by AustraliaSteve » Sun Apr 07, 2024 7:33 am
Anna,
My recent experiences in researching ‘ndrangheta families in Australia has, again, evolved. Not only towards the concept of active networks of ‘ndranghetista in Australia, but also my perception of the individuals who come up in the news.
In Australia, we need to move beyond the Platí-centric narrative of vast empires built on criminal dynasties. At the same time, acknowledging the Platí families as well as looking at the families from Sinopoli, San Luca, Oppido Mamertina. Siderno etc. it’s such a much more nuanced grasp on understanding what gets called ‘ndrangheta in Australia.
Anna, I know all the reporters that contacted you for comment (Drill, Rule and Buttler, and McKenzie.) Here on TBHF, can you share what you initially thought when you heard about the murder, or what you’ve learned about the recent murder of Big John Latorre? Family from Oppido with deep links to the Blonde. Their fathers literally came over together, they go way back. John’s brother Vince, I picked him out of one of the funeral pics. He’s still a big dude, past his prime, but still. A known hitter this guy, nobody is afraid criminological brother Vince wouldn’t kill the people that murdered his older brother…? They say it’s the Young Turks, but these Turks are Elvis Di Pietro and Young Johnny Mads. Staunchly in the Madaferri - Barbaro camp. Plus both Latorre and Madaferri were family to the LoVerde family, they’re seemingly right in the thick of it.
Will we see Vince or another brother murdered soon, like what happened to the Mannella brothers two decades ago?.
Rocco Arico somehow shed his ‘ndrangheta image by becoming involved with the Mokbel and Williams era gangs. But he’s still constantly linked to serious organised crime in Australia. Alvaro cases are winding through circuitous Adelaide court systems. The WA Madafferi and Italiano networks are functional. Warburn Estate and the Real Juice Company. I know a case where an Australian resident was charged, detained and had all family assets frozen, only to be then officially dropped from all charge sheets and later “exonerated” when the case around them became nothing.
In 2024, which clans or groups are you expecting to see activity from? What’s your view on the relationship between Melbourne and West Australian ‘ndrina atm, especially post Latorre murder?
I think I may have discussed a few cases where in early source material, a racial classism construct placed Italian-born Australians in opposition to the hegemony. Post-White Australia policy, the children of migrants were racialized into white. And second and third generations of families built their way into legitimate fortunes. But that’s another subject lol.
I guess what I’m asking Anna is, through a criminological lens, what were the things that stood out to you on your last visit? I know you were focusing on a different project, but what gave you pause for thought in modern Australia? And especially now, with transnational drug networks very much in operation?
Anna,
My recent experiences in researching ‘ndrangheta families in Australia has, again, evolved. Not only towards the [i]concept[/i] of active networks of ‘ndranghetista in Australia, but also my perception of the individuals who come up in the news.
In Australia, we need to move beyond the Platí-centric narrative of vast empires built on criminal dynasties. At the same time, acknowledging the Platí families [i]as well as[/i] looking at the families from Sinopoli, San Luca, Oppido Mamertina. Siderno etc. it’s such a much more [i]nuanced[/i] grasp on understanding what gets called ‘ndrangheta in Australia.
Anna, I know all the reporters that contacted you for comment (Drill, Rule and Buttler, and McKenzie.) Here on TBHF, can you share what you initially thought when you heard about the murder, or what you’ve learned about the recent murder of Big John Latorre? Family from Oppido with deep links to the Blonde. Their fathers literally came over together, they go way back. John’s brother Vince, I picked him out of one of the funeral pics. He’s still a big dude, past his prime, but still. A known hitter this guy, nobody is afraid criminological brother Vince wouldn’t kill the people that murdered his older brother…? They say it’s the Young Turks, but these Turks are Elvis Di Pietro and Young Johnny Mads. Staunchly in the Madaferri - Barbaro camp. Plus both Latorre and Madaferri were family to the LoVerde family, they’re seemingly right in the thick of it.
Will we see Vince or another brother murdered soon, like what happened to the Mannella brothers two decades ago?.
Rocco Arico somehow shed his ‘ndrangheta image by becoming involved with the Mokbel and Williams era gangs. But he’s still constantly linked to serious organised crime in Australia. Alvaro cases are winding through circuitous Adelaide court systems. The WA Madafferi and Italiano networks are functional. Warburn Estate and the Real Juice Company. I know a case where an Australian resident was charged, detained and had all family assets frozen, only to be then officially dropped from all charge sheets and later “exonerated” when the case around them became nothing.
In 2024, which clans or groups are you expecting to see activity from? What’s your view on the relationship between Melbourne and West Australian ‘ndrina atm, especially post Latorre murder?
I think I may have discussed a few cases where in early source material, a racial classism construct placed Italian-born Australians in opposition to the hegemony. Post-White Australia policy, the children of migrants were racialized into white. And second and third generations of families built their way into legitimate fortunes. But that’s another subject lol.
I guess what I’m asking Anna is, through a criminological lens, what were the things that stood out to you on your last visit? I know you were focusing on a different project, but what gave you pause for thought in modern Australia? And especially now, with transnational drug networks very much in operation?