Omaha, Nebraska, might not be the first city you think of when it comes to organized crime, but the truth is far more intriguing. For decades, a network of hoodlums, gamblers, and racketeers ran the city’s underworld with the guidance of two enigmatic figures: Benny Barone, known as “Benny the Blimp,” and Anthony DeBiase, aka “Tony Biase.”
While not officially “made men,” these two wielded immense influence over a sprawling criminal network that stretched from Nebraska to New York and beyond. From bootlegging to gambling and even narcotics trafficking, this loosely organized mob mirrored the operations of larger Mafia outfits. With connections to major mob families across the country, they built an empire that thrived for decades.
This article doesn’t just delve into Omaha’s forgotten underworld — it reveals the names and roles of 102 hoodlums who were part of the city’s criminal network, detailing their activities and connections like never before.
