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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Alleged bagman for mafia-linked cocaine plot arrested https://www.smh.com.au/national/alleged ... 5axr1.html
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Domenic Perre found guilty of 1994 National Crime Authority bombing (better late than never) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-30/ ... /101195866
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Mafia kingpin’s son jailed for masterminding Territory’s biggest ever cannabis racket
The son of a notorious Adelaide mafia boss has been jailed for nine years for his role in masterminding the biggest cannabis importation racket in Territory history.
JASON WALLS
Court reporter
2 min read
January 6, 2020 - 4:32PM
Giuseppe Romeo is flanked by police during his extradition from Adelaide to Darwin in March 2018. Picture: Patrina Malone
Giuseppe Romeo is flanked by police during his extradition from Adelaide to Darwin in March 2018. Picture: Patrina Malone
THE son of a notorious Adelaide mafia boss has been jailed for nine years for his role in masterminding the biggest cannabis importation racket in Territory history.
Giuseppe Romeo, 65, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to partnering with an Adelaide syndicate to traffic at least 300kg of the drug into Darwin at a value of almost $2 million.
Romeo is the son of Bruno “The Fox” Romeo, who was renowned as one of Australia’s highest-ranking organised crime figures until his death in 2016.
Bruno Romeo was once one of Australia’s most wanted men before a joint National Crime Authority/WA Police taskforce eventually caught up with him at a 750-plant cannabis crop site in northern NSW.
Dubbed “The Fox’’ because of his ability to elude capture, Bruno Romeo managed to stay one step ahead of police for almost 30 years before he was finally charged with drug offences and given a 10-year sentence in WA in the early 1990s.
Giuseppe Romeo is extradited from Adelaide to Darwin in March 2018. Picture: Patrina Malone
Giuseppe Romeo is extradited from Adelaide to Darwin in March 2018. Picture: Patrina Malone
In a letter to then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2010, South Australian MLC Ann Bressington cited a “secret ASIO report” from 1965 which “singled out (Bruno) Romeo as a ‘Mr Big’ of organised crime”, who was “high on the list of the infamous L’Onorata Societa — the Honoured Society of Calabrian Mafia”.
“He is unpopular with his countrymen and is feared by them,” the secret report allegedly reads.
Ms Bressington claimed the report also revealed police believed Bruno Romeo was the ringleader in one of Victoria’s biggest cannabis busts, involving 5.8 tonnes of the drug, before he slipped the net in 1981.
According to the report, one of the men arrested in that raid was related to two other men later extradited to Darwin over a 35,000 seedling plantation 60km southwest of Katherine in 1991.
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“Darwin police say the operation was masterminded by Victorian members of L’Onorata but they believe Bruno Romeo has been involved in similar activities in the NT and has links to at least one notorious Territory cannabis grower,” the report purportedly reads.
Drug baron could be forced to hand back Centrelink welfare payments, court hears
Underworld figure James Weston, 52, pleads guilty to cannabis supply
In arguing for Giuseppe Romeo to be jailed for the maximum of 14 years, Crown prosecutor David Morters SC noted he had prior convictions for drug dealing in SA — where he spent seven years in jail for heroin trafficking — and was also jailed in NSW for cultivating 200 cannabis plants in 1991.
“Your honour only has to look at Mr Romeo’s history to readily accept that he is a career criminal,” he said.
“This is a man that the Crown says that your honour can quite comfortably accept is a person who has lived a life of crime.”
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In setting a non-parole period of six years and four months, Justice Judith Kelly said while she did not agree the smuggling operation warranted the maximum penalty, it was “towards the upper end of seriousness”.
“Cannabis does a lot of damage in this community and in Aboriginal communities in particular and this is the largest amount of cannabis to have been brought into the Territory to date which is the subject of a single charge,” she said.
The son of a notorious Adelaide mafia boss has been jailed for nine years for his role in masterminding the biggest cannabis importation racket in Territory history.
JASON WALLS
Court reporter
2 min read
January 6, 2020 - 4:32PM
Giuseppe Romeo is flanked by police during his extradition from Adelaide to Darwin in March 2018. Picture: Patrina Malone
Giuseppe Romeo is flanked by police during his extradition from Adelaide to Darwin in March 2018. Picture: Patrina Malone
THE son of a notorious Adelaide mafia boss has been jailed for nine years for his role in masterminding the biggest cannabis importation racket in Territory history.
Giuseppe Romeo, 65, pleaded guilty in the Supreme Court to partnering with an Adelaide syndicate to traffic at least 300kg of the drug into Darwin at a value of almost $2 million.
Romeo is the son of Bruno “The Fox” Romeo, who was renowned as one of Australia’s highest-ranking organised crime figures until his death in 2016.
Bruno Romeo was once one of Australia’s most wanted men before a joint National Crime Authority/WA Police taskforce eventually caught up with him at a 750-plant cannabis crop site in northern NSW.
Dubbed “The Fox’’ because of his ability to elude capture, Bruno Romeo managed to stay one step ahead of police for almost 30 years before he was finally charged with drug offences and given a 10-year sentence in WA in the early 1990s.
Giuseppe Romeo is extradited from Adelaide to Darwin in March 2018. Picture: Patrina Malone
Giuseppe Romeo is extradited from Adelaide to Darwin in March 2018. Picture: Patrina Malone
In a letter to then Prime Minister Kevin Rudd in 2010, South Australian MLC Ann Bressington cited a “secret ASIO report” from 1965 which “singled out (Bruno) Romeo as a ‘Mr Big’ of organised crime”, who was “high on the list of the infamous L’Onorata Societa — the Honoured Society of Calabrian Mafia”.
“He is unpopular with his countrymen and is feared by them,” the secret report allegedly reads.
Ms Bressington claimed the report also revealed police believed Bruno Romeo was the ringleader in one of Victoria’s biggest cannabis busts, involving 5.8 tonnes of the drug, before he slipped the net in 1981.
According to the report, one of the men arrested in that raid was related to two other men later extradited to Darwin over a 35,000 seedling plantation 60km southwest of Katherine in 1991.
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“Darwin police say the operation was masterminded by Victorian members of L’Onorata but they believe Bruno Romeo has been involved in similar activities in the NT and has links to at least one notorious Territory cannabis grower,” the report purportedly reads.
Drug baron could be forced to hand back Centrelink welfare payments, court hears
Underworld figure James Weston, 52, pleads guilty to cannabis supply
In arguing for Giuseppe Romeo to be jailed for the maximum of 14 years, Crown prosecutor David Morters SC noted he had prior convictions for drug dealing in SA — where he spent seven years in jail for heroin trafficking — and was also jailed in NSW for cultivating 200 cannabis plants in 1991.
“Your honour only has to look at Mr Romeo’s history to readily accept that he is a career criminal,” he said.
“This is a man that the Crown says that your honour can quite comfortably accept is a person who has lived a life of crime.”
LIMITED TIME offer: NT News subscription – 50 per cent off* for the first 12 weeks
In setting a non-parole period of six years and four months, Justice Judith Kelly said while she did not agree the smuggling operation warranted the maximum penalty, it was “towards the upper end of seriousness”.
“Cannabis does a lot of damage in this community and in Aboriginal communities in particular and this is the largest amount of cannabis to have been brought into the Territory to date which is the subject of a single charge,” she said.
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
After 30 years, people are still questioning the case of Colon Winchester, but apparently the AFP aren’t concerned.
The assassination of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester remains unsolved despite calls to reopen the case.
The 1989 assassination of top cop Colin Winchester remains one of Australia’s most high profile unsolved murders and yet there seems little interest by the AFP in reopening the case.
Charles Miranda
Charles Miranda
Comment
Follow
2 min read
July 11, 2022 - 5:00AM
News Corp Australia Network
00:39
David Eastman awarded $7 million for wrongful conviction
David Eastman was jailed for almost 20 years for killing one of Australia’s top police officers – now, he has been awarded more than $7 million in ... more
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It may be one of the highest profile unsolved murders in Australia but in the hallowed halls of the Australian Federal Police there is little interest in looking into the 1989 assassination of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester.
When Mr Winchester was executed with two shots at close range to the back of the head, it was the Commonwealth arm of the then fledgling force that first looked into mafia links for prime suspects.
As revealed by News Corp Australia, it is the names of suspects initially identified at the time of Mr Winchester’s murder that have emerged again as the AFP look into the entrenchment of the ‘Nrandgheta mafia in this country at all levels of society.
Even revelations on Sunday of an alleged mafia mole allegedly working in the top echelons of law enforcement in this country for decades involved in the Winchester investigation – and still niente (nothing) from the AFP.
And you have to wonder why.
At the very least you would think the AFP would take a ‘case-never-closed’ attitude over the murder of one of their own but no, not even in light of revelations over the past three days by News Corp Australia will they reopen a case file.
And in a statement issued on Sunday night, the AFP declared there was no open investigation into the Winchester matter and “no recent” review.
“Our thoughts are always with the Winchester family,” a spokesperson said.
Despite the AFP’s own intelligence and reports on the ‘ndrangheta referencing the Italian Mafia and the Winchester case including reports from Italian counterparts, the spokesperson said there “is no evidence to suggest Italian organised crime was responsible for the death of one of our own”.
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The slaying strikes at the very heart of Australia’s rule of law, a cop killed while pursuing organised crime only to be executed on a driveway outside his home.
Former Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Picture: Supplied
Former Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Picture: Supplied
It makes no sense and needs a higher authority such as a national integrity body Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Government has pledged to create this year, to ask why.
There was an arrest and a conviction of a disgruntled public servant for the Winchester killing before in 2019 the police case was found flawed and encumbered with dubious evidence and testimonies including by AFP officers.
But that should not just close the file.
The AFP national, led by Commissioner Reece Kershaw, said it was no longer a matter for them but rather the ACT police, largely tasked with keeping civil order in the nation’s capital.
“As this is a matter for ACT Police we will have to refer you to them,” a spokesman said, helpfully providing an email address.
For its part, ACT AFP said it too was no longer actively pursuing the case anymore, despite their headquarters, the Winchester Police Centre, named after their slain boss.
“ACT Policing does not have an active investigation into the murder of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester,” a spokesman said.
“Any new information in relation to this incident would be assessed and acted on if appropriate.”
A senior police officer yesterday said no-one should be too surprised.
More Coverage
AFP has ‘questions to answer’: Calls mount for Federal ICAC
‘Glory grabbing’: State police fury at AFP over mafia claims
“They love to see themselves on the Today Show but that’s about it,” they said.
“No one will want to open the cupboard, they are not too sure what it will be they will find.”
The assassination of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester remains unsolved despite calls to reopen the case.
The 1989 assassination of top cop Colin Winchester remains one of Australia’s most high profile unsolved murders and yet there seems little interest by the AFP in reopening the case.
Charles Miranda
Charles Miranda
Comment
Follow
2 min read
July 11, 2022 - 5:00AM
News Corp Australia Network
00:39
David Eastman awarded $7 million for wrongful conviction
David Eastman was jailed for almost 20 years for killing one of Australia’s top police officers – now, he has been awarded more than $7 million in ... more
View more related videos
It may be one of the highest profile unsolved murders in Australia but in the hallowed halls of the Australian Federal Police there is little interest in looking into the 1989 assassination of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester.
When Mr Winchester was executed with two shots at close range to the back of the head, it was the Commonwealth arm of the then fledgling force that first looked into mafia links for prime suspects.
As revealed by News Corp Australia, it is the names of suspects initially identified at the time of Mr Winchester’s murder that have emerged again as the AFP look into the entrenchment of the ‘Nrandgheta mafia in this country at all levels of society.
Even revelations on Sunday of an alleged mafia mole allegedly working in the top echelons of law enforcement in this country for decades involved in the Winchester investigation – and still niente (nothing) from the AFP.
And you have to wonder why.
At the very least you would think the AFP would take a ‘case-never-closed’ attitude over the murder of one of their own but no, not even in light of revelations over the past three days by News Corp Australia will they reopen a case file.
And in a statement issued on Sunday night, the AFP declared there was no open investigation into the Winchester matter and “no recent” review.
“Our thoughts are always with the Winchester family,” a spokesperson said.
Despite the AFP’s own intelligence and reports on the ‘ndrangheta referencing the Italian Mafia and the Winchester case including reports from Italian counterparts, the spokesperson said there “is no evidence to suggest Italian organised crime was responsible for the death of one of our own”.
FROM OUR PARTNERS
Flash: The personalised news streaming service you need to try. Find out more.
The slaying strikes at the very heart of Australia’s rule of law, a cop killed while pursuing organised crime only to be executed on a driveway outside his home.
Former Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Picture: Supplied
Former Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Picture: Supplied
It makes no sense and needs a higher authority such as a national integrity body Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s Labor Government has pledged to create this year, to ask why.
There was an arrest and a conviction of a disgruntled public servant for the Winchester killing before in 2019 the police case was found flawed and encumbered with dubious evidence and testimonies including by AFP officers.
But that should not just close the file.
The AFP national, led by Commissioner Reece Kershaw, said it was no longer a matter for them but rather the ACT police, largely tasked with keeping civil order in the nation’s capital.
“As this is a matter for ACT Police we will have to refer you to them,” a spokesman said, helpfully providing an email address.
For its part, ACT AFP said it too was no longer actively pursuing the case anymore, despite their headquarters, the Winchester Police Centre, named after their slain boss.
“ACT Policing does not have an active investigation into the murder of Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester,” a spokesman said.
“Any new information in relation to this incident would be assessed and acted on if appropriate.”
A senior police officer yesterday said no-one should be too surprised.
More Coverage
AFP has ‘questions to answer’: Calls mount for Federal ICAC
‘Glory grabbing’: State police fury at AFP over mafia claims
“They love to see themselves on the Today Show but that’s about it,” they said.
“No one will want to open the cupboard, they are not too sure what it will be they will find.”
(...cough...)
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Secret police report claims Colin Winchester murdered by mafia hit
An explosive secret police report names two alleged assassins sent by the Italian mafia to kill former Australian Federal Police Assistant commissioner Colin Winchester.
Charles Miranda
Charles Miranda
Follow
3 min read
July 10, 2022 - 10:46PM
News Corp Australia Network
00:39
David Eastman awarded $7 million for wrongful conviction
David Eastman was jailed for almost 20 years for killing one of Australia’s top police officers – now, he has been awarded more than $7 million in ... more
View more related videos
Exclusive: An assassin suspected of the execution murder of Australian Federal Police assistant commissioner Colin Winchester 30 years ago has been allegedly identified after a secret police review into Italian mafia operations in Australia.
Winchester was murdered with two shots to the back of his head outside his Canberra home in January 1989 in a crime that shocked the nation and led to the most exhaustive investigation in Australian criminal history.
The man dubbed “The Shepherd” revealed he was first questioned by police 30 years ago.
The man dubbed “The Shepherd” revealed he was first questioned by police 30 years ago.
Despite Italian police intelligence later revealing two assassins dubbed “The Shepherds” had been dispatched to Australia in October 1988 to carry out a murder, Canberra public servant David Eastman was instead charged with the slaying before later being cleared.
News Corp Australia can reveal one of the “Shepherds” is a man living in suburbia with his Australian wife.
The Shepherd, who Italian police told the AFP back in 1990 was to carry out the murder then arrange to be married to a local mafia boss’s daughter to stay in the country, was this week found and spoken to by News Corp Australia.
The man admitted to being spoken to by police at the time of Winchester’s murder but denied having any involvement.
He said investigators accepted he was just an Italian migrant looking to start a new life in Australia.
Former Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Picture: Supplied
Former Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Picture: Supplied
David Eastman was charged with Mr Winchester’s murder before later being cleared.
David Eastman was charged with Mr Winchester’s murder before later being cleared.
He said he was visiting family at the time of the murder. And as for links with Italian drug bosses, it was a coincidence since they all hailed from the same villages in Calabria, Italy.
“This is not me, the police are knocking on the wrong wall,” he said.
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The second man identified as one of the two Shepherds left the country shortly after the slaying.
Eastman would spend 19 years in jail before an independent inquiry found a miscarriage of justice and ordered a retrial in which he was found innocent and handed $7m in compensation.
Now a broad AFP inquiry into the established Italian ’Ndrangheta mafia in Australia, first announced in 2018, has reopened previously closed files into the Winchester assassination.
That review is understood to have unearthed new information relating to The Shepherds, including underworld connections not previously established during the Winchester case.
That information points to a broader Italian criminal milieu featuring some of the biggest names in Italian drug crime in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.
Former ACT Attorney-General and lawyer involved in the Eastman case Bernard Collaery. Picture Kym Smith
Former ACT Attorney-General and lawyer involved in the Eastman case Bernard Collaery. Picture Kym Smith
It specifically links the two Shepherds to drug plots and figures involved in cannabis plantations that Winchester and the AFP were allowing to be cultivated at the time of his murder in a bid to gather intelligence on the Mr Bigs of the Italian underworld.
Former ACT Attorney-General and lawyer involved in the Eastman case Bernard Collaery welcomed the AFP’s review of the “other hypothesis” of it having been a mafia hit, not least of all because the Winchester case remained a very high-profile unsolved murder.
“Since when does the killing of an assistant police commissioner fizzle out like this? I mean, this is not just a murder; if it is determined to be an assassination of the highest level then it strikes at democracy,” Mr Collaery said.
Despite the review into Italian organised crime being a federal AFP investigation that reviewed evidence gathered by the then commonwealth arm of the AFP, the AFP headquarters has declined to comment – instead declaring it an ACT policing matter.
“As this is a matter for ACT Police we will have to refer you to them,” a spokesman said on Friday.
Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer described the Eastman case as one of the most complex criminal trials in Australian history and a test of the AFP’s professionalism.
Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer described the Eastman case as one of the most complex criminal trials in Australian history and a test of the AFP’s professionalism.
But late on Sunday, In a statement on Sunday night, the AFP declared there was no open investigation into the Winchester matter and “no recent” review.
“Our thoughts are always with the Winchester family,” a spokesperson said.
Despite the AFP’s own intelligence and reports on the ‘ndrangheta referencing the Italian Mafia and the Winchester case including reports from Italian counterparts, the spokesperson said there “is no evidence to suggest Italian organised crime was responsible for the death of one of our own”.
Since the AFP’s original murder investigation, The Shepherd has also been convicted over a large-scale drug plot with other leading Italian crime figures, some of which are directly related to the infamous ANOM police sting last year, where police were able to tap into encrypted criminal messaging.
Within hours of the 1995 original guilty Eastman murder judgment, the then AFP commissioner Mick Palmer described the case as one of the most complex criminal trials in Australian history and a test of the AFP’s professionalism, which he concluded was “exceptional”.
It would be several years later in 2014 before an independent judicial inquiry would brand the case as “deeply flawed” with false evidence given by prosecution witnesses. That led to a retrial that in November 2018 concluded Eastman – who had already served 19 years in jail – was not guilty of murder.
More Coverage
Alleged mafia hitman unmasked in suburban home
‘Traitor’: Pasquale Barbaro killed before he could snitch
Mafia infiltrated Aussie organised crime at all levels: report
Even after this verdict the AFP has consistently dismissed suggestions its case was ever tainted or that any other suspect was ever in the frame.
An inquiry into the AFP’s handling of the case concluded there was no firm evidence to support the information given by the Italian police.
Originally published as Secret police report claims Colin Winchester murdered by mafia hit
An explosive secret police report names two alleged assassins sent by the Italian mafia to kill former Australian Federal Police Assistant commissioner Colin Winchester.
Charles Miranda
Charles Miranda
Follow
3 min read
July 10, 2022 - 10:46PM
News Corp Australia Network
00:39
David Eastman awarded $7 million for wrongful conviction
David Eastman was jailed for almost 20 years for killing one of Australia’s top police officers – now, he has been awarded more than $7 million in ... more
View more related videos
Exclusive: An assassin suspected of the execution murder of Australian Federal Police assistant commissioner Colin Winchester 30 years ago has been allegedly identified after a secret police review into Italian mafia operations in Australia.
Winchester was murdered with two shots to the back of his head outside his Canberra home in January 1989 in a crime that shocked the nation and led to the most exhaustive investigation in Australian criminal history.
The man dubbed “The Shepherd” revealed he was first questioned by police 30 years ago.
The man dubbed “The Shepherd” revealed he was first questioned by police 30 years ago.
Despite Italian police intelligence later revealing two assassins dubbed “The Shepherds” had been dispatched to Australia in October 1988 to carry out a murder, Canberra public servant David Eastman was instead charged with the slaying before later being cleared.
News Corp Australia can reveal one of the “Shepherds” is a man living in suburbia with his Australian wife.
The Shepherd, who Italian police told the AFP back in 1990 was to carry out the murder then arrange to be married to a local mafia boss’s daughter to stay in the country, was this week found and spoken to by News Corp Australia.
The man admitted to being spoken to by police at the time of Winchester’s murder but denied having any involvement.
He said investigators accepted he was just an Italian migrant looking to start a new life in Australia.
Former Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Picture: Supplied
Former Federal Police Assistant Commissioner Colin Winchester. Picture: Supplied
David Eastman was charged with Mr Winchester’s murder before later being cleared.
David Eastman was charged with Mr Winchester’s murder before later being cleared.
He said he was visiting family at the time of the murder. And as for links with Italian drug bosses, it was a coincidence since they all hailed from the same villages in Calabria, Italy.
“This is not me, the police are knocking on the wrong wall,” he said.
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Access 25+ news channels, streamed your way with Flash. Find out more.
The second man identified as one of the two Shepherds left the country shortly after the slaying.
Eastman would spend 19 years in jail before an independent inquiry found a miscarriage of justice and ordered a retrial in which he was found innocent and handed $7m in compensation.
Now a broad AFP inquiry into the established Italian ’Ndrangheta mafia in Australia, first announced in 2018, has reopened previously closed files into the Winchester assassination.
That review is understood to have unearthed new information relating to The Shepherds, including underworld connections not previously established during the Winchester case.
That information points to a broader Italian criminal milieu featuring some of the biggest names in Italian drug crime in NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Queensland.
Former ACT Attorney-General and lawyer involved in the Eastman case Bernard Collaery. Picture Kym Smith
Former ACT Attorney-General and lawyer involved in the Eastman case Bernard Collaery. Picture Kym Smith
It specifically links the two Shepherds to drug plots and figures involved in cannabis plantations that Winchester and the AFP were allowing to be cultivated at the time of his murder in a bid to gather intelligence on the Mr Bigs of the Italian underworld.
Former ACT Attorney-General and lawyer involved in the Eastman case Bernard Collaery welcomed the AFP’s review of the “other hypothesis” of it having been a mafia hit, not least of all because the Winchester case remained a very high-profile unsolved murder.
“Since when does the killing of an assistant police commissioner fizzle out like this? I mean, this is not just a murder; if it is determined to be an assassination of the highest level then it strikes at democracy,” Mr Collaery said.
Despite the review into Italian organised crime being a federal AFP investigation that reviewed evidence gathered by the then commonwealth arm of the AFP, the AFP headquarters has declined to comment – instead declaring it an ACT policing matter.
“As this is a matter for ACT Police we will have to refer you to them,” a spokesman said on Friday.
Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer described the Eastman case as one of the most complex criminal trials in Australian history and a test of the AFP’s professionalism.
Former Australian Federal Police Commissioner Mick Palmer described the Eastman case as one of the most complex criminal trials in Australian history and a test of the AFP’s professionalism.
But late on Sunday, In a statement on Sunday night, the AFP declared there was no open investigation into the Winchester matter and “no recent” review.
“Our thoughts are always with the Winchester family,” a spokesperson said.
Despite the AFP’s own intelligence and reports on the ‘ndrangheta referencing the Italian Mafia and the Winchester case including reports from Italian counterparts, the spokesperson said there “is no evidence to suggest Italian organised crime was responsible for the death of one of our own”.
Since the AFP’s original murder investigation, The Shepherd has also been convicted over a large-scale drug plot with other leading Italian crime figures, some of which are directly related to the infamous ANOM police sting last year, where police were able to tap into encrypted criminal messaging.
Within hours of the 1995 original guilty Eastman murder judgment, the then AFP commissioner Mick Palmer described the case as one of the most complex criminal trials in Australian history and a test of the AFP’s professionalism, which he concluded was “exceptional”.
It would be several years later in 2014 before an independent judicial inquiry would brand the case as “deeply flawed” with false evidence given by prosecution witnesses. That led to a retrial that in November 2018 concluded Eastman – who had already served 19 years in jail – was not guilty of murder.
More Coverage
Alleged mafia hitman unmasked in suburban home
‘Traitor’: Pasquale Barbaro killed before he could snitch
Mafia infiltrated Aussie organised crime at all levels: report
Even after this verdict the AFP has consistently dismissed suggestions its case was ever tainted or that any other suspect was ever in the frame.
An inquiry into the AFP’s handling of the case concluded there was no firm evidence to support the information given by the Italian police.
Originally published as Secret police report claims Colin Winchester murdered by mafia hit
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
The informant mention in the above articles was a guy named Joe Verduci, who was a Canberra based businessman who had links to some of the state’s ‘ndranghisti around the time in question. What’s interesting is that he approached the AFP of his own accord, identified the essential underboss of Canberra, a guy named Vincenzo Morabito, and then formulated a plan to grow a crop that would implicate the ‘ndrangheta with the blessing of the AFP, who would oversee and surveil it.
The plan was to make arrests after the crop was grown and being distributed. Except none of that happened, and the mob guys were basically able to grow the crop, sell it and make hundreds of thousands (this was in the late seventies) without a single arrest being made. This happened twice. Both times Verduci, who by then had enlisted his friend Mario Cannistra, basically made excuses as to why things didn’t go to plan. There were eventually some arrests, chiefly some Barbaros (Tony and his cousin Frank”Yoogali) but theee didn’t lead to any major convictions, and in essence, the police sanctioned a “controlled crop” that was sold, made it’s way on to the streets.
This crop was overseen by Colin Winchester, who was the Assistant Commissioner to the AFP, which is also the State police force in Canberra. He was later murdered, and while there was a so-called “Italian investigation” at the time, the murder was pinned on a public service officer named David Eastman, who served 20 years before eventually winning an appeal that found him not guilty.
After revelations of corruption in the AFP, a lot of this has recently been coming up again, with people understandably questioning what exactly went on. Journalist Charles Miranda has been doing some great work on this subject. Eventually I’ll post an article on it on my blog that covers the ‘nndrangheta in Canberra, but work and uni keep getting in the way. Anyway, eventually it’ll come. In the meantime, I’ll keep sharing interesting articles that are behind a paywall.
The plan was to make arrests after the crop was grown and being distributed. Except none of that happened, and the mob guys were basically able to grow the crop, sell it and make hundreds of thousands (this was in the late seventies) without a single arrest being made. This happened twice. Both times Verduci, who by then had enlisted his friend Mario Cannistra, basically made excuses as to why things didn’t go to plan. There were eventually some arrests, chiefly some Barbaros (Tony and his cousin Frank”Yoogali) but theee didn’t lead to any major convictions, and in essence, the police sanctioned a “controlled crop” that was sold, made it’s way on to the streets.
This crop was overseen by Colin Winchester, who was the Assistant Commissioner to the AFP, which is also the State police force in Canberra. He was later murdered, and while there was a so-called “Italian investigation” at the time, the murder was pinned on a public service officer named David Eastman, who served 20 years before eventually winning an appeal that found him not guilty.
After revelations of corruption in the AFP, a lot of this has recently been coming up again, with people understandably questioning what exactly went on. Journalist Charles Miranda has been doing some great work on this subject. Eventually I’ll post an article on it on my blog that covers the ‘nndrangheta in Canberra, but work and uni keep getting in the way. Anyway, eventually it’ll come. In the meantime, I’ll keep sharing interesting articles that are behind a paywall.
(...cough...)
https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Just fwiw, the alleged Calabrian hit men they refer to as “The shepherds” in these articles I believe to be Giovanni and Domenico Commisso, who arrived at the same time the hitmen are alleged to. Also, the informant I mentioned, Joe Verduci, has his name supressed in recent court hearings as Mr X. I literally own publications that name him and his role in Operation Seville.
(...cough...)
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calabrianwatch
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
I thought the Shepard was the guy Bruno Musitano, if I understood correctly what Sergi says in her book about Winchester?
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Okay, sorry for the late reply.
In the early ‘90s three Australian journalists pooled their efforts and wrote a book called The Winchester Scandal, which is long out of print. In it, they detail the arrival of the Commisso brothers and the informant Joe Verduci is featured heavily; his statements make up a portion of the book and form the basis of the so called “Italian Connection” to the Winchester murder.
So it’s somewhat funny that 20 years later they’re now suppressing identities, even if I understand why they do it.
Regarding Amna Sergi’s publications, I have not read any of her books, just the research papers and articles she wrote while at Cambridge University. They are on my list. Any recommendations? Does she cover Australia in many?
In other news going on, investigative journalist Charles Miranda has recently published some great pieces on the Australian ‘ndrangheta. I’ll post some links when I have the time (I’m at a school event for my kids
)
In the early ‘90s three Australian journalists pooled their efforts and wrote a book called The Winchester Scandal, which is long out of print. In it, they detail the arrival of the Commisso brothers and the informant Joe Verduci is featured heavily; his statements make up a portion of the book and form the basis of the so called “Italian Connection” to the Winchester murder.
So it’s somewhat funny that 20 years later they’re now suppressing identities, even if I understand why they do it.
Regarding Amna Sergi’s publications, I have not read any of her books, just the research papers and articles she wrote while at Cambridge University. They are on my list. Any recommendations? Does she cover Australia in many?
In other news going on, investigative journalist Charles Miranda has recently published some great pieces on the Australian ‘ndrangheta. I’ll post some links when I have the time (I’m at a school event for my kids
)(...cough...)
https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com
https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com
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calabrianwatch
- Straightened out
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Chasing the mafia, the latest is about Australia. Easy to get. And yes Miranda's articles are behind paywall...
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calabrianwatch
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Plus this podcast latest is about the book and Australia https://globalinitiative.net/analysis/d ... e-podcast/
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AustraliaSteve
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Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Recentish article talking about how entrenched the Calabrese are in Australia. I’ve read estimates of 5000 active members, which is pretty on the mark considering a total population of nearly 26 million. Anyway, formatted the best I could.
How 'Ndrangheta mafia families may be living next to you, quietly laundering billions in dirty cash
By Mark Saunokonoko • Senior Journalist
10:09am Jun 7, 2022
AFP says Italian mafia responsible for drug smuggling into Australia
WATCH
AFP says Italian mafia responsible for drug smuggling into Australia
Play Video
AFP says Italian mafia responsible for drug smuggling into Australia
After covertly taking control of an underworld encrypted messaging system, the Australian Federal Police have exposed just how deeply Italy's notoriously secretive and ruthlessly violent 'Ndrangheta mafia has infiltrated Australia.
The tentacles of the 'Ndrangheta reach into towns and cities across the country, the AFP revealed today, explaining how thousands of members will be presenting a modest front of regular family life while laundering billions in dirty cash in construction, agricultural and catering businesses.
"It's entirely possible that people would be living next door to members of the 'Ndrangheta without knowing," AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said today, describing the mafia as quiet puppet masters who control killer bikie gangs and hardened criminals on the frontlines of Australia's drug, illegal gambling and gun trade.
The AFP will target Italian organised crime and money-laundering syndicates washing billions of dollars a year through the Australian economy after invaluable intelligence was obtained on the AN0M platform.
The AFP will target Italian organised crime and money-laundering syndicates washing billions of dollars a year through the Australian economy after invaluable intelligence was obtained on the AN0M platform. (AFP / 9News)
"The 'Ndrangheta pride themselves on the fact that they have this omertà, which means they work in secrecy and silence," Ryan said.
"They've been able to operate in the darkness for so long."
But the AFP and FBI's audacious masterstroke to penetrate and quietly seize control of AN0M, a secure and encrypted messaging system favoured by criminals around the world, had changed everything, he said.
Since establishing themselves in Australia in the early 1920s, in towns like Griffith in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Ryan said the Italian mafia-linked families had legitimised their businesses to "wash billions" of ill-gotten gains.
Around 70 per cent of the world's cocaine is trafficked by 'Ndrangheta, and the AFP believes that same monopolising control of the illicit white powder exists in Australia.
"The 'Ndrangheta are actually the ones pulling the strings of different, other organised crime groups, particularly the more violent groups such as motorcycle gangs."
Assisted by the FBI, Italian police and other law enforcement agencies in Europe, the AFP has built out extensive familial mapping which revealed 51 Italian organised crime clans operating in Australia, of which 14 were "confirmed" as 'Ndrangheta.
"We've seen the familial blood lines, and marriage into blood lines," Ryan said.
"We see the same names coming up all the time in relation to organised crime in this country."
The AFP will target Italian organised crime and money-laundering syndicates washing billions of dollars a year through the Australian economy after invaluable intelligence was obtained on the AN0M platform
The AFP will target Italian organised crime and money-laundering syndicates washing billions of dollars a year through the Australian economy after invaluable intelligence was obtained on the AN0M platform (9News)
Today's revelation comes one year after the AFP made public Operation Ironside, the biggest and most significant organised crime operation in its history.
That operation saw the AFP penetrate major crime groups by breaking into and assuming total control of AN0M.
AN0M allowed the AFP to build an extensive picture of the 'Ndrangheta in Australia, with agents methodically analysing an ocean of 28 million messages sent over the platform.
Users had no idea the AFP and FBI was watching.
Ryan said a "good majority" of those messages were between Italian mafia members and outlaw motorcycle gangs, particularly the Comancheros.
"Unfortunately for them, they invested in the wrong technology when they invested in AN0M."
However, Ryan said AN0M was not used by Asian or Middle Eastern crime syndicates.
"This is really a warning to Italian organised crime that they're on our radar," he said.
Ryan declared the AFP must "cut off the head and tail" of 'Ndrangheta in Australia, while promising more crime-busting headlines will follow today's revelations.
In Australia, through Operation Ironside, 383 alleged offenders have been charged with 2340 offences. More than 6.3 tonnes of illicit drugs, 147 weapons/firearms and $55 million has been seized. Forty-two offenders charged have already pleaded guilty or have been sentenced.
In Australia, through Operation Ironside, 383 alleged offenders have been charged with 2340 offences. More than 6.3 tonnes of illicit drugs, 147 weapons/firearms and $55 million has been seized. Forty-two offenders charged have already pleaded guilty or have been sentenced. (9News)
Operation Ironside has already dealt a heavy blow to organised crime in Australia and around the the globe.
In Australia, 383 alleged offenders have been charged with 2340 offences.
More than 6.3 tonnes of illicit drugs and $55 million has been seized.
So far, 42 offenders charged under the operation have pleaded guilty or been sentenced.
Globally, more than 700 alleged offenders have been charged and 65 tonnes of illicit drugs seized.
READ MORE: 'Really frustrating' dilemma facing many Aussies right now
Calabria in southern Italy, where the 'Ndrangheta hail from.
Calabria in southern Italy, where the 'Ndrangheta hail from. (AP)
Who are the 'Ndrangheta in Australia?
The 'Ndrangheta, also known as the Calabrian mafia, typically try to maintain a low profile and not display overt wealth.
'Ndrangheta clans are headed by senior figures that have authority over the other members.
Australian-based 'Ndrangheta are believed to be assisted and directed by 'Ndrangheta in Italy.
The families are typically involved in drug importations, money laundering, tobacco distribution and acts of violence.
Since the 1970s, the Australian 'Ndrangheta are believed to have been involved in money laundering through legitimate business, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track the original source of money.
'Ndrangheta launder proceeds of crime through bitcoin, corrupt lawyers and accountants.
Australian 'Ndrangheta members are difficult to combat, infiltrate and disrupt due to the code of silence, known as omertà.
How 'Ndrangheta mafia families may be living next to you, quietly laundering billions in dirty cash
By Mark Saunokonoko • Senior Journalist
10:09am Jun 7, 2022
AFP says Italian mafia responsible for drug smuggling into Australia
WATCH
AFP says Italian mafia responsible for drug smuggling into Australia
Play Video
AFP says Italian mafia responsible for drug smuggling into Australia
After covertly taking control of an underworld encrypted messaging system, the Australian Federal Police have exposed just how deeply Italy's notoriously secretive and ruthlessly violent 'Ndrangheta mafia has infiltrated Australia.
The tentacles of the 'Ndrangheta reach into towns and cities across the country, the AFP revealed today, explaining how thousands of members will be presenting a modest front of regular family life while laundering billions in dirty cash in construction, agricultural and catering businesses.
"It's entirely possible that people would be living next door to members of the 'Ndrangheta without knowing," AFP Assistant Commissioner Nigel Ryan said today, describing the mafia as quiet puppet masters who control killer bikie gangs and hardened criminals on the frontlines of Australia's drug, illegal gambling and gun trade.
The AFP will target Italian organised crime and money-laundering syndicates washing billions of dollars a year through the Australian economy after invaluable intelligence was obtained on the AN0M platform.
The AFP will target Italian organised crime and money-laundering syndicates washing billions of dollars a year through the Australian economy after invaluable intelligence was obtained on the AN0M platform. (AFP / 9News)
"The 'Ndrangheta pride themselves on the fact that they have this omertà, which means they work in secrecy and silence," Ryan said.
"They've been able to operate in the darkness for so long."
But the AFP and FBI's audacious masterstroke to penetrate and quietly seize control of AN0M, a secure and encrypted messaging system favoured by criminals around the world, had changed everything, he said.
Since establishing themselves in Australia in the early 1920s, in towns like Griffith in the Riverina region of New South Wales, Ryan said the Italian mafia-linked families had legitimised their businesses to "wash billions" of ill-gotten gains.
Around 70 per cent of the world's cocaine is trafficked by 'Ndrangheta, and the AFP believes that same monopolising control of the illicit white powder exists in Australia.
"The 'Ndrangheta are actually the ones pulling the strings of different, other organised crime groups, particularly the more violent groups such as motorcycle gangs."
Assisted by the FBI, Italian police and other law enforcement agencies in Europe, the AFP has built out extensive familial mapping which revealed 51 Italian organised crime clans operating in Australia, of which 14 were "confirmed" as 'Ndrangheta.
"We've seen the familial blood lines, and marriage into blood lines," Ryan said.
"We see the same names coming up all the time in relation to organised crime in this country."
The AFP will target Italian organised crime and money-laundering syndicates washing billions of dollars a year through the Australian economy after invaluable intelligence was obtained on the AN0M platform
The AFP will target Italian organised crime and money-laundering syndicates washing billions of dollars a year through the Australian economy after invaluable intelligence was obtained on the AN0M platform (9News)
Today's revelation comes one year after the AFP made public Operation Ironside, the biggest and most significant organised crime operation in its history.
That operation saw the AFP penetrate major crime groups by breaking into and assuming total control of AN0M.
AN0M allowed the AFP to build an extensive picture of the 'Ndrangheta in Australia, with agents methodically analysing an ocean of 28 million messages sent over the platform.
Users had no idea the AFP and FBI was watching.
Ryan said a "good majority" of those messages were between Italian mafia members and outlaw motorcycle gangs, particularly the Comancheros.
"Unfortunately for them, they invested in the wrong technology when they invested in AN0M."
However, Ryan said AN0M was not used by Asian or Middle Eastern crime syndicates.
"This is really a warning to Italian organised crime that they're on our radar," he said.
Ryan declared the AFP must "cut off the head and tail" of 'Ndrangheta in Australia, while promising more crime-busting headlines will follow today's revelations.
In Australia, through Operation Ironside, 383 alleged offenders have been charged with 2340 offences. More than 6.3 tonnes of illicit drugs, 147 weapons/firearms and $55 million has been seized. Forty-two offenders charged have already pleaded guilty or have been sentenced.
In Australia, through Operation Ironside, 383 alleged offenders have been charged with 2340 offences. More than 6.3 tonnes of illicit drugs, 147 weapons/firearms and $55 million has been seized. Forty-two offenders charged have already pleaded guilty or have been sentenced. (9News)
Operation Ironside has already dealt a heavy blow to organised crime in Australia and around the the globe.
In Australia, 383 alleged offenders have been charged with 2340 offences.
More than 6.3 tonnes of illicit drugs and $55 million has been seized.
So far, 42 offenders charged under the operation have pleaded guilty or been sentenced.
Globally, more than 700 alleged offenders have been charged and 65 tonnes of illicit drugs seized.
READ MORE: 'Really frustrating' dilemma facing many Aussies right now
Calabria in southern Italy, where the 'Ndrangheta hail from.
Calabria in southern Italy, where the 'Ndrangheta hail from. (AP)
Who are the 'Ndrangheta in Australia?
The 'Ndrangheta, also known as the Calabrian mafia, typically try to maintain a low profile and not display overt wealth.
'Ndrangheta clans are headed by senior figures that have authority over the other members.
Australian-based 'Ndrangheta are believed to be assisted and directed by 'Ndrangheta in Italy.
The families are typically involved in drug importations, money laundering, tobacco distribution and acts of violence.
Since the 1970s, the Australian 'Ndrangheta are believed to have been involved in money laundering through legitimate business, making it difficult for law enforcement agencies to track the original source of money.
'Ndrangheta launder proceeds of crime through bitcoin, corrupt lawyers and accountants.
Australian 'Ndrangheta members are difficult to combat, infiltrate and disrupt due to the code of silence, known as omertà.
(...cough...)
https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com
https://mafiainaustralia.wordpress.com
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SonnyBlackstein
- Filthy Few
- Posts: 7580
- Joined: Fri Nov 07, 2014 2:21 am
Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
5000 Ndrangheta members in Australia??
Dude, dreaming.
Dude, dreaming.
Don't give me your f***ing Manson lamps.
Re: Mafia Down Under Discussion
Alphonse Gangitano, Mario Condello, Carlton crew Ndrine? Cosa Nostra? Was the mafia any deeper related to the Melbourne gangland war then just those guys and the Morans?