Born in Italy, he moved with his family to the United States as a child. As a youth he joined New York City gangs. Working with Charlie "Lucky" Luciano, Costello was involved in bootlegging operations during Prohibition. In 1929 they joined the National Crime Syndicate. From 1937, Costello was acting boss of the Luciano crime family. In the 1950s, he spent several years in prison for tax evasion. Costello retired in 1957 after he had survived an assassination attempt ordered by Vito Genovese.
Born in Italy he moved with his family to the United States as a child As a youth he joined New York City gangs Working with Charlie "Lucky" Luciano Costello was involved in bootlegging operations during Prohibition In 1929 they joined the National Crime Syndicate From 1937 Costello was acting boss of the Luciano crime family In the 1950s he spent several years in prison for tax evasion Costello retired in 1957 after he had survived an assassination attempt ordered by Vito Genovese