Sammy Gravano, also known by his nickname "The Bull," is an Italian-American mobster born on March 12, 1945. He is best known for being a high-ranking member of the Gambino crime family, one of the prominent Mafia groups operating in the United States.
Gravano rose to notoriety as a notorious enforcer and hitman, involved in various criminal activities including murder, drug trafficking, and racketeering. He earned his nickname "The Bull" due to his aggressive and assertive nature in carrying out criminal operations. Gravano's criminal career reached its pinnacle in the 1980s when he became the underboss of the Gambino family, serving directly under notorious mobster John Gotti.
However, in 1991, Gravano made headlines by turning state's witness and cooperating with the government as an informant. This decision, which stunned the criminal underworld, marked a significant turning point in his life and the battle against organized crime. Sammy Gravano became a crucial witness in the federal trial against John Gotti, resulting in Gotti's eventual conviction and life sentence.
Gravano's collaboration with the authorities led to him testifying against numerous fellow mobsters, exposing their criminal activities and providing crucial insights into the inner workings of the Mafia. After cooperating with the government, he entered the Witness Protection Program and relocated to Arizona, adopting a new identity.
Today, Sammy Gravano holds a unique position in the annals of organized crime, as he remains one of the most high-profile mobsters who turned against their criminal associates and cooperated with law enforcement. His actions have significantly impacted the Italian-American Mafia and continue to be a subject of fascination among both law enforcement agencies and the general public.
