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[AustraliaSteve]

Here’s the newscorp article, has a few pics of the guy.

Revealed: Inside Australian Border Force official and alleged Sydney underworld figure’s intercepted conversations

A man accused of importing cocaine into Sydney with the help of a corrupt ABF official spoke intimately to her in intercepted conversations, telling her: “I’ve just got to get you a pair of high heels,” police allege.

Derrick Krusche
and
Madeline Crittenden
3 min read
March 12, 2025 - 9:55PM
A man with underworld links accused of importing cocaine into Sydney with the help of a corrupt Australian Border Force official spoke intimately to her in intercepted conversations, telling her: “I’ve just got to get you a pair of high heels” and promising her: “Together we’ll conquer the world – you can be my queen”, police allege.

Australian Federal Police allege in court documents Cosmo Commisso, 67, of Mount Pritchard, and ABF National Border Targeting Centre supervisor Rita Gargiulo, 50, of Oran Park, teamed up to exploit her access to the Department of Home Affairs’ computer systems to ensure a parcel containing 6.9kg of cocaine could be smuggled through the border.

Commisso and Gargiulo were arrested during a nationwide police investigation that also nabbed a Sydney father and son – accused of abusing their positions in customs control to smuggle two tonnes of illegal tobacco into the city – and a Melbourne man, accused of heroin trafficking with alleged links to a Sydney logistics worker, who was not charged but fired from his position.

Alleged crime figure Cosmo Commisso, 67, is accused of giving Australian Border Force supervisor Rita Gargiulo, 50, cash, luxury goods and household items in exchange for help bypassing 6.9kg cocaine from ABF examination after it landed in Sydney.
Alleged crime figure Cosmo Commisso, 67, is accused of giving Australian Border Force supervisor Rita Gargiulo, 50, cash, luxury goods and household items in exchange for help bypassing 6.9kg cocaine from ABF examination after it landed in Sydney.
The arrests prompted senior police to label NSW as “ground zero for Australia’s illicit drug importations”, with more than half of substances trafficked into Australia funnelled into the state – mostly into Sydney.

Commisso and Gargiulo, who are being represented by high-profile Sydney solicitor Ahmed Dib, were both charged with bribery and drug importation and are yet to enter pleas.

When contacted on Wednesday about the case, Mr Dib declined to comment.

High profile Sydney solicitor Ahmed Dib is legally representing the pair.
High profile Sydney solicitor Ahmed Dib is legally representing the pair.
According to the police documents, Gargiulo has worked with the ABF for 10 years and in March 2024 was promoted to the role of Targeting Centre supervisor at the agency’s Mascot base, a position that gave her access to Home Affairs’ internal system, allowing her to look up cargo logs and also look up if certain parcels were flagged to be searched.

She eventually began to allegedly take bribes from Commisso – including Burberry and Louis Vuitton handbags – to ensure the airfreight parcel containing 6.9kg of cocaine would bypass ABF examination this month.

Rita Gargiulo (right) being arrested by police officers. She has worked with the ABF for 10 years.
Rita Gargiulo (right) being arrested by police officers. She has worked with the ABF for 10 years.
However, The Daily Telegraph can exclusively reveal police had been listening to the pair talk to each other – with sometimes intimate language – for weeks and knew where to look, seizing the cocaine and arresting them on Tuesday.

They were introduced to each other in late 2024 by an associate, with Commisso – who police allege has organised crime links – allegedly later saying that Gargiulo had “information about consignments coming into Australia and could tell if they were being watched”.

As Gargiulo began to assist Commisso, investigators from a newly established task force targeting “double agents” were listening in.

Commisso in handcuffs following his arrest.
Commisso in handcuffs following his arrest.
They eavesdropped for months as Gargiulo allegedly raved to a family member about how Commisso had changed their lives, and, as he called her “sexy”, they were also listening as she allegedly explained how ABF inspected packages and how to better hide illegal materials.

On one occasion, Commisso said: “I’ve just got to get you a pair of high heels – do you wear high heels?” to which Gargiulo said: “Yeah, but only for occasions”.

Commisso replied: “Sexy occasions – you can put the lingerie on”.

Another time, Commisso seemingly hinted he had future plans with Gargiulo after their alleged criminal enterprise, telling her: “Together we’ll conquer the world – you can be my queen”.

In another intercepted conversation, Gargiulo gushed to a family member about her relationship with Commisso, saying: “This guy wants to spend every cent he has got on me” and “he got me schnitz, cutlets, more cherries, he got me some anti-pasta stuff … I literally do not need to grocery shop.”

But their relationship involved more than gourmet groceries.

According to the intercepted messages, Gargiulo schooled Commisso about “massive, powerful” X-ray machines used to check consignments by the ABF and how illicit materials could be better concealed by lead, which is not easily X-rayed.

The Raptor Squad moving in on the home of one of the alleged offenders. Picture: AFP
The Raptor Squad moving in on the home of one of the alleged offenders. Picture: AFP
It is alleged the pair worked together for several months, partly to ensure the safe passage of the parcel and to provide information about “dummy run” of cosmetics that arrived in Australia from Malaysia last month.

The pair were arrested by the newly established AFP and NSW Police’s Multi Agency Strike Team that targets contractors, public and private officials who are allegedly on the payroll of organised crime.

Assistant Commissioner Micheal Fitzgerald speaks of an alleged incident were a boarder force officer has attempted to import illicit drugs into Australia. Picture: NewsWire / Thomas Lisson
Assistant Commissioner Micheal Fitzgerald speaks of an alleged incident were a boarder force officer has attempted to import illicit drugs into Australia. Picture: NewsWire / Thomas Lisson
Speaking generally, AFP Deputy Commissioner Ian McCartney said the “double dealers” were “highly valuable” to organised crims and gangs.

“We used to call these offenders trusted insiders,” he said.

“However, what they really are (is) double agents or double dealers, by working for both sides.

“They are extremely valuable to organised crime, who will keep these insiders on their payroll for years to make it easier to import large properties of illicit drugs into this country.”

More Coverage
Border Force officer accused of taking bribes from drug trafficker
Border Force officer accused of taking bribes from drug trafficker
What the texts and conversations revealed
What the texts and conversations revealed

[AustraliaSteve]

[AustraliaSteve]

I can see that in 2015 Commisso was in a property dispute with his sister and his niece and son in law over a property he claimed was promised to his sister until her death, and the other relatives were living there after she died claiming that the house had been promised to them. After a heap of legal back and forth where the plaintiffs weren’t able to produce any documents backing their claim the property was granted to the NSW Trustee.

Interestingly, during the hearing the judge notes that millions in cash was seized from properties owned by Commisso, that he was barred from selling said house or others while under investigation and that he found Commisso to be an unreliable witness.

Also in 2006 his son Emilio was kidnapped and held for ransom by a crew of young Middpe Eastern crims, they demanded $100,000 from Cosmo, who called the cops on the kidnappers.

[AustraliaSteve]

Okay so recent info would indicate that the Sydney Commisso actually come from Gioiose Ionica, NOT from Siderno.

My source was very emphatically stating that. Whether he has his own agenda or not, I can’t say, but at this point I can confirm that Cosimo is brothers with Johnny Commisso, and that Cosmo’s immediate family is plugged into Comanchero and HA clubs through his son, Emilio.

[motorfab]

Okay so recent info would indicate that the Sydney Commisso actually come from Gioiose Ionica, NOT from Siderno.

My source was very emphatically stating that. Whether he has his own agenda or not, I can’t say, but at this point I can confirm that Cosimo is brothers with Johnny Commisso, and that Cosmo’s immediate family is plugged into Comanchero and HA clubs through his son, Emilio.

Actually the Commisso (Siderno) & Aquino (Gioiosa Ionica) 'ndrine are quite close and connected to each others, so there is good chances Cosimo is connected to Siderno

Great find for confirming Cosimo & John are brothers (and for the rest obviously)

[AustraliaSteve]

Holy shit Mokbel got out. Haha!

[AustraliaSteve]

Nicola Gibbo really fucked everything about Purana’s legacy. I swear to God, Tomato Tins Pat is in with a chance, but I wonder how keen Mad Frank is to try his luck in an Italian jail..I don’t see any thing happening with one case without the other.

But then again nobody saw Mokbel coming. How many more Gobbo-Type double agents were really around…


*I know it’s not directly ‘ndrangheta related, but it is tangentially. Plus it’s Australian shit, there’s only a handful who care lol

[AustraliaSteve]

To clarity, Tony Mokbel, one of Australia’s most notorious and prolific drug traffickers, just won bail ahead of an appeal for his 26 year sentence for drug trafficking. Victoria Police were alleged to have engaged in a joint criminal enterprise when they enlisted Mokbel’s lawyer against him.

So the short of it is this notorious gangster, one of the prime architects of the Melbourne Gangland War, has gotten out of jail a decade early because state police in Victoria fuuuuucked up in their efforts to stop the murders. Now there are swathes of cases from that era suddenly compromised.

Incidentally, Nicola Gobbo was also at various points legal rep. for both Garbo Barbaro and Frank the Fruit. There’s potential for their cases to be revisited.

Fuck, just checked the pics, Mokbel’s ages every one of those 18 years plus a decade or so. I heard he did his time hard but you didn’t hear much from him over the years, the occasional complaints. Getting bashed the way he did in 2019 was a dog act. You can see the scar from where those fcuken kids jumped on his head.
Shit, can you imagine sitting there in jail for nearly two decades knowing you can’t prove that your own lawyer was fucking you over. Dowsley and Carlyon broke the scandal of Australian legal history.

I’m not saying i particularly sympathise with Mokbel as a person, but the way they got him was supremely fucked up.

[John W]

Nicola Gibbo really fucked everything about Purana’s legacy. I swear to God, Tomato Tins Pat is in with a chance, but I wonder how keen Mad Frank is to try his luck in an Italian jail..I don’t see any thing happening with one case without the other.

But then again nobody saw Mokbel coming. How many more Gobbo-Type double agents were really around…


*I know it’s not directly ‘ndrangheta related, but it is tangentially. Plus it’s Australian shit, there’s only a handful who care lol

The book Lawyer X about Gobbo is a good read

[AustraliaSteve]

Nicola Gibbo really fucked everything about Purana’s legacy. I swear to God, Tomato Tins Pat is in with a chance, but I wonder how keen Mad Frank is to try his luck in an Italian jail..I don’t see any thing happening with one case without the other.

But then again nobody saw Mokbel coming. How many more Gobbo-Type double agents were really around…


*I know it’s not directly ‘ndrangheta related, but it is tangentially. Plus it’s Australian shit, there’s only a handful who care lol

The book Lawyer X about Gobbo is a good read

Brother, it is 100% a crucial part of the Australian True Crime canon. I told him as much the first time we spoke and his response was that they both caught the story first purely by luck. I don’t know, they would have had to sit on it for a year or two when it was suppressed info and they still broke the story first when other mastheads were starting to become aware.

Apparently Faruk Orman is seeking damages next.

[Tmr88]

Pat Barbs will have a fair fight ahead of him though… like they wouldn’t of caught onto that 4.4t of pingers if Karam hadn’t of handed over the container number to Gobbo. But Barbaro then spent another 8-12 months running around with his hands all over other multiple shipments into Aus.
As much as they are out and out crims - it’s fucking filthy using their own barristers against them as informants. Mokbel definitely deserves another shot at a fair trial

[AustraliaSteve]

Suspected mafia figure John Latorre ‘targeted hit’ followed confrontation with extended family members

Police continue to investigate the “targeted hit” of suspected mafia figure John Latorre, who was murdered in his driveway just weeks after a bitter confrontation with two men.

Anthony Dowsley
EXCLUSIVE
3 min read
April 13, 2025 - 6:00AM
National News Network

A potential motive for the professional hit on Melbourne fruiterer John Latorre has emerged.
Suspected mafia figure John Latorre was murdered in his driveway just weeks after a bitter confrontation with two men at a family gathering.

Mr Latorre, who was shot dead in his Greenvale driveway just over a year ago, had demanded his family cease any involvement with the men who were part of his extended family.

Although known to police and widely regarded as being linked to the mafia, Mr Latorre’s position within the hierarchy of Australia’s Calabrian Mafia, known as the ‘Ndrangheta, is unclear.

The extended family with whom he was feuding are currently facing charges in a lower court over a non-related matter.

But it has been alleged the 64-year-old Latorre had fallen out with the men, who are brothers, over his wholesale fruit and vegetable business.

The Herald Sun is not suggesting the extended family members were involved with Mr Latorre’s murder, only that there had been a bitter argument between them.

Vegetable wholesaler John Latorre, who was shot dead outside his house. Picture: Supplied
Vegetable wholesaler John Latorre, who was shot dead outside his house. Picture: Supplied
Victoria Police continue to investigate the “targeted hit’’ on March 12 last year, with his assassin striking as he left his home for the Melbourne Market.

It’s understood Mr Latorre was shot three times.

Sources allege Mr Latorre was so angered at the sight of the brothers after spotting them at a family function known as “Tomato Sauce Day’’, a traditional event, he kicked over a bucket in anger.

“They are dogs,’’ he is alleged to have yelled as he entered the home of his sister-in-law, Gina.

“Anyone who hangs around with them are dogs. Anyone who eats at their restaurant is a dog.’’

The brothers, who moved from Calabria to Australia within the past decade, are relations of Mr Latorre’s business partner and brother-in-law, Rocco Grillo.

They are the sons of a Calabrian farmer, known to Italian authorities, who was murdered in 2011.

It is understood Mr Latorre helped the brothers set up in Melbourne, according to well-placed sources.

Since, the pair have bought an Italian restaurant in the northern suburbs.

Mourners leaving the funeral of John Latorre in Moonee Ponds. Picture: NewsWire
Mourners leaving the funeral of John Latorre in Moonee Ponds. Picture: NewsWire
Mr Latorre had derided one of the brothers, dubbing him “Masterchef’’.

A family member told the Sunday Herald Sun they continue to wait for answers.

“We’re just a plain and simple family,” a family member said.

“I want it to be solved.

“I want it solved for our sake and for his sake because he’s not here to stand up for himself.”

Mr Latorre was “well respected” within Melbourne’s Italian community and his family was upset at the portrayal of him as a “bad guy”.

“Respect, that’s what he was all about,” they said.

“I just rack my brain every day thinking, who and for what reason (was he murdered).

“He was just a person who wanted to help everybody.”

Those who knew Mr Latorre, including a figure well-connected to the underworld, said the brothers were “buffoons’’.

An Italian woman with knowledge of the feud called for the brothers to return to Calabria.

“They’re finished in Melbourne,’’ she said via an intermediary.

“They should just go home.

“When we first got to know them we thought (name redacted) was just a big spending show off with a tacky wife.’’

Mourners after John Latorre’s funeral. Picture: NewsWire
Mourners after John Latorre’s funeral. Picture: NewsWire
Another associate of Mr Latorre said the brothers lacked respect.

“They were given every opportunity when they came here,’’ he said.

“John was very generous to them.’’

Underworld sources say tension between the brothers and Mr Latorre was over an attempt to infiltrate his business, which he rejected.

It is not known if Victoria Police have made any breakthroughs in its investigation into Mr Latorre’s killing.

Police were investigating whether the gunman, or gunmen, used a motorcycle, or possibly a scooter, to escape the scene.

Mr Latorre’s fruit and vegetable stand at the market, which was once owned by slain Melbourne mafia boss Frank Benvenuto, is being run by his brother-in-law, Mr Grillo and his family.

Mr Grillo bought into the Latorre business in the early 2000s and the two families have grown it together.

Mr Grillo’s wife, Gina, is the sister of Mr Latorre’s wife, Maria.

Victoria Police said its investigation was ongoing.

“Homicide Squad detectives are continuing to investigate the fatal shooting of a man in Greenvale last year,’’ the statement said.

[AustraliaSteve]

I sorta half can’t believe we’re receiving news at all at this point, especially one related to Rocco Grillo of all family. Dowsley has done pretty well to get permission to publish those quotes, even if they are clipped and anonymous.

Rocco Grillo, who has a cousin in Griffith of the same name, is one of three brothers (other two are Filomeno and Joe) but iirc only Rocco was a partner at Latorre’s Wholesale Fruit & Veg.

Fuck I’ve mixed up my notes here. Does anyone remember if Latorre’s mother was a Mammoliti, or was it Latorre’s other BIL Vince Mantovani who was a Mammoliti?
Tryna nail down which one of of these family members went half-kind on record with Dowsley in naming Grillo makes me think the family is involved with the story. That’s odd now, it’s got me thinking of something else…