the Australian lawyer Joe Acquaro who represented many of the Calabrian figures did provide information to the police before his murder according to the article below.
https://www.theage.com.au/national/vict ... 56v72.html
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davidf1989
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
The last guy involved in a record Australian ecstasy bust has been arrested in North Eastern Australia after over a decade on the run. Graham Potter was named in the investigation that saw Pasquale Barbaro sentenced to life in prison for drug trafficking. Barbaro is the son of Francesco “Little Trees” Barbaro, named in the historic Woodward Commission as a person of interest in the Donald Mackay murder.
Pasquale Barbaro traveled back and forth between Calabria sourcing the drugs that were eventually seized by the AFP.
Barbaro met Potter in prison while serving time for drug trafficking and murder, respectively. After release, he linked up with Barbaro and served as an underling involved in two murder conspiracies.
Graham Potter arrested after 12 years on the run[\b]
Incredible footage shows the moment Graham Potter was arrested after more than a decade on the run as the nation’s most wanted man.
Duncan Murray
less than 2 min read
February 21, 2022 - 8:21PM
NCA NewsWire
Graham Gene Potter, who is wanted on a Victorian warrant for conspiracy to murder since 2010, has been arrested in Ravenshoe in Far North Queensland this morning.
Graham Potter has finally been arrested after spending 12 years on the run as Australia’s most wanted man.
Potter, 64, disappeared in 2010 when he was due to appear in Melbourne’s Magistrate Court, charged with plotting murders.
He is alleged to have been planning to kill two people and was also wanted over his purported involvement in a 4.4 tonne, $440m ecstasy haul.
Potter was arrested early Monday morning at a house in the Far North Queensland town of Ravenshoe, roughly 40km south west of Cairns.
In vision released by police, the 64-year-old was seen on a bed in a squalid shack before he is handcuffed and taken into custody.
“This is the police. Do not move,” one officer was heard shouting at Mr Potter.
“Put your hands where I can see them.”
Potter was arrested on Monday in Far North Queensland after police received a tip off about his whereabouts.
Potter was arrested on Monday in Far North Queensland after police received a tip off about his whereabouts.
He had been on the run from police for more than a decade.
He had been on the run from police for more than a decade.
Potter allegedly evaded capture for more than a decade by changing his appearance and identity, including wearing fat suits and wigs, and befriending elderly women for accommodation.
Graham Gene Potter, 64, one of Australia's most wanted alleged fugitives has been arrested. Picture: QLD Police
Graham Gene Potter, 64, one of Australia's most wanted alleged fugitives has been arrested. Picture: QLD Police
“Over that period of time, a significant amount of law enforcement agencies right across Australia had been involved in the hunt for [Potter],” Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said.
Potter is alleged to have been planning to kill two people and was also wanted over his purported involvement in a 4.4 tonne, $440m ecstasy haul.
Potter is alleged to have been planning to kill two people and was also wanted over his purported involvement in a 4.4 tonne, $440m ecstasy haul.
Queensland police received reports of possible sightings of Potter in 2011 in the Queensland town of Tully - just 50km from where he was arrested on Monday.
He managed to escape from police despite being pulled over in a routine traffic stop.
At the time, police uncovered a campsite believed to have been used by Potter, allegedly finding knives and letters detailing how he planned to stay hidden and intentions to murder anyone who identified him.
Victorian Police will travel to Queensland to seek Potter’s extradition.
He is expected to appear before Mareeba Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
Pasquale Barbaro traveled back and forth between Calabria sourcing the drugs that were eventually seized by the AFP.
Barbaro met Potter in prison while serving time for drug trafficking and murder, respectively. After release, he linked up with Barbaro and served as an underling involved in two murder conspiracies.
Graham Potter arrested after 12 years on the run[\b]
Incredible footage shows the moment Graham Potter was arrested after more than a decade on the run as the nation’s most wanted man.
Duncan Murray
less than 2 min read
February 21, 2022 - 8:21PM
NCA NewsWire
Graham Gene Potter, who is wanted on a Victorian warrant for conspiracy to murder since 2010, has been arrested in Ravenshoe in Far North Queensland this morning.
Graham Potter has finally been arrested after spending 12 years on the run as Australia’s most wanted man.
Potter, 64, disappeared in 2010 when he was due to appear in Melbourne’s Magistrate Court, charged with plotting murders.
He is alleged to have been planning to kill two people and was also wanted over his purported involvement in a 4.4 tonne, $440m ecstasy haul.
Potter was arrested early Monday morning at a house in the Far North Queensland town of Ravenshoe, roughly 40km south west of Cairns.
In vision released by police, the 64-year-old was seen on a bed in a squalid shack before he is handcuffed and taken into custody.
“This is the police. Do not move,” one officer was heard shouting at Mr Potter.
“Put your hands where I can see them.”
Potter was arrested on Monday in Far North Queensland after police received a tip off about his whereabouts.
Potter was arrested on Monday in Far North Queensland after police received a tip off about his whereabouts.
He had been on the run from police for more than a decade.
He had been on the run from police for more than a decade.
Potter allegedly evaded capture for more than a decade by changing his appearance and identity, including wearing fat suits and wigs, and befriending elderly women for accommodation.
Graham Gene Potter, 64, one of Australia's most wanted alleged fugitives has been arrested. Picture: QLD Police
Graham Gene Potter, 64, one of Australia's most wanted alleged fugitives has been arrested. Picture: QLD Police
“Over that period of time, a significant amount of law enforcement agencies right across Australia had been involved in the hunt for [Potter],” Victoria Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Mick Frewen said.
Potter is alleged to have been planning to kill two people and was also wanted over his purported involvement in a 4.4 tonne, $440m ecstasy haul.
Potter is alleged to have been planning to kill two people and was also wanted over his purported involvement in a 4.4 tonne, $440m ecstasy haul.
Queensland police received reports of possible sightings of Potter in 2011 in the Queensland town of Tully - just 50km from where he was arrested on Monday.
He managed to escape from police despite being pulled over in a routine traffic stop.
At the time, police uncovered a campsite believed to have been used by Potter, allegedly finding knives and letters detailing how he planned to stay hidden and intentions to murder anyone who identified him.
Victorian Police will travel to Queensland to seek Potter’s extradition.
He is expected to appear before Mareeba Magistrates Court on Tuesday.
(...cough...)
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Its tangential because he’s a bikie, but Harley Barbaro is a member of the Australian branch of the Barbaro family. He’s the son of Joe Barbaro, a cousin of Pasquale Barbaro, both convicted drug traffickers. Harley’s brother Tim was murdered and his brother Rick was recently in the news for murdering his ex.
Alleged Mongols bikie gang members arrested in Gold Coast police raids
A notorious figure is among four alleged Mongols arrested in sweeping police raids on the Gold Coast.
Greg Stolz
and
Jeremy Pierce
less than 2 min read
March 4, 2022 - 2:29PM
Divorce, bankruptcy and citizenship issues – these are all matters that might land you in court. But not all courts are created equal.
subscriber-breach-pixel
Four alleged Mongols bikies have been arrested in sweeping police raids on the Gold Coast.
The alleged members of the outlaw motorcycle gang were rounded up in raids by the Organised Crime Gangs Group.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies being driven to the Southport Watchhouse.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies being driven to the Southport Watchhouse.
Among those arrested is prominent alleged Mongols identity Harley Barbaro.
Barbaro is a member of the well-known Barbaro family, several members of whom have been shot dead in recent years.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies outside the Southport Watchhouse.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies outside the Southport Watchhouse.
It’s understood those arrested will face charges including assault occasioning bodily harm in company with organised crime circumstances of aggravation.
Police are expected to provide further details later on Friday.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies being driven to the Southport Watchhouse.
Barbaro was only released from custody last week after being charged with offences including assault or obstruct police, unlicensed driving and hooning.
A magistrate who granted him bail said it was ‘extraordinary’ that he was held in custody for 30 hours for what she described as relatively minor offences.
Barbaro had been on bail after being charged with habitually consorting with known criminals.
Harley Barbaro outside the Southport Watchhouse.
It follows the arrest of the alleged Gold Coast president of the Finks bikie gang in a raid on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old was charged with drug offences and possessing banned bikie paraphernalia.
Many prominent Finks gang members defected to the international Mongols gang after the-then Newman Governemnt launched its bikie crackdown in 2013.
Alleged Mongols bikie gang members arrested in Gold Coast police raids
A notorious figure is among four alleged Mongols arrested in sweeping police raids on the Gold Coast.
Greg Stolz
and
Jeremy Pierce
less than 2 min read
March 4, 2022 - 2:29PM
Divorce, bankruptcy and citizenship issues – these are all matters that might land you in court. But not all courts are created equal.
subscriber-breach-pixel
Four alleged Mongols bikies have been arrested in sweeping police raids on the Gold Coast.
The alleged members of the outlaw motorcycle gang were rounded up in raids by the Organised Crime Gangs Group.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies being driven to the Southport Watchhouse.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies being driven to the Southport Watchhouse.
Among those arrested is prominent alleged Mongols identity Harley Barbaro.
Barbaro is a member of the well-known Barbaro family, several members of whom have been shot dead in recent years.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies outside the Southport Watchhouse.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies outside the Southport Watchhouse.
It’s understood those arrested will face charges including assault occasioning bodily harm in company with organised crime circumstances of aggravation.
Police are expected to provide further details later on Friday.
One of the four alleged Mongols bikies being driven to the Southport Watchhouse.
Barbaro was only released from custody last week after being charged with offences including assault or obstruct police, unlicensed driving and hooning.
A magistrate who granted him bail said it was ‘extraordinary’ that he was held in custody for 30 hours for what she described as relatively minor offences.
Barbaro had been on bail after being charged with habitually consorting with known criminals.
Harley Barbaro outside the Southport Watchhouse.
It follows the arrest of the alleged Gold Coast president of the Finks bikie gang in a raid on Wednesday.
The 42-year-old was charged with drug offences and possessing banned bikie paraphernalia.
Many prominent Finks gang members defected to the international Mongols gang after the-then Newman Governemnt launched its bikie crackdown in 2013.
(...cough...)
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motorfab
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Great, thank you Mickey I didn't know Harley Barbaro
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
No prob. This particular branch of the Barbaros has been in the news a lot recently. This is Joe Barbaro’s youngest and one of the two last living sons from his first marriage; Pasquale (who went by his middle name of Timothy) was murdered in Sydney, 2016, aged 35, by members of the Rebels MC. Middle brother Rosario Dominic killed himself 6 months later. Second middle brother Ricardo is also currently also behind bars, as I mentioned.
Their paternal grandfather was Pasquale “Il Principale” Barbaro, who was murdered in Brisbane in 1990 after he provided information to the National Crime Authority, in which he named the 33 top players in the Australian ‘ndrangheta at the time and which cells were operating in which states. He did this after he came to be shunned for divorcing his wife and shacking up with a young Filipino woman. It was believed he was murdered primarily for this transgression, as the NCA contends that he had come to them after he came to believe his life was already in danger.
At the time, he named a handful of bosses he believed controlled the syndicate on a national level, and how their successful removal and prosecution would have hobbled the groups in Australia. Pasquale was a brother of Francesco aka “Little Trees” who featured prominently in the Mackay murder investigation, and who’s son, Pasquale, is currently serving a life sentence for ecstasy trafficking.
Their paternal grandfather was Pasquale “Il Principale” Barbaro, who was murdered in Brisbane in 1990 after he provided information to the National Crime Authority, in which he named the 33 top players in the Australian ‘ndrangheta at the time and which cells were operating in which states. He did this after he came to be shunned for divorcing his wife and shacking up with a young Filipino woman. It was believed he was murdered primarily for this transgression, as the NCA contends that he had come to them after he came to believe his life was already in danger.
At the time, he named a handful of bosses he believed controlled the syndicate on a national level, and how their successful removal and prosecution would have hobbled the groups in Australia. Pasquale was a brother of Francesco aka “Little Trees” who featured prominently in the Mackay murder investigation, and who’s son, Pasquale, is currently serving a life sentence for ecstasy trafficking.
(...cough...)
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
I know a lot of this stuff is behind a pay-wall, but because of the research I do, I have access to all NewsCorp publications.
This is from January, and while it’s a good article, it really only skims the surface of the Australian ‘ndrina. I haven’t formatted the article, and apologies if it’s been posted before.
Mapped: Where the mafia has been in Victoria
The mafia infiltrated Australia decades ago, bringing its organised crime network to places all over Victoria. See where its members have spread.
3 min read
January 29, 2022 - 8:47PM
News Corp Australia Network
Delve into the Mafia’s Web podcast, a two-year investigation into how the world’s biggest criminal organisation controls Australia’s drug trade and has infiltrated legitimate businesses.
subscriber-breach-pixel
The mafia infiltrated Australia decades ago, bringing its organised crime network to places all over Victoria. See where it has spread.
BRUNSWICK
Mafia lawyer Joe Acquaro was murdered at Gelobar, an iconic Brunswick eatery, in 2016. He had fallen out with the mob and was suspected of being a police informer. Victoria Police has refused to reveal if he was a registered snitch.
Joe Acquaro who was murdered.
Joe Acquaro who was murdered.
MILDURA
A key marijuana crop area for the mafia in the 1970s and 1980s.
MOONEE PONDS
Rosario Gangemi was a “hero” to his family. To the mafia he was a trusted lieutenant of Liborio Benvenuto, the Godfather who dominated Melbourne’s fruit markets for decades. He was in the top 10 mafia figures in Melbourne, and was accused of being part of the plot to kill Vincenzo Angilletta in 1983. He died aged 86 at Coburg’s John Fawkner Hospital in 2008 and was buried at St Monica’s Catholic Church in Moonee Ponds.
Rosario Gangemi, a leading member of the Melbourne mafia.
Rosario Gangemi, a leading member of the Melbourne mafia.
Pall bearers carry the coffin of Rosario ‘Ross’ Gangemi to a waiting hearse after his funeral at St Monica's Church in Moonee Ponds. Picture: AAP
Pall bearers carry the coffin of Rosario ‘Ross’ Gangemi to a waiting hearse after his funeral at St Monica's Church in Moonee Ponds. Picture: AAP
WEST MELBOURNE
Liborio Benvenuto was the undisputed leader of the Victorian mafia after taking control of Calabrian cell in Melbourne following a turf war in the 1960s. He kept the peace and the extortion rackets going for almost 30 years. He died of natural causes in 1988.
Liborio Benvenuto wanted a new ‘godfather’ for Melbourne. Picture: File
Liborio Benvenuto who died June 10, 1988, is buried in Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Picture: Ian Currie
MELBOURNE
Frank Madafferi could be sent back to Italy within weeks unless his appeal against his conviction in Melbourne’s Tomato Tins ecstasy bust was overturned. He came from the village Oppido Mamertina in Calabria but forged a life in Australia. Phillip Ruddock kicked him out of Australia in 2000 when he was minister for immigration but Amanda Vanstone overturned that decision in 2006. His lawyer in the visa case was Joe Acquaro, who was murdered in 2016. He has been linked to the Calabrian mafia.
Frank Madafferi was also involved in the Tomato Tins ecstasy bust.
CROWN CASINO
Convicted drug importer Rob Karam could often be found on the tables at Crown casino before he was jailed for his part in the world’s biggest ecstasy bust in 2007 on Melbourne’s docks. He had previously worked on the docks and was well connected in the industry. He is now challenging his conviction because he employed Nicola Gobbo as a lawyer, who was also working as a police informer.
Rob Karam who is fighting his conviction.
Loading embed...
BARWON PRISON
Rocco Arico was a friend of murdered underworld figure Carl Williams. He’s in jail in Victoria over drug trafficking and extortion offences but is suspected of being a key mafia figure. He was questioned in jail in 2020 over the execution of Richard Mladenich in 2000.
Rocco Arico arrives at County Court. Picture: Hamish Blair
Carl Williams outside The County Court in 2004.
BRIGHTON
Mario Condello was murdered outside his home in Brighton, an exclusive suburb in Melbourne’s Bayside area in 2006 when he was aged 53. He was born in the Ndrangheta stronghold of Calabria in southern Italy. His murder was linked to Griffith mafia and he was suspected of being a money launderer for the mob.
Mario Condello’s grave at Melbourne General Cemetery. Picture: Ed Gardiner
Enzo Condello brother of slain gangland figure Mario Condello holding bullets found in the house. Picture: Eugene Hyland
MELBOURNE
Gianfranco Tizzoni was a mafia supergrass who was convicted of conspiring to murder Donald Mackay in Griffith. He was suspected of being at the scene of the murder. He fled to Italy on his own passport following his prison sentence and died in 1987.
Gianfranco Tizzoni being escorted by police.
HAMPTON
Vincenzo Muratore was shot dead outside his home in Melbourne in 1964. His son Alfonzo was killed in the same way, in the same suburb in 1992. They were both Calabrian mafia-linked figures who worked at Melbourne’s wholesale fruit market.
Vincent Muratore was gunned down outside his Hampton, Victoria home in 1962. His son Alfonso suffered a similar fate in 1992.
Alfonso Muratore was killed in 1992.
CARLTON NORTH
Domenico “The Pope” Italiano’s death in 1962 put the mafia on the map in Australia. He died of natural causes but the power vacuum he left led to a string of bloody reprisals, which became known as the Market Wars.
NORTHCOTE
Vincenzo Angilletta was blasted with two shots from a double-barrelled shotgun as he parked his car at his home in Northcote in 1963. He moved to Australia from Gioia Tauro, in Calabria Italy – that same town now has a port that has strong links to the modern-day mafia. He was a member of the mafia in Italy and transferred his trade to Melbourne.
Vincenzo Angilletta was shot dead in the back of his head. Picture: File
Giuseppe "Joe" Arena, who was murdered in 1988.
BAYSWATER
Giuseppe “Joe” Arena was a senior Calabrian mafia figure who laundered money for marijuana growers based in Mildura, in Victoria’s north west. He was shot dead outside his home in Bayswater in 1988 shortly after the death of Melbourne godfather Lioborio Benvenuto. He had been expected to take over the top job in the mafia, but was cut down. No-one was ever charged.
Want to know more about the mafia in Australia and around the world? Don’t miss our Mafia's Web podcast. Listen below and go to mafiasweb.com.au:
Loading embed...
More related stories
Mapped: Where the mafia have been in NSW
The Mafia's Web
Mapped: Where the mafia have been in NSW
Mapped: Where the mafia have been in Queensland
The Mafia's Web
Mapped: Where the mafia have been in Queensland
This is from January, and while it’s a good article, it really only skims the surface of the Australian ‘ndrina. I haven’t formatted the article, and apologies if it’s been posted before.
Mapped: Where the mafia has been in Victoria
The mafia infiltrated Australia decades ago, bringing its organised crime network to places all over Victoria. See where its members have spread.
3 min read
January 29, 2022 - 8:47PM
News Corp Australia Network
Delve into the Mafia’s Web podcast, a two-year investigation into how the world’s biggest criminal organisation controls Australia’s drug trade and has infiltrated legitimate businesses.
subscriber-breach-pixel
The mafia infiltrated Australia decades ago, bringing its organised crime network to places all over Victoria. See where it has spread.
BRUNSWICK
Mafia lawyer Joe Acquaro was murdered at Gelobar, an iconic Brunswick eatery, in 2016. He had fallen out with the mob and was suspected of being a police informer. Victoria Police has refused to reveal if he was a registered snitch.
Joe Acquaro who was murdered.
Joe Acquaro who was murdered.
MILDURA
A key marijuana crop area for the mafia in the 1970s and 1980s.
MOONEE PONDS
Rosario Gangemi was a “hero” to his family. To the mafia he was a trusted lieutenant of Liborio Benvenuto, the Godfather who dominated Melbourne’s fruit markets for decades. He was in the top 10 mafia figures in Melbourne, and was accused of being part of the plot to kill Vincenzo Angilletta in 1983. He died aged 86 at Coburg’s John Fawkner Hospital in 2008 and was buried at St Monica’s Catholic Church in Moonee Ponds.
Rosario Gangemi, a leading member of the Melbourne mafia.
Rosario Gangemi, a leading member of the Melbourne mafia.
Pall bearers carry the coffin of Rosario ‘Ross’ Gangemi to a waiting hearse after his funeral at St Monica's Church in Moonee Ponds. Picture: AAP
Pall bearers carry the coffin of Rosario ‘Ross’ Gangemi to a waiting hearse after his funeral at St Monica's Church in Moonee Ponds. Picture: AAP
WEST MELBOURNE
Liborio Benvenuto was the undisputed leader of the Victorian mafia after taking control of Calabrian cell in Melbourne following a turf war in the 1960s. He kept the peace and the extortion rackets going for almost 30 years. He died of natural causes in 1988.
Liborio Benvenuto wanted a new ‘godfather’ for Melbourne. Picture: File
Liborio Benvenuto who died June 10, 1988, is buried in Springvale Botanical Cemetery. Picture: Ian Currie
MELBOURNE
Frank Madafferi could be sent back to Italy within weeks unless his appeal against his conviction in Melbourne’s Tomato Tins ecstasy bust was overturned. He came from the village Oppido Mamertina in Calabria but forged a life in Australia. Phillip Ruddock kicked him out of Australia in 2000 when he was minister for immigration but Amanda Vanstone overturned that decision in 2006. His lawyer in the visa case was Joe Acquaro, who was murdered in 2016. He has been linked to the Calabrian mafia.
Frank Madafferi was also involved in the Tomato Tins ecstasy bust.
CROWN CASINO
Convicted drug importer Rob Karam could often be found on the tables at Crown casino before he was jailed for his part in the world’s biggest ecstasy bust in 2007 on Melbourne’s docks. He had previously worked on the docks and was well connected in the industry. He is now challenging his conviction because he employed Nicola Gobbo as a lawyer, who was also working as a police informer.
Rob Karam who is fighting his conviction.
Loading embed...
BARWON PRISON
Rocco Arico was a friend of murdered underworld figure Carl Williams. He’s in jail in Victoria over drug trafficking and extortion offences but is suspected of being a key mafia figure. He was questioned in jail in 2020 over the execution of Richard Mladenich in 2000.
Rocco Arico arrives at County Court. Picture: Hamish Blair
Carl Williams outside The County Court in 2004.
BRIGHTON
Mario Condello was murdered outside his home in Brighton, an exclusive suburb in Melbourne’s Bayside area in 2006 when he was aged 53. He was born in the Ndrangheta stronghold of Calabria in southern Italy. His murder was linked to Griffith mafia and he was suspected of being a money launderer for the mob.
Mario Condello’s grave at Melbourne General Cemetery. Picture: Ed Gardiner
Enzo Condello brother of slain gangland figure Mario Condello holding bullets found in the house. Picture: Eugene Hyland
MELBOURNE
Gianfranco Tizzoni was a mafia supergrass who was convicted of conspiring to murder Donald Mackay in Griffith. He was suspected of being at the scene of the murder. He fled to Italy on his own passport following his prison sentence and died in 1987.
Gianfranco Tizzoni being escorted by police.
HAMPTON
Vincenzo Muratore was shot dead outside his home in Melbourne in 1964. His son Alfonzo was killed in the same way, in the same suburb in 1992. They were both Calabrian mafia-linked figures who worked at Melbourne’s wholesale fruit market.
Vincent Muratore was gunned down outside his Hampton, Victoria home in 1962. His son Alfonso suffered a similar fate in 1992.
Alfonso Muratore was killed in 1992.
CARLTON NORTH
Domenico “The Pope” Italiano’s death in 1962 put the mafia on the map in Australia. He died of natural causes but the power vacuum he left led to a string of bloody reprisals, which became known as the Market Wars.
NORTHCOTE
Vincenzo Angilletta was blasted with two shots from a double-barrelled shotgun as he parked his car at his home in Northcote in 1963. He moved to Australia from Gioia Tauro, in Calabria Italy – that same town now has a port that has strong links to the modern-day mafia. He was a member of the mafia in Italy and transferred his trade to Melbourne.
Vincenzo Angilletta was shot dead in the back of his head. Picture: File
Giuseppe "Joe" Arena, who was murdered in 1988.
BAYSWATER
Giuseppe “Joe” Arena was a senior Calabrian mafia figure who laundered money for marijuana growers based in Mildura, in Victoria’s north west. He was shot dead outside his home in Bayswater in 1988 shortly after the death of Melbourne godfather Lioborio Benvenuto. He had been expected to take over the top job in the mafia, but was cut down. No-one was ever charged.
Want to know more about the mafia in Australia and around the world? Don’t miss our Mafia's Web podcast. Listen below and go to mafiasweb.com.au:
Loading embed...
More related stories
Mapped: Where the mafia have been in NSW
The Mafia's Web
Mapped: Where the mafia have been in NSW
Mapped: Where the mafia have been in Queensland
The Mafia's Web
Mapped: Where the mafia have been in Queensland
(...cough...)
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motorfab
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
I always wondered if Arico had become a member of the 'ndrangheta. I don't think he was in the early 2000s but maybe now he is
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davidf1989
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motorfab
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Not sure or not directly: he was friend with Dino Dibra who was connected to Williams. I think before that they were connected to the Morans
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
As far as I know, there's apparently some family links, but he's sort of in the same boat as Mick Gatto, or ,maybe Eris Censori and his father. So while they are Italian and have definite links to certain 'ndrine and on occasion share business interests, they are not a part of the organization.
ngl, i thought the same thing might be possible a while back so I started to research if he was actually a member, but even though the article has a section on him, i found no evidence to support him being an 'ndranghisti.
Unlike the Censori family though (who iirc are from Milan) Arico is actually Calabrian. He's actually been facing deportation since 2017, even though he was an infant when his family left Calabria. Essentially, he is sort of like Mick Gatto, in that he was more connected to his own particular circle.
Maybe when he gets out of jail in 2031 we might see more solid links formed.
fwiw, Arico was part of the Sunshine Crew, as was Dino Dibra. This feeds into Arico allegedly helping to organise the murder of Carl Williams. Arico always had his own crew of friends of numerous nationalities. His connection to the Morans came from his time in the Sunshine Crew, and even then its very minimal.
ngl, i thought the same thing might be possible a while back so I started to research if he was actually a member, but even though the article has a section on him, i found no evidence to support him being an 'ndranghisti.
Unlike the Censori family though (who iirc are from Milan) Arico is actually Calabrian. He's actually been facing deportation since 2017, even though he was an infant when his family left Calabria. Essentially, he is sort of like Mick Gatto, in that he was more connected to his own particular circle.
Maybe when he gets out of jail in 2031 we might see more solid links formed.
fwiw, Arico was part of the Sunshine Crew, as was Dino Dibra. This feeds into Arico allegedly helping to organise the murder of Carl Williams. Arico always had his own crew of friends of numerous nationalities. His connection to the Morans came from his time in the Sunshine Crew, and even then its very minimal.
(...cough...)
https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com
https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com
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calabrianwatch
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
agreed, no ndrangheta, Arico is a free-rider as Anna Sergi would call it - they all went to school together, went out maybe together, but he was no 'ndrangheta. he did meet with some 'ndrangehta people, especially in Perth if I recall correctly but they all collaborate business-wise of course
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motorfab
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Hey calabrianwatch, no relation with all that but I don't know if you remember a few months ago I mentioned a Giovanni "John" Commisso active in Australia and possibly related to the Commissos of Siderno/Ontario. Well I found him, he was the brother-in-law of Angelo Cannistra who was possibly involved in the murder of Colin Winchester.calabrianwatch wrote: ↑Thu Mar 31, 2022 1:55 am agreed, no ndrangheta, Arico is a free-rider as Anna Sergi would call it - they all went to school together, went out maybe together, but he was no 'ndrangheta. he did meet with some 'ndrangehta people, especially in Perth if I recall correctly but they all collaborate business-wise of course
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calabrianwatch
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
oh thank you! that's a great find! I remember Cannistra of course, I have some documents somewhere too about this. The problem with the Commisso is that they are way too many, but let me see if I can find out more here with this reference to Winchester.
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motorfab
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
You're very welcome. on the Trove site I found an article dating from 1957 where a Giovanni and a Domenico Commisso are naturalized. John Commisso was in Canberra so it might fit him. There are several articles on Trove or newspapers.com mentioning John Commisso. One of my contacts had even managed to find a photo of him but he lost it. But I have a pic of Cannistra somewhere if you're interested
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/arti ... 20commisso
https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/arti ... 20commisso
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calabrianwatch
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
The ABC Foreign Correspondent documentary The Magistrate vs The Mob - even if it's Australian it has nothing to do with Australia, it's about Rinascita Scott trial
https://www.abc.net.au/foreign/the-magi ... b/13849924
https://www.abc.net.au/foreign/the-magi ... b/13849924