Meyer Lansky, a poor Russian immigrant, became a key figure in organized crime. A savvy businessman, he gained respect from 'Lucky' Luciano after refusing to pay a street thug. Alongside Luciano and 'Bugsy' Siegel, he overthrew New York's old Mob and expanded gambling to Miami and Cuba. However, after Castro took over, Lansky faced U.S. Customs harassment and was deported from Israel back to the U.S.