United States and Europe, gained substantial power and influence. The Mafia, under leaders like Lucky Luciano, established extensive networks for illegal activities, including drug trafficking. These syndicates operated with a high degree of organization, logistics, and security, making them attractive partners for intelligence agencies.
1942-1945: Operation Underworld
In the early 1940s, the U.S. government initiated Operation Underworld, a collaboration with the Italian-American Mafia and Jewish organized crime figures. This operation aimed to counter Axis spies and saboteurs along the U.S. northeastern seaboard ports, prevent wartime labor strikes and limit theft by black marketeers of vital war supplies and equipment. Triggered by the suspicious fire and sinking of the SS Normandie in 1942, Operation Underworld saw figures like Mafia boss Lucky Luciano cooperate with U.S. Naval Intelligence. Luciano provided critical intelligence and influence over the docks, which helped to secure the ports and assist in the Allied invasion of Sicily during Operation Husky. In exchange, Luciano received a reduction in his prison sentence and was eventually deported to Italy. See One Nation Under Blackmail.
1938: Operation Underworld Initiates
Operation Underworld's initiation in 1942 marked the formal collaboration between U.S. intelligence and organized crime figures. This operation was significant in securing American ports during World War II and in facilitating the Allied invasion of Sicily by leveraging the Mafia’s influence and resources.
This period from 1832 to 1938 set the stage for the intertwining of intelligence operations and organized crime that would become prominent in the mid-20th century, particularly during and after World War II. The privatization of the drug trade, the dissolution of colonial monopolies, and the rise of organized crime provided the tools and networks that intelligence agencies would exploit in their covert operations. See One Nation Under Blackmail.
Operation Gladio: How The Mob Financed The CIA's Secret Army
This video provides a comprehensive look at Operation Gladio, a clandestine operation involving the CIA, Mafia, and former Nazis to counter Soviet influence during the Cold War. The operation utilized illegal drug money and engaged in various covert activities to achieve its objectives.
📅 Historical Context (00:00 - 03:39)
In 1948, the streets of major American cities saw a significant rise in heroin supply. Harry Anslinger, the Commissioner of Federal Narcotics, discovered that Lucky Luciano, the head of the Mafia's national crime syndicate, was responsible for this influx. Luciano was caught preparing a large shipment of heroin in Sicily, but local police refused to arrest him. Anslinger’s call to the US Embassy revealed that Luciano was working for the CIA. This marked the beginning of a complex relationship between the Mafia and the CIA. See Operation Gladio and NATOs Secret Armies.
Quote: "Lucky Luciano, one of the world's most notorious crime bosses, was working for the CIA." (01:15)
🌍 Post-WWII Division and the Rise of the Cold War (03:39 - 05:06)
After WWII, Europe was divided, with the Western Allies controlling West Germany and the Soviets holding the East. The Soviet Union, having suffered massive losses, established satellite states and sought to expand further. This led to the Cold War, where the Allies needed a plan to contain Soviet expansion. Alan Dulles of the CIA proposed using former Nazis to create secret armies trained in guerrilla warfare and sabotage.
Quote: "Nazis... Oh great, what could possibly go wrong?" (05:44)
🧪 Operation Paperclip and Nazi Collaboration (05:44 - 07:37)
Operation Paperclip was a covert US intelligence program that brought Nazi scientists, engineers, and technicians to America after WWII. These individuals, implicated in war crimes, were recruited by the CIA to work on various projects. Dr. Kurt Blome, Dr. Eric Traub, Arthur Rudolph, Walter Dornberger, and Wernher von Braun were among those who transitioned from working on Nazi projects to contributing to US initiatives, including NASA and biowarfare programs.
Key Point: Nazi scientists were integrated into US projects despite their war crime backgrounds.
💉 Drug Money Funding (10:03 - 14:24)
Operation Gladio required substantial funding, which was sourced through illegal drug trafficking. The CIA, through Colonel Paul Helliwell, smuggled opium into China and heroin into the US using airlines like Air America. The Mafia, with its established network and logistics, became a key partner in distributing these drugs across American cities. Jimmy Hoffa and the Teamsters played a role in moving the drugs around the country. See Operation Gladio and NATOs Secret Armies.
Quote: "The CIA found its perfect partner in crime: they'd use the Mafia." (12:27)
🏦 Vatican Bank and Money Laundering (14:58 - 16:46)
The Vatican Bank was crucial for laundering the drug money. Founded in 1942, it only accepted deposits from top church officials and was not subject to international laws, reporting only to the Pope. This secrecy made it an ideal partner for the CIA's covert financial operations. Millions of dollars in cash were sent to the Vatican to fund Operation Gladio. See Operation Gladio and NATOs Secret Armies.
Quote: "The Vatican Bank isn't subject to international law; it doesn't report to any agency or government, only to the Pope." (14:58)
🗳 Psychological Warfare and Elections (16:46 - 18:09)
Operation Gladio launched in 1948, just in time for Italy's national election. The CIA used psychological warfare to create fear of a communist takeover, influencing the election outcome. The operation aimed to destabilize the political environment and prevent communists from gaining power through democratic means. See Operation Gladio and NATOs Secret Armies.
Key Point: Psychological warfare was a primary tactic used to manipulate public opinion and election outcomes.
💣 Years of Lead and False Flag Operations (18:09 - 22:19)
Italy entered the Years of Lead, a period of intense political and social turmoil characterized by bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. False flag operations were conducted by Gladio operatives, who committed acts of violence and blamed communists. Notable incidents included the 1969 bombing at Milan's National Agrarian Bank and the 1972 Red Brigades car bomb in Pano. See Operation Gladio and NATOs Secret Armies.
Quote: "False flag operations were conducted where civilians were killed intentionally and Communists were blamed." (22:19)
🕵️♂️ Investigations and Exposures (20:40 - 22:19)
Judge Felice Cassone’s investigation revealed state-sponsored terrorism linked to Operation Gladio. He uncovered that military explosives were used in bombings blamed on communists and that Italian Military Intelligence was involved. Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti eventually confirmed the existence of Gladio under political pressure in 1990. See Operation Gladio and NATOs Secret Armies.
Key Point: Operation Gladio was publicly confirmed in 1990, leading to widespread controversy.
📉 Decline of the Soviet Union (27:31 - 28:48)
Despite the supposed Soviet threat, the Soviet Union was experiencing significant internal problems, including economic stagnation and food shortages. The CIA’s portrayal of Soviet strength and aggression was exaggerated to justify increased military spending and intelligence operations.
Quote: "Throughout the entire Cold War, American military contractors got wealthy and intelligence agencies grew powerful protecting us from a country that was going bankrupt." (27:31)
📜 Cold War Legacy and CIA Controversies (28:48 - 32:29)
Operation Gladio remained funded until it was exposed in 1990, even as the Soviet Union dissolved. The video questions the CIA’s role in drug trafficking, referencing journalist Gary Webb’s investigations and official reports that acknowledged the CIA’s association with known drug traffickers. The legacy of Gladio highlights the use of illegal activities and covert operations during the Cold War.
Quote: "The CIA has been dealing drugs throughout the world and bringing drugs into this country since the Vietnam War." (30:02)
🚨 Warnings and Reflections (32:29 - 34:09)
The video concludes with reflections on warnings by President Eisenhower about the military-industrial complex and JFK’s concerns about the growing power of intelligence agencies. The assassinations of JFK and RFK are discussed in the context of CIA and Mafia involvement theories, highlighting the dangerous intersection of organized crime and intelligence operations.
Quote: "Eisenhower warned us about the military-industrial complex. He said if we let defense companies become too powerful, they'll undermine democracy." (32:29)
FAQs
What was Operation Gladio?
Operation Gladio was a covert NATO operation initiated during the Cold War, involving the CIA, Mafia, and former Nazis to counter Soviet influence in Europe. It included training paramilitary groups for sabotage, propaganda, and guerrilla warfare. (00:00, 05:44, 10:03)
How did the CIA fund Operation Gladio?
The CIA funded Operation Gladio primarily through drug money, particularly heroin and cocaine. They collaborated with the Mafia to distribute these drugs and launder the profits through the Vatican Bank. (12:27, 14:58, 16:46)
What role did the Mafia play in Operation Gladio?
The Mafia played a crucial role in distributing drugs across American cities and laundering money. They had the logistics, security, and network needed for large-scale drug trafficking and financial transactions. (12:27, 14:58)
Why was the Vatican Bank involved in Operation Gladio?
The Vatican Bank provided a secretive and unregulated financial channel to launder drug money for Operation Gladio. It was not subject to international laws and only reported to the Pope, making it an ideal partner for covert financial operations. (14:58)
What were the false flag operations in Operation Gladio?
False flag operations involved acts of terrorism and violence staged by Gladio operatives but blamed on communist groups. These actions aimed to create fear and discredit the communists, influencing public opinion and political outcomes. (18:09, 20:40, 22:19)
What was the impact of Operation Gladio on Italy?
Operation Gladio significantly impacted Italy by preventing communist electoral victories through violence, propaganda, and psychological warfare. The operation was active during critical periods, including the 1948 national elections and the Years of Lead (1970s-1980s). (10:03, 16:46, 18:09)
Did the CIA admit to its involvement in drug trafficking for Operation Gladio?
The CIA has never officially admitted to involvement in drug trafficking. However, investigations and declassified documents suggest that the CIA overlooked or collaborated with known drug traffickers to fund anti-communist operations. (28:48, 30:02)
What were the Years of Lead in Italy?
The Years of Lead (1969-1980s) were a period of widespread social and political turmoil in Italy, marked by numerous bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. Both far-left and far-right groups committed acts of violence, with Operation Gladio operatives often involved. (18:09, 20:40)
How was Operation Gladio exposed?
Operation Gladio was exposed in 1990 when Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti confirmed its existence under political pressure. This revelation led to investigations and widespread controversy, though many details remain classified. (22:19)
What is the legacy of Operation Gladio?
The legacy of Operation Gladio is one of controversy and secrecy. It highlights the extent of covert operations during the Cold War, the use of illegal activities to combat communism, and the complex relationships between intelligence agencies, organized crime, and political entities. (28:48, 32:29)
Expanded Timeline of Important Events in Operation Gladio (with Timestamps)
1948:
Rise in Heroin Supply: The streets of every major city in America saw a huge and sudden rise in the heroin supply. Harry Anslinger, the commissioner of federal narcotics, discovers that Lucky Luciano, head of the mafia's national crime syndicate, was behind it. (00:00)
Luciano's Shipment: Luciano was caught preparing a half-ton shipment of heroin heading to New York City by way of Havana. However, local police in Sicily, under pressure from the US government, refused to arrest him. (00:45)
Luciano and the CIA: Luciano, one of the world’s most notorious crime bosses, was revealed to be working for the CIA. (01:15)
Post-WWII:
Division of Europe: Europe was divided between Western allies and Soviet-controlled regions, leading to the beginning of the Cold War. (03:39)
OSS to CIA: Alan Dulles, previously the OSS station chief in Switzerland, became a key figure in the newly formed CIA, focusing on using all tools available to fight communism. (05:06)
1947:
Communists in Italy: Communists were winning local elections throughout Italy, raising fears of a communist victory in the upcoming national elections. (10:03)
1948:
Launch of Operation Gladio: The CIA, with help from the Vatican and the Mafia, launched Operation Gladio just in time for Italy's national election. This operation aimed to prevent a communist victory through psychological warfare, propaganda, and acts of violence. (16:46)
Psychological Warfare: The CIA used psychological warfare to create fear of a communist takeover, which helped to defeat the Communist Party in the national elections. (16:46)
1969:
Milan Bombing: A bomb exploded at Milan’s National Agrarian Bank, killing 17 and injuring 88. Anarchists were initially blamed, but it was later linked to Operation Gladio operatives. (18:09)
1972:
Red Brigades Car Bomb: The Red Brigades, a communist group, rigged a car bomb in Pano, killing three police officers. This was part of a broader wave of violence known as the Years of Lead. (18:09)
1978:
Aldo Moro Kidnapping and Murder: Aldo Moro, a five-term Prime Minister, was kidnapped and later murdered by the Red Brigades. His death thwarted his plan to include the Communist Party in the government, known as the historic compromise. (18:52)
1979:
Mino Pecorelli’s Murder: Journalist Mino Pecorelli, who had investigated and published theories about Andreotti's connections to the Mafia and the CIA, was found dead in his car. (19:56)
1984:
Judge Felice Cassone’s Investigation: Cassone investigated bombings and uncovered a disturbing pattern of state-sponsored terrorism linked to Operation Gladio. He discovered that military explosives like C4 were used, and that these attacks were conducted by groups working for Italian Military Intelligence. (20:40)
Confession of Vincenzo Vinciguerra: Vinciguerra confessed to the PEDAO bombing and revealed that his group was armed and trained by Italian Military Intelligence, under orders to cause disruption and frame communists. (20:40)
1990:
Andreotti’s Confirmation: Under political pressure, Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti confirmed the existence of Operation Gladio and its operations throughout Europe. This revelation led to widespread controversy and calls for further investigation. (22:19)
1991:
Dissolution of the USSR: The USSR officially dissolved, marking the end of the Soviet Union. Despite this, Operation Gladio continued to receive funding until its exposure. (28:04)
1996:
Gary Webb’s Investigation: Journalist Gary Webb linked the CIA to the Nicaraguan Contras’ trafficking of cocaine into the US to fund their operations. This brought renewed scrutiny on the CIA’s involvement in drug trafficking. (29:25)
1998:
Official Report on Drug Trafficking: An official report acknowledged that the CIA had worked with individuals known to be involved in drug trafficking but did not find conclusive evidence that the CIA itself facilitated or condoned these activities. This report was conducted by the CIA itself, leading to skepticism about its findings. (30:02)
Key People in Operation Gladio and Their Roles (with Timestamps)
Harry Anslinger: Commissioner of Federal Narcotics; discovered Lucky Luciano’s involvement in heroin trafficking. (00:00, 00:45)
Lucky Luciano: Head of the Mafia's national crime syndicate; collaborated with the CIA to distribute heroin. (00:00, 00:45, 01:15)
Alan Dulles: CIA director; instrumental in using former Nazis and establishing secret armies for Operation Gladio. (05:06, 08:49)
Dr. Kurt Blome: Nazi biowarfare expert; worked for the CIA under Operation Paperclip after WWII. (06:25)
Dr. Eric Traub: Nazi bioweapons designer; helped establish the germ warfare lab on Plum Island, New York. (07:03)
Arthur Rudolph, Walter Dornberger, and Wernher von Braun: Developed V2 rockets for Nazis; later worked for NASA. (07:03)
General Reinhard Gehlen: Hitler's intelligence chief for the Eastern Front; worked with the CIA to stop Soviet aggression. (07:37, 08:11)
Colonel Paul Helliwell: CIA officer; facilitated the smuggling of opium to fund Operation Gladio. (11:20)
Jimmy Hoffa: Head of the Teamsters; helped distribute heroin within the US. (14:24)
Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti: Italian Prime Minister; involved in the cover-up of Operation Gladio and linked to the Sicilian Mafia. (18:52, 22:19)
Aldo Moro: Five-term Prime Minister of Italy; kidnapped and murdered by the Red Brigades. (18:52)
Mino Pecorelli: Journalist who investigated the connections between the Mafia, CIA, and the death of Aldo Moro; murdered in 1979. (19:56)
Judge Felice Cassone: Investigated Operation Gladio and uncovered state-sponsored terrorism. (20:40)
Robert Bonner: Head of the DEA; blamed the CIA for smuggling a ton of cocaine into the US. (30:35)
President Dwight D. Eisenhower: Warned about the military-industrial complex and the potential for intelligence agencies to undermine democracy. (32:29)
President John F. Kennedy (JFK): Signed off on the Bay of Pigs invasion; believed the CIA needed reform. (33:35)
Robert F. Kennedy (RFK): JFK's brother, Attorney General; fought organized crime and pledged to reopen the investigation into JFK's assassination. (34:09)
Quotes
"The man bringing in the heroin is the head of the mafia's national crime syndicate, Lucky Luciano." (00:00)
"Lucky Luciano, one of the world's most notorious crime bosses, was working for the CIA." (01:15)
"Nazis... Oh great, what could possibly go wrong?" (05:44)
"Operation Paperclip was a covert US intelligence program that brought Nazi scientists, engineers, and technicians to America after World War II." (05:44)
"The CIA would use Operation Gladio to create fear and instability in Italy." (10:03)
"The Vatican Bank was perfect for laundering drug money." (14:58)
"The CIA found its perfect partner in crime: they'd use the Mafia." (12:27)
"The Vatican Bank isn't subject to international law; it doesn't report to any agency or government, only to the Pope." (14:58)
"Operation Gladio launched in 1948 just in time for Italy's national election." (16:46)
"False flag operations were conducted where civilians were killed intentionally and Communists were blamed." (22:19)
"Throughout the entire Cold War, American military contractors got wealthy and intelligence agencies grew powerful protecting us from a country that was going bankrupt." (27:31)
"Despite the exposure, many aspects of Operation Gladio remain classified, and the CIA has not confirmed its involvement in drug trafficking." (28:48)
"Investigations and declassified documents show they did. The Vatican and CIA haven't confirmed any financial arrangement, but there's a lot of indirect evidence." (30:02)
"If you ask the question, 'Did the CIA sell drugs in the black neighborhoods of Los Angeles to finance the Contra War?' the answer will be a categorical no." (31:14)
"What we have evidence of is that policymakers absolutely closed their eyes to the criminal behavior of our allies and supporters in that war." (31:14)
"Eisenhower warned us about the military-industrial complex. He said if we let defense companies become too powerful, they'll undermine democracy." (32:29)
"JFK signed off on the CIA's plan to overthrow Cuba's government. The Bay of Pigs invasion was a disaster." (33:35)
"JFK started to believe that maybe the CIA was doing more harm than good and needed to be reformed or even dismantled." (33:35)
"The CIA has been dealing drugs throughout the world and bringing drugs into this country since the Vietnam War." (30:02)
"In 1991, the USSR was officially dissolved. How did the US respond? It increased its military spending by 12%." (28:48)