Infamous mob boss James “Whitey” Bulger,  who had been a member of the FBI’s Top 10 Most Wanted list and on the run for more than 16 years, was taken into police custody in Santa Monica, California on Wednesday, according to the FBI.

Whitey Bulger
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Bulger, 81, who was the leader of Boston’s Winter Hill Gang, was wanted in connection with 19 murders and numerous other crimes, including extortion, conspiracy, money laundering and narcotics distribution.

Bulger was the inspiration for the 2006 Martin Scorsese film, ‘The Departed,’ starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Matt Damon and Jack Nicholson.

Bugler was arrested at a California home along with his longtime girlfriend, Catherine Elizabeth Greig, who had been wanted for harboring him, CNN reported.

In its description of him in the Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitives list, the FBI wrote, “Bulger is being sought for his role in numerous murders committed from the early 1970s through the mid-1980s in connection with his leadership of an organized crime group that allegedly controlled extortion, drug deals, and other illegal activities in the Boston, Massachusetts, area. He has a violent temper and is known to carry a knife at all times.”

The FBI had offered a $2 million reward for information leading to Bulger’s capture.

Federal authorities credit a new publicity campaign for the fugitive’s capture and said on Tuesday, a 30-second public service announcement, focusing on Grieg, began airing in 14 US cities.

Bulger is expected to appear in court on Thursday.

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