# FBI memorandum, A. Rosen to E. A. Tamm, 10 February 1947: Luciano found in Havana, 'allegedly backing gambling at the local race track and National Casino'

Canonical: https://mobfiles.org/items/fbi-vault-luciano-p01-1947-02-10-rosen-memo-luciano-in-havana/

A headquarters memorandum reports that Luciano has been identified in Havana, where 'he is allegedly backing gambling at the local race track and National Casino,' that he 'reportedly secured a Cuban visa through Dr. Indalecio Pertierra, Cuban Congressman,' and that the Cuban Secret Police were questioning him that day.

Viewer pages 201 and 202 of Part 01 hold a memorandum of 10 February 1947 from A. Rosen to E. A. Tamm at FBI headquarters. Its stated purpose: "To advise that 'Lucky' Luciano has been identified" (the identifier is redacted) "in Havana, Cuba where he is allegedly backing gambling at the local race track and National Casino. Subject reportedly secured a Cuban visa through Dr. Indalecio Pertierra, Cuban Congressman. Subject is being questioned today by Cuban Secret Police."

The background section repeats his 1936 conviction, Governor Dewey's parole of 3 January 1946 "on the express condition that Luciano be deported," and his departure on the Laura Keene in February 1946. It says reports had placed him in Mexico, Los Angeles and Havana, each negative until a confidential informant reported him in Havana and said "that Siegel planned to visit Luciano in Havana during the latter part of January, 1947." Page 202 adds that he was "going under the name of Salvatore Luciano," and that Pertierra "also has a financial interest in the local race track and National Casino."

"Allegedly" and "reportedly" are the memo's words. The informant's report about Siegel is a plan, not an observed visit; the FBI's [March 1947 report](/items/fbi-vault-luciano-p01-1947-03-22-fox-report-arrest-deportation/) records that Luciano himself said Siegel had visited him in Cuba.

## Sources

- FBI Records: The Vault, Charles (Lucky) Luciano / Salvatore Lucania, Part 01: https://vault.fbi.gov/charles-lucky-luciano-salvatore-lucania/Charles%20%28Lucky%29%20Luciano%20-%20Salvatore%20Lucania%20Part%2001/view