New Bulger Photos Released; Reward Hiked

BOSTON -- It has now been more than a decade since reputed Boston mobster James 'Whitey' Bulger fled after learning he was about to be indicted on racketeering charges and lawmen said Wednesday they're upping the stakes in order to capture him.

FBI Increases Reward For 'Whitey' Bulger

The FBI, together with the State Police and the U.S. Attorney's office announced they are increasing from $1 million to $2 million the reward for information leading to Bulger's capture. He remains on the FBI's "Most Wanted" list.

"The $2 million dollar reward is yet another way to increase awareness and visibility of Bulger's photo and to encourage anyone who might have information to come forward," said U.S. Attorney Michael Sullivan.

The FBI also released new "age-enhanced" photos which the bureau said could depict what Bulger looks like today.

"Every time his photo is seen, another set of eyes are engaged to try and find him. I am confident that he will be captured," said FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Warren Bamford.

Bulger, whose 79th birthday is Sept. 3, was once the reputed head of Boston's notorious Irish "Winter Hill Gang," and has been charged in 19 murders.

At the time Bulger was allegedly involved in organized crime activities he was also an FBI informant, tipping Boston agents on the activities of the New England Mafia, which the bureau had targeted.

Authorities said he fled the area with his girlfriend, Catherine Greig, in 1995, after his FBI handler tipped him off that he was about to be indicted

That former agent, John Connolly Jr., is serving a 10-year prison sentence.

"Bulger and Greig are known to be fond of animals. During their travels, Bulger and Greig have been known to befriend individuals who have dogs," the FBI said in a statement.

Bulger apparently planned for a life on the run by leaving cash in safe deposit boxes around the world.

The FBI said Bulger's last confirmed sighting was in London in September 2002.