Offshore Vegas

About the Book

Most people have heard of Fidel Castro, but what was Cuba like before Castro? Who was Fulgencio Batista? How did he gain control of the country and why did he need to be replaced? What created the conditions under which someone like Castro was able to gain – and maintain the support of the people?

This book offers a surprising answer: The mob.

Inside this book, you will discover how Batista's friendship with Meyer Lansky allowed the Mafia to become dollar for dollar partners with the Cuban government in the casino hotel industry. This industry came to dominate the Cuban economy in the 1950's, and sowed the seeds of revolution.

Finally, you will learn what life was like for Cubans who lived through these times as they explain in their own words how events caused them to either flee – or join the revolution.

About the Author

Peter D. Russo traveled to Cuba in 2001, where he experienced Cuban history firsthand. He has conducted many interviews with people who lived in Cuba in the 1950?s, and several of the interviews are part of this book. Mr. Russo has been a lifelong student of the mob?s influence on legitimate government and business. He lives in New Jersey where he runs his own law office. This is his first book.

John H. Esperian also traveled to Cuba in 2001, and again in 2003 where he continued research for this book. Mr. Esperian is a professor of English at the Community College of Southern Nevada. He lives in Las Vegas with his wife, and has published several articles locally concerning the subject matter of this book.