Mafia Wars Beat the Feds event: Ten days and counting to beat these four bosses

Update (9:50 p.m.) : Looks like Beat the Feds challenge is back in action, though many players are reporting that the experience is still proving to be buggy. How is it working for you?

Update: (5:30 p.m.) A Mafia Wars community manager says the release was 'slowed down' as they resolve the problem. More here.

Update (5 p.m. ): Annnd.. It's gone. Beat the Feds has disappeared with no explanation.

Update (4:30 p.m.):It's here! More info at the end of this article.

Update (4:15 p.m.): Watched the clock countdown to zero and still don't see the challenge. Anyone else?

Update (2:30 p.m.): Beat the Feds countdown has now been added to the game (see below)-- looks like this new challenge will officially kick off at 4 p.m. EST.

Many mafiosos may remember that a Beat the Feds job made a brief appearance before, but was yanked before many could complete the job. Looks like everyone's getting a second chance to test their mafia's mettle with a new Mafia Wars Beat the Feds event that kicks off Friday, August 13.

Over the next 10 days, you and your pals will be tasked with beating down these four feds. These guys are going to be tough so be sure to stock up on shivs, stun guns and health kits before you head into battle. (Is it just me or does the fed on the lower right look more like an angry bum than a government employee? I digress.) Of course, you will be rewarded for your efforts, see more after the jump.