Mafia, 1946 Havana Conference. <br />The 1946 Havana Conference was a pivotal December 22–26 summit of U.S. Mafia leaders, convened by Charles "Lucky" Luciano at the Hotel Nacional in Cuba. It solidified the Mafia's control over gambling and narcotics trafficking in Havana, reinforced Luciano’s leadership, and addressed the handling of Bugsy Siegel’s failing Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas. <br /><br />- Key Organizer: Charles "Lucky" Luciano, who was in exile after being released from prison on the condition he leave the U.S.. <br /><br />- Significance: Considered the most important organized crime summit since the 1929 Atlantic City Conference, strengthening the National Crime Syndicate's postwar strategies. <br /><br />- Key Issues Discussed:Cuba Expansion: Expanding illegal casino and hotel operations to turn Havana into a major gambling hub with the support of Cuban leadership. <br /><br />- Narcotics Trade: Controlling the heroin and cocaine trade routes passing through Cuba to
