Federal prosecutors disclose dramatic details of 1978 Lufthansa robbery

ChannelMix 2015-05-29

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The Bonanno gangster charged with the infamous 1978 Lufthansa robbery allegedly blew his nearly $1 million share of the loot gambling at the racetrack, the Daily News has learned.

Federal prosecutors, in their most detailed disclosure to date about evidence against reputed capo Vincent Asaro, have revealed stunning secrets in the long-unsolved airport heist.

The feds have lined up an impressive roster of rats with knowledge of Asaro’s participation in the Lufthansa heist — immortalized in the classic film “Goodfellas.”Former Bonanno boss Joseph Massino will testify that he was Asaro’s captain at the time and was given by Asaro an attaché case filled with gold and jewelry as tribute. Asaro’s cousin, Gaspare Valenti, also participated in the robbery and recently wore a wire to nail Asaro for the government.

Ex-Bonanno underboss Salvatore Vitale will testify that he saw Massino, his brother-in-law, sorting through the jewelry and was given a gold chain from the airport booty.

Former Gambino associate Anthony Ruggiano Jr., will testify that his father, the late John Gotti crew member Anthony (Fat Andy) Ruggiano, helped Asaro and Burke fence the stolen jewelry.

The $6 million robbery left a trail of bodies in its wake.

Two months after the holdup, Richard Eaton was strangled by Lufthansa mastermind James (Jimmy the Gent) Burke over a drug deal financed by a portion of the proceeds from the heist, according to court papers.

Asaro delivered Easton’s body to a cousin’s house and told him to borrow a neighbor’s backhoe to dig a grave.

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