Sep 3, 2008 6:30 pm US/Eastern
Bulger Reward Money Doubled
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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1994 photos of Whitey Bulger.
FBI/Getty Images
The FBI is upping the stakes in their search for the elusive
James "Whitey" Bulger on his 79th birthday.
Federal officials, along with the Mass. State Police and the Mass. Department of Corrections announced Wednesday they are now offering a $2 million reward for information leading directly to the arrest of Bulger.
The reputed mob boss of the Winter Hill Gang and former FBI informant has been on the run since 1995 when he
fled just before his federal indictment. Bulger is wanted in connection with 19 murders.
The $2 million reward is double what officials were offering for years. Bulger is on the FBI's "
Ten Most Wanted" list.
Officials said they hope the increased reward will generate publicity around the world.
Retired FBI agent John Gamel followed Bulger for nine years. His work led to the indictment that made him run.
"He's a smart guy," Gamel said. "He has a lot of resources, reads a lot. He's detail-oriented and he doesn't do the same thing twice."
Gamel added, "The people who have knowledge of where he might be or his source of income -- I don't think $2 million will be enough for them."
There have been several look-alike sightings of Bulger, including a couple spotted in Italy last year.
Gamel said despite the FBI's effort to catch the fugitive, he believes Bulger won't change his tactics.
"I don't think he changes at all," he said. "I think he knows what he's doing. He's successful at it so he'll keep on doing it."
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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