OLD NEWS View recent news  |2011-10-26|     Fugitve mob boss never left home Giovanni Arena, a leading member from the Nitto Santapaolo clan, was arrested today after being on the lam for 18 years. In 1993 he was sentenced to life for the murder of Maurizio Romeo , a member of the rival Ferrera clan, 4 years earlier. All that time he succeeded in staying hidden for police and avoiding arrest. After searching for 18 years they did however found him, at his own home in Catania. Police say that his family, consisting out of 9 children, helped in forming their father into a ghost. To do so they had build a hidden space in the closet. Most of his children are also involved in Mafia business. When he got arrested Arena reputidly mokked the agents saying: "Good, but I was here for 20 years". (Source: www.timesofmalta.com, newenglandorganizedcrime.com)  |2011-10-11|     Woman who led Feds to Whitey Bulger in danger? $2 million was the reward for the person who could give crucial information about one of America's most notorious fugitives, Whitey Bulger. For years he and his girlfriend, Catherine Grieg, were on the run for the law until they met a woman named Anna Bjornsdottir. The former Miss Iceland 1974 lived next door to Bulger in Santa Monica, California, and was familiar with the couple. When Anna returned to Iceland and watched a CNN newsreport about Bulger she immediatly recognized her Santa Monica neighbour. She tipped the FBI who then captured him in June, making her an instant millionair. However, since The Boston Globe published her name in an article her life could be in danger. Although Bulger is 82 years old he will always remain a vicious murderer and may still have gangland contacts. (Source: www.globalpost.com, abcnews.go.com)  |2011-09-20|     Giuseppe Calascibetta murdered Yesterday evening the dead body of 60 year old Giuseppe Calascibetta was found near his home in Palermo. He was killed by a bomb which had exploded at close range and was also hit by several bullets. Calascibetta was the former boss of the Santa Maria Di Gesù clan and was one of the men who was involved in the 1992 murder of magistrate Paolo Borsellino. He was arrested for criminal association in 1998 and was freed again in 2008. Police believes his murder is the beginning of a new Mafia war. (Source: www.tmnews.it, www.tgcom.mediaset.it)  |2011-08-22|     Informer commits suicide in Calabria Rather than being under police protection 31 year old Maria Concetta Cacciola committed suicide after becomming a federal witness. Many of her relatives are part of the 'Ndrangheta including her father, who is the brother-in-law of Gregorio Bellocco, the boss of the Rosamo area. The Bellocco clan is conscidered to be one of the most powerfull 'Ndrangheta organisations in Italy. She was held in a secret location by the police but they couldn't prevent her from taking her own life. She apparently locked herself up in the bathroom where she took a deadly dose of acid. (www.mnews.it, www.crimeblog.it)  |2011-08-05|     Jailed Camorra boss loses assets worth €110 million As the carabinieri continues it's war against the Camorra, they have now seized assets worth up to €110 million from jailed Camorra leader Salvatore Belforte. The assets include several appartments, a massive 4.000 square villa and a couple of businesses. Belforte, 50, runs the Belforte clan together with his brother Domenico and has close ties to the Casalesi clan. Police has also arrested Salvatore's wife Concetta, his sister-in-law Maria Buttone and his nephew Camillo. Both Domenico and Salvatore are allready serving lenghty prison sentences but still send out orders to the outside. During the 80's they were once alligned with Raffaele Cutolo before switching to the Casalesi's. (Source: www.tg1.rai.it, www.casertace.net)  |2011-07-23|     €40 million in assets seized from jailed Camorra boss Yesterday police seized assets and cash worth up to €40 million from jailed Camorra boss Francesco Bidognetti. Bidognetti was a leading member of the Casalesi Clan and is jailed since 1993. Amongst his assets were 11 construction businesses and a shopping mall. Bidognetti's wife, Anna Carrino, frequently smuggled messages from the outside to her husband during her visits until she got arrested in 2007. (Source: www.adnkronos.com, www.casertanews.it)  |2011-07-17|     Italian minister of agriculture accused for mafia links Minister of agriculture, Francesco Saverio Romano, is the headliner in Italy's latest political scandal. Prosecutors in Sicily have accused him for having ties to the Cosa Nostra. Romano ‘put his position at the disposal of Cosa Nostra, contributing to the organization’s criminal plan aimed at gaining power and influence over political and administrative institutions.’ prosecutor Nino Di Matteo wrote. Romano, who was selected as minister by Silvio Berlusconi and has been a member of the parliament for over a decade, denied all charges. Currently it is not certain if there will be a trial, but members of the centre-left opposition have demanded for him to resign. (Source: www.theaustralian.com.au, af11.wordpress.com)  |2011-06-23|     Gun of Al Capone sold for nearly $110.000 in London. A Colt .38 which once belonged to Chicago crimelord Al Capone was sold at Christie's Auction House for $109,080. The buyer, who prefers to stay anonymous, also recieved a note with it from Madeleine Capone Morichetti, the widow of Capone's brother Ralph, as prove the gun is authentical. The weapon was manufactured in May 1929, not long after the infamous Valentines Day Massacre. (Source: www.bbc.co.uk, www.huffingtonpost.com)  |2011-06-23|     FBI catches Whitey Bulger! Weeks after Osama Bin Ladens death the FBI can again remove a name from their 10 Most Wanted list, Whitey Bulger. Over the years there have been several spottings of Bulger in countries such as Italy and Ireland, and now came a tip that he was hiding out in California. A recent campaign to catch Bulger possibly led to the prime information the FBI was hoping for. The 81 year old Bulger was arrested together with his 60 year old girlfriend Catherine Greig, who was travelling by his side eversince he became a fugitive in 1995. The former gangster from Boston is being held responsible for 19 murders. The FBI had placed a reward of $2 million above his head, the highest price ever for a fugitive. In 2000 and 2005 there allready had been spottings of him and his girlfriend in California, but everytime the trail ran cold. William Bulger, his brother and former president of the state senate, hadn't much to say when a reporter knocked on his door to inform him about the arrest. (Source: www.boston.com, www.cbsnews.com)  |2011-06-08|     Police arrests 140 suspected 'Ndrangheta members after new sweep Today Italian police arrested more than 140 suspected 'Ndrangheta members and associates for crimes ranging from fraud to extortion. About 1300 police officers took part in the operation which was spread over cities such as Milan, Modena and Reggio Calabria. Amongst the arrested men are also local politicians. In the historical city of Turin police confiscated land, villas and bank accounts for a total sum of $100 million. Operation Minotaur was made possible after 4 years of research and is conscidered a success in the fight against the 'Ndrangheta. To this day the criminal organisation is still making billions of dollars a year through weapons and drugtrafficking. (Source: newspepper.su, www.mediastory.net)  |2011-05-25|     Police arrests Camorra boss in Varcaturo Today police arrested Camorra boss Giuseppe Dell’Aquila at his fortified villa in Varcaturo. Dell'Aquila was a leader of the Mallardo and Contini clans, which is largely involved in the construction industry along the coastline from Naples to Rome. In 2009 he nearly avoided arrest when he jumped off his yacht in the gulf of Naples during a police raid and took off swimming. Now, 2 years later, he is finally captured after being on the run for about 9 years. Dell'Aquila is described as being one of Italy's most dangerous criminals. According to turncoat Salvatore Giuliano he is also a fierce killer, "who committed around a hundred murders". The charges against Dell'Aquila however do not include homicide. (Source: www.bbc.co.uk, www.alternet.org)  |2011-05-09|     'Ndrangheta infiltrates TNT Express Police has revealed that over the past few years the 'Ndrangheta succeeded in infiltrating Dutch post delivery group TNT Express in Northern Italy. Through managers they controlled TNT's parcel delivery operations in the Lombardy region, surrounding Milan. The Italian Justice Department has temporarily taken over 4 TNT warehouses in Milan, which were believed to be under the influence of the 'Ndrangheta. (Source: www.joc.com, nos.nl)  |2011-05-03|     Police arrests nr 2 man of Casalesi Clan Yesterday police succeeded in the arrest of Mario Caterino, the reputed nr 2 man of the Casalesi Clan. Caterino was a fugitive since 2005 and got arrested in a house in Casal di Principe, located only 500 meters from the police station. The nr 1 man, Michele Zagaria, is still at large. (Source: www.ilmessaggero.it, newsweb.bta.bg)  |2011-04-13|     Joseph Massino testifies against Vinny Gorgeous Yesterday former Bonanno boss Joseph Massino testified against his successor Vincent Basciano, who is on trial for murder. “He said he was a scumbag, a rat, a troublemaker, a bad kid” said 68y old Massino when explaining Basciano's motives for murdering Randolph Pinzollo. It was also Massino who secretly taped several conversation with Basciano years back which led to his arrest. Massino, who was the boss of the Bonanno family for nearly 15 years, is the highest leveled turncoat in Mob history. The old bosses are turning in their graves, so much for Omerta... (Source: www.dailymail.co.uk, www.nydailynews.com)  |2011-04-04|     Former acting boss of Genovese family found guilty to murder Arthur "Artie" Nigro, the former Bronx based acting boss of the Genovese family, was found guilty to murder after a 3 week trial in New York. Nigro was convicted with 2 mobassociates from Springfield for the 2003 murder of Adolfo Bruno, who'm they suspected of cooperating with the FBI. They were also found guilty to several other charges such as murder conspiracy and extortion. All 3 of them are facing several life sentences. (Source: www.masslive.com)  |2011-03-23|     Vincent Basciano was a victim of child abuse The upcomming death penalty trial for former Bonanno boss Vincent "Vinny Gorgeous" Basciano has brought to light that he was a victim of child abuse. He was frequently beaten by his father Jerry, who was mostly under the influence of alcohol. His lawyers have informed federal prosecutors of their plans to raise the issue as a mitigating factor against his execution. Disregarding the child abuse, Basciano did maintain a good relation with his father at an older age and has made efforts so his sons would remain in contact with their grandfather. Basciano is facing the death penalty for the 2004 murder of Randolph Pizzolo. It however seems that he will avoid the sentence afterall since last year a judge stated that sentencing him to death would be to expensive. (Source: www.nydailynews.com, newyorkcriminallawyersblog.com)  |2011-03-08|     Police arrests several 'Ndrangheta members around the world Today police performed a grand scale operation against the 'Ndrangheta in Australia, Canada, Germany and Italy. A total of 41 men were arrested, amongst wo'm was Antonio Vallelonga, the former mayor of Stirling, Australia. The countries in which the men were arrested prove that the 'Ndrangheta has spread all over the world, shedding a light into it's expanded structure. (Source: www.stalbertgazette.com, www.monstersandcritics.com)  |2011-02-13|     Camorra leader arrested in Brazil Last Thuesday Brazilian police arrested Francesco Salzone after the supreme court in Naples had demanded for his extradition. He is suspected of ordering 3 murders in 2009. Salzone, who is a member of the feared Casalesi clan, entered Brazil in May last year. After being a fugitive for 3 months he was eventually arrested in the city of Fortaleza, in Northern Brazil. (Source: tv.repubblica.it, www.diritto.net)  |2011-02-01|     Rizzuto associate murdered in his house Last monday the body of Antonio Di Salvo, 44, was discovered in his Montreal home. He had been shot through the head at least once. Di Salvo was a close associate of Rizzuto members Francesco Del Balso and Francesco Arcadi, who are both serving lenghty prison sentences. In 1990 he was charged with being part of a criminal conspiracy, but was cleared of those charges 3 months later. Di Salvo was a married man, but had no children. (Source: www.montrealgazette.com, www.globalmontreal.com)  |2011-01-26|     Gambino boss sentenced to 5 years for murder Daniel Marino, the reputed Gambino family boss, was sentenced to 5 years today for ordering the murder of his own nephew in 2004. He was also charged to pay up a $1,25 million forfeiture. His nephew, Frank Hydell, was murdered outside a Staten Island stripclub because he had cooperated with the FBI. Manhattan Federal Court Judge Lewis Kaplan recommended that Marino suffers from health and should serve his time in a medical facility. Marino showed no remorse during the trial. (Source: www.nydailynews.com - wrong picture though, af11.wordpress.com)  |2011-01-23|     Former Sicilian governor sentenced to 7 years Salvatore Cuffaro, the former senator and governor of Sicily, was sentenced yesterday to 7 years for his links to the Mafia. He was also convicted for revealing to a Mafia boss that his house had been bugged. After the trial he said his penalty is a lesson that "I leave as an example to my children". Cuffaro was governor from 2001 until his arrest in 2008. (Source: www.bbc.co.uk, iocni.com)  |2011-01-21|     FBI arrests nearly 130 mobsters in New York After a historic crackdown against the American Mafia yesterday about 127 suspected mobsters were arrested by the FBI. Several of them are members of one of the 5 New York families, especially the Colombo family, but also men from the New Jersey based Decavalcante family and New England Patriarca family got busted. The suspects are currently being held in Fort Hamilton, a military prison in Brooklyn, and include men such as 83y old Luigi "Baby Shacks" Manocchio, a reputed leader of the Patriarca organisation, 76y old Andrew Russo, a leader of the Colombo family and Joseph Corozzo, the consigliere of the Gambino family. They are being held for crimes ranging from murder to extortion. Some of the crimes date back 30 years ago. About 500 FBI agents took part in the sweep along with about 200 local law enforcement agents. Yesterday's action is marked as the biggest Mafia bust ever in American history. (Source: www.usatoday.com, www.pressherald.com, www.nbcnewyork.com)  |2011-01-15|     Sonny Franzese sentenced to 8 years 93 year old Sonny Franzese was sentenced yesterday to 8 years for shaking down the Hustler and Penthouse strip joints and a Long Island pizzeria. During the trial, in which his own son testified, he oftenly fell a sleep. Franzese is currently stuck to a wheelchair and is in bad health. (Source: www.nydailynews.com, www.huffingtonpost.com)  |2011-01-07|     Rizzuto funeral home set on fire Yesterday police arrested 3 men in St. Léonard, Montreal, on suspicion of arsony. They are being charged with setting off a firebomb at the Loreto, a funeral home owned by the Rizzuto family. The fire however didn't cause to much damage. The suspects are Sounthone Chareunsouk, 30, Julien Bourassa-Richer, 27, and Alexandre Toualy, 27. All have criminal records. The funeral home was most recently used for Nicolo Rizzuto's visitation. (Source: www.montrealgazette.com, www.globalmontreal.com)  |2011-01-02|     Notorious Genovese hitman dies George Barone, a notorious waterfront enforcer and hitman, died last Thuesday at the age of 86. Barone admitted his part in about 20 murders and did 7 years for the family from 1983 until 1990 in all silence. However, when then boss Vincent Gigante put a contract on Barone's head in 2001 the old waterfront racketeer descided to become an informant to safe his life. The grumpy witness, as he was called, testified against Mickey Coppola in 2009. (Source: bitterqueen.typepad.com, www.nydailynews.com) 2010  |2010-12-31|     Highlights of 2010 Since 2010 comes to an end, it's time to review this years events. Italian police continued their fight against organized crime and arrested many members of the Camorra, Mafia and 'Ndrangheta. The most important ones being Salvatore Messina Denaro, brother of Italy's most wanted fugitive Matteo Messina Denaro. Agrigento boss Giuseppe Falsone was arrested in June and in July police arrested 80y old 'Ndrangheta boss Domenico Oppedisano. The most important arrest this year however possibly lies with Antonio Iovine, a boss of the notorious Casalesi clan who was on the run for about 14 years. In September Italy was in shock after the Camorra murdered Angelo Vassallo, the mayor of Pollica who was known for his actions against organized crime. That same month however police struck back when they confiscated about €1,5 billion from a 57y old Sicilian businessman with ties to Matteo Messina Denaro. However, the item that recieved the most attention was the violence in the Montreal underworld. The Rizzuto family fell victim to agressors who want the Rizzuto's out of the picture. It all began with the 2009 murders of Nick Rizzuto Jr. and Frederico Del Peschio, both members of the Rizzuto family. In January 2010 2 men were found murdered on a parking lot, possibly as a revenge. In March another 2 men were murdered, both belonged to a streetgang headed by Joseph Ducarme. Two months later Rizzuto consigliere Paolo Renda went missing and one month later another Rizzuto bigshot, Agostino Cuntrera, and his bodyguard were shot dead. Violence didn't stop there as in October 36y old Rizzuto associate Ennio Bruni was killed as well. In November the family dealt with it's biggest blow ever when patriarch Nicolo Rizzuto was shot dead by a sniper while sitting in his house. It is still unclear who is attacking the Rizzuto family and wether or not the peace will return soon. Deaths: Agostino Cuntrera - 66y Anthony Volpe - 78y Ennio Bruni - 36y George Barone - 86y Harry Aleman - 71y Nicolo Rizzuto - 86y Rocco Maniscalco - 38y Tino Fiumara - 69y  |2010-12-30|     Hartford mobster Tony Volpe dies Last Tuesday 78y old mobster Anthony Volpe died after a long illness. Volpe started his career within the Genovese family under capo Frankie Scibelli. Later he went on to control a Genovese faction that oversaw loan sharking and illegal gambling in Hartford, Connecticut. With Volpe's passing an important chapter in Hartfords criminal underworld has ended. (Source: af11.wordpress.com, articles.courant.com)  |2010-11-18|     Antonio Iovine arrested! Today police captured one of the Camorra's highest leaders after being on the run for 14 years. Antonio Iovine, a powerfull leader of the Casalesi clan, was arrested in Casal di Principe, where the clan is based. He didn't resist against his arrest and when walking outside to the press he was smiling as if being happy to be caught. Police is now searching for Michele Zagaria, the second most powerfull leader of the Casalesi's. (Source: www.corriere.it, www.huffingtonpost.com)  |2010-11-16|     Italian police seizes a ton of cocaine from the 'Ndrangheta Yesterday police seized about a ton of pure cocaine worth up to €250 million on board of a container. The container itself had been loaded in Brazil before being shipped towards the ports of Goia Tauro in Italy. The Italian police was tipped of by the British Organized Crime Agency (SOCA) that a large shipment of cocaine, stuffed in farming machinery, was heading for Europe. The 'Ndrangheta controls an immensive drugnetwork from South America to Europe with an annual turnover of about €40 billion, money which is largely invested in numerous companies and real estate accross the world. (Source: wtop.com, www.starcitynews.com)  |2010-11-12|     Montreal don Nicolo Rizzuto murdered Nicolo Rizzuto, the 86 year old patriarch of Montreals largest criminal organization, was shot and killed last wednesday in his house. He was killed with a single shot by a sniper who was hidden in the woods nearby. The killing of Rizzuto is the latest and biggest blow the organization has ever endured. "it's like an end of an era in the Canadian underworld" crime reporter and author Antonio Nicaso responded. (Source: www.msnbc.msn.com, www.thestar.com, www.cbc.ca)  |2010-11-04|     Updates! Biographies of Augie Orgen, Frederico Del Peschio, Greg Scarpa, John Franzese, Joseph Lanza, Louis Manna, Matthew Ianniello, Moreno Gallo, Peter Limone, Tino Fiumara, Tony Salerno and Vincent Squillante are updated! Be sure to check them out!  |2010-11-03|     Italy continues succesful crackdowns on Mafia Today police confirmed that after 2 seperate anti Mafia operations about 100 people got arrested and nearly 500 million euro's in assets has been confiscated. Amongst the arrested men are 4 police officers who are charged with recieving bribes. Another 50 men belong to the Lo Russo clan in Naples and 47 others were arrested in Catania, Sicily. Interior Minister Roberto Maroni spoke about ‘a remarkable day for the fight against organized crime’. (Source: www.monstersandcritics.com, www.straitstimes.com)  |2010-10-24|     Again police succeeds in arresting Sicilian mob boss Saturday police arrested 38 year old Gerlandino Messina in Favara, Agrigento. He had been on the run for over 11 years. He was wanted for multiple murders, including the murder of a police agent in 1992. Messina was also one of Italy's 30 most wanted, from which 14 allready have been captured in the last few years. Messina belonged to a long mob related family, his father Giuseppe was murdered by rivals in 1986. (Source: www.freebase.com, af.reuters.com)  |2010-10-18|     Female turncoat murdered by 'Ndrangheta Lea Garofalo, a 35 year old woman from Calabria, started her war against the 'Ndrangheta in 2002 by testifying against them. In November 2009 however she dissapeared in Milan, never to be seen again. In recent weeks police learned that she was kidnapped, murdered and eventually dissolved in acid. Since her dissapearence the police has arrested 6 men involved in the crime, including her ex-husband Carlo Cosco, a leader of the Petilia Policastro clan. In May 2009 she had allready escaped being kidnapped once, but still didn't recieve the proper protection. Her part in the witness protection program had ended in 2006. (Source: www.italiainformazioni.com, www.lagazzettadelmezzogiorno.it)  |2010-10-08|     Sicilian mob boss captured while hiding after wardrobe This morning police has succeeded in capturing Francesco Di Fresco, a fugitive for over 15 years. The police had become suspicious after his wife had hardly left her home in the last few months. On a previous search the police saw that the table was set for 3 while only his wife and daughter were present. After the police got a good look at the appartments plan they discovered a hidden space in the room. This space, measuring 120 centimetres by 50 centimetres, was hidden behind a wardrobe. Di Fresco was on the run since 1995 after being sentenced for kidnapping and murder. (Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au, www.heraldsun.com.au)  |2010-10-02|     Another Rizzuto allie slain in Montreal The mobkillings in Montreal seem to continue as last wednesday another Rizzuto associate was murdered. Ennio Bruni, 36 year old, was gunned down while walking out of a restaurant in Laval’s Ste Rose district. Bruni was identified as a mob bodyguard and a money-runner. 10 months ago Bruni nearly survived an earlier attempt on his life when he was hit with 4 bullets. (Source: www.montrealgazette.com, mafianewsreport.com)  |2010-09-21|     Tino Fiumara dies of cancer Tino "The Greek" Fiumara, a Genovese family capo, has died of cancer aged 69. Fiumara controlled the New Jersey rackets for the Genovese family eversince Bobby Manna was convicted in 1989. He was a longtime follower of Vincent Gigante, the late family boss, and was rumored to be next in line for the family leadership. (Source: www.nj.com, www.topix.com)  |2010-09-15|     Police seizes assets worth up to €1,5 billion in Italy Yesterday police seized about €1,5 billion from a Sicilian businessman from Trapani, Sicily. The businessman, Vito Nicastri (54), is said to be associated to boss of bosses Matteo Messina Denaro. The assets included about 100 properties, 43 companies mainly from the wind-power industry, several luxury cars and a 46-foot catamaran. Since the last few years the Mafia has infiltrated the windfarm industry to exploit government subsidies and to launder money. Interior Minister Roberto Maroni said “It was the biggest seizure of assets” in Italian history. (Source: www.businessweek.com www.nypost.com)  |2010-09-06|     Italian mayor murdered near his home Angelo Vassallo, the 57 year old mayor of Pollica, was found death in his car today in the village of Acciaroli, south of Naples. Vassallo was known for his actions against the Camorra and organized crime and was therefore most likely assassinated. The prosecutor leading the investigation, Alfredo Greco, described the murder as a "nasty execution" in which the victims corpse was riddled by bullets. Former head of environmental group Legambiente and now the PD's green economy pointman Ermete Realaccia said: "The South has lost a person of great worth and courage ... a friend who turned the defense of the environment into a battle." (Source: zeenews.com, straitstimes.com, news.xinhuanet.com)  |2010-08-05|     Camorra leader arrested in Brussels Yesterday police caught 58 year old Vittorio Pirozzi, conscidered to be a leader of the Mariano clan in Naples. In 2003 he had escaped conviction on drug charges and was on the run eversince. The police was able to detect his hideout through phonecalls he made to his wife, who still lives in Naples. During each phonecall he referred to a series of numbers and codes which the police later discovered were sellphone numbers comming from Belgium. With Pirozzi captured there is only one leader left of the clan who is still on the run, Marco Mariano. (Source: standaard.be, corriere.com)  |2010-07-27|     Updates! Biographies of Agostino Cuntrera, Carmen Barillaro, Dominick Brooklier, Emanuel Weiss, Frank Bompensiero, Frank DeSimone, Frank Garafola, Giuseppe Falsone, Harry Strauss, Jimmy Fratianno, Martin Goldstein and Paolo Renda are updated! Be sure to check them out!  |2010-07-14|     'Ndrangheta boss arrested after massive sweep After a grand scale anti-mafia operation last Tuesday in both the South and North of Italy police arrested about 300 suspected 'Ndrangheta members. Amongst the arrested men was 80y old boss Domenico Oppedisano, who was put in charge of the organization in late 2009. They are currently being held on charges of murder, extortion and money laundring. The police also seized millions of assets belonging to the clan and uncovered an 'Ndrangheta scheme in Milan which sought building contracts for the city's expo in 2015. According to the Italian press more than 3.000 policemen participated in the operation and described it as one of the largest ever to fall upon the 'Ndrangheta. (Source: www.guardian.co.uk, newsup.net)  |2010-06-30|     Leading member of the Rizzuto family murdered in Montreal Agostino Cuntrera, a leading member of the Rizzuto family, was murdered yesterday in Montreal allongside his driver, Liborio Sciascia. Cuntrera, 66, was gunned down in front of John and Dino Inc., his food distribution business on Magloire Street. Cuntrera was a long time member of the Rizzuto family and like it's patriarchs was also born in Sicily. He was the son of a Sicilian mob boss and went to operate in the drugbusiness in Venezuela, where they helped, financed and advised the Rizzuto's for decades. In 1978 he was sentenced to 5 years for the killing of then boss Paolo Violi. Over the last few months rival factions or organizations are sweeping away the old Rizzuto leadership. Only 2 months ago another Rizzuto bigshot, Paolo Renda, disappeared without a trace only weeks after he was released from prison. More and more police is believing that the violence against the Rizzuto family is caused by an internal feud. (www.montrealgazette.com, www.ctv.ca)  |2010-06-27|     Agrigento mob boss arrested in France 2 days ago police arrested Giuseppe Falsone, the reputed boss of the Agrigento province in Sicily, at his luxury appartment in Marseille. The 40y old Falsone had been on the run for over 10 years. It is stated that he had recieved plastic surgery to his face so the police wouldn't recognize him, they eventually did identify him with use of fingerprints. Police finally nabbed him after he had applied for a boating license under a false name. They had allready tried to arrest him in 2008, but when raiding his house in Palermo he was allready gone. (Source: www.nationalturk.com, www.hurriyetdailynews.com)  |2010-06-13|     Grandson of Harry Riccobene murdered in South Philadelphia Last thursday morning the 38y old grandson of former Philadelphia capo Harry Riccobene, Rocco Maniscalco, was murdered in South Philadelphia. Maniscalco had been watching a flyers game in a cafe and returned home at about 1 o'clock in the morning. when arriving at his house he was ambushed and shot to death. The killer fired up to 10 times and Maniscalco, a father of 4, died at the scene. The Riccobene family comes from a long line of Mafioso's and police are now investigating his ties to organized crime. (Source: www.philly.com, www.crimesite.com)  |2010-06-10|     New clues in Kersher slaying after mobsters testimony? On November 1, 2007, British student Meredih Kersher was found murdered in her appartment in Perugia, Italy. She was stabbed to death and police also found evidence of sexual violence. In 2009 her American roommate Amanda Knox and then boyfriend Raffaele Sollecito were both found guilty to murder and were sentenced to respectively 26 and 25 years. However, a jailed mobster named Luciano Aviello now claims his brother Antonio actually committed the crime when during a burglary he killed the 21y old Kersher. Knox's legal team is now hoping the court will look into these new allegations. (Source: abcnews.go.com, www.telegraph.co.uk)  |2010-05-26|     Brother-in-law of Vito Rizzuto dissapears without trace Paolo Renda, the 70 year old brother-in-law and consigliere of Montreal boss Vito Rizzuto, dissapeared last thursday without a trace. Police found his car parked close to his house with the windows open and the key still in the ignition. Renda was released from prison earlier this year and his kidnapping may have been a precaution so he wouldn't revenge the murder of Rizzuto's son. Last sunday police found a cement-encased body in Toronto and for a while speculations rose that the body was that of Renda. However, the corpse found was that of Quang Lu, a man with ties to Asian organized crime who disappeared 3 years ago. (Source: www.montrealgazette.com, cnews.canoe.ca)  |2010-05-20|     Depressed mobster released from prison The release of a 64 year old mobster has caused somewhat of an uproar in Sicily. Salvatore Vitale was jailed since 1996 for the murder of a 13 year old boy named Giuseppe Di Matteo, who was killed to stop his father from becomming a "pentito", or turncoat. The boy was kidnapped in 1993 and was held in captivity for about 3 years until he was murdered in orders of Giovanni Brusca. The body was then dissolved in acid, which had been delivered to them by Vitale. Because of Vitale's failing health and depression, a judge descided to release him from prison, stating that a man in such condition can't live behind bars. (Source: www.telegraph.co.uk, news.sky.com)  |2010-05-17|     Harry Aleman dies of cancer The "Hammer" of the Chicago mob, Harry Aleman, died of cancer last Saturday at Hill Correctional Center in downstate Galesburg. Aleman had been jailed since 1991 for extortion and the 1972 murder of a union official. He was of half Italian descent and started working for the Chicago Outfit as an enforcer. He was described of having an "intimidating presence" and was suspected in about 20 murders. He was 71 years old. (Source: www.chicagobreakingnews.com, www.suntimes.com)  |2010-05-11|     Updates! Biogarphy's of Alphonse Persico, Antonio Caponigro, Frank Monte, Georges Fresolone, John Stanfa, Joseph Merlino, Paul Vario, Phillip Leonetti and Ralph Napoli are updated! Be sure to check them out!  |2010-04-28|     Crackdown on 'Ndrangheta continues Today police arrested about 40 alledged members of the Pesce clan in Romano and confiscated property worth up to €10 million. Amongst the arrested men were Francesco Pesce, the 31 year old son of detained clanleader Antonino Pesce, and several of his cousins and uncles. Also 7 women were arrested who are believed to have participated in the clans administration and drugtrafficking. (Source: www.ilmessaggero.it, www.watoday.com.au)  |2010-04-24|     Violent raid caught on tape That mobsters take high standards in respect was allready known, Camorra leader Giuseppe Palumbo is no exception. When his girlfriend broke up with him and took shelter besides her uncle, he descided to pay a little visit to her uncles business. Six masked men went on a destruction path in a Naples neighbourhood. First they destroyed several machines inside a casino and threatened people to the ground with kalashnikovs. Sometime later they went to a bowling where they flood it with gasoline and lit it up. Four suspects have been arrested, including Palumbo himself and a 17 year old youngster. Video images of the raid can be seen on the link below. (Source: www.liveleak.com)  |2010-04-21|     12 members of Gambino Family arrested Yesterday police arrested 12 members of the Gambino family after a series of raids. The arrests were made on charges ranging from murder to sex trafficking and jury tampering. On one count the sex charges included prostitution of a 15 year old girl. Amongst the arrested men is capo Daniel Marino, who is charged with the murder of his own nephew after he became an informant. The jury tampering charges date back to the trials of John Gotti in 1992. One member, Steve Maiurro, is currently still at large. (Source: news.blogs.cnn.com, www.nowpublic.com)  |2010-03-20|     2 more murders hit streets of Montreal Last thursday 4 men were shot inside a fashion shop in downtown Montreal, a hit which left 2 men dead and 2 others injured. Police believe that the main target was 41y old Joseph Ducarme, the shopowner. Ducarme was out of prison after a $50.000 bail and was ordered not to meet with other crime figures. However, Ducarme felt threatened enough to hire himself a bodyguard. The bodyguard, Peter Christopoulos, was one of the victims, together with another unidentified man. Ducarme himself on the other hand managed to flee the gunfire through a window. There are no suspects yet, but witnesses did see 2 black males fleeing after the shooting. The murders are also being linked to retributions for the murder of Nick Rizzuto Jr., the son of Mafia boss Vito Rizzuto, who was shot dead in late December 2009. Police suspects that several streetgangs, including Calabrian and Haitian gangs, are fighting for Rizzuto territory and dominance in the drug trade eversince the family is weakened due to the many investigations and arrests in the past few years. (Source: newyorkcrimestatistics.com, nationalpost.com)  |2010-03-16|     Brother of suspected boss of bosses arrested Salvatore Messina Denaro, brother of reputed boss of bosses Matteo Messina Denaro, was amongst the 19 men detained yesterday in the province of Trapani, Sicily. They are being accused of supplying Matteo with "pizzini", encrypted notes which contain messages and orders. They are also accused of fraud, extortion and helping him avoiding arrest. Matteo Messina Denaro, who is on the run since 1993, continues his invisibility although minister of interior Roberto Maroni did say that this operation increases the chance of finally catching Italy's most wanted. (Source: italy.euroenews.com, www.france24.com)  |2010-03-03|     Updates! Biogarphy's of Andrea Ricci, Charles Carneglia, Jimmy Burke, Joseph Massino, Louis Eppolito, Mario Riccobene, Rosario Carlisi, Santo Bretagna, Salvatore Vitale, Vincent Palermo and Vito Rizzuto are updated! Be sure to check them out!  |2010-02-24|     Massive money laundring operation uncovered in Italy Through long investigations a massive money laundring scheme was discovered in Italy which led to the powerful 'Ndrangheta. Up to 2 billion euro's was laundered in the past few years and another 400 million euro's was uncovered in tax evasion. The Justice Department had arrest warrants for 56 suspects in several countries such as Italy, the United States, Great Britain and Switzerland. One of the suspects is Nicola Di Girolamo, an Italian senator residing in Belgium. Recent investigations also revealed that Di Girolamo was chosen as senator after a crooked voting, set up by the Mafia. Also, the department filled out a request for surveillance of 2 of Italies largest Telecom companies, Fastweb and Telecom Italia Sparkle, for their involvment in the tax evasion of €400 million. (Source: online.wsj.com, canadianbusiness.com)  |2010-02-10|     Thomas Gioeli suffers minor stroke Thomas "Shots" Gioeli, the jailed acting boss of the Colombo family, was rushed to the hospital yesterday after complaints of dizziness, neckpain, weakness at his left leg and an inability to move his left arm. Gioeli's complaints were caused by a minor stroke which also caused some facial paralysis. Gioeli is a diabetic and also has a heart condition. However, since his arrest allegations were made that he hasn't recieved the proper food for a diabetic and the prison also failed in filling his prescriptions. The stroke occured a day after a judge denialed his request for bail due to his failing health. Gioeli is currently awaiting trial in prison for racketeering and murder charges. (Source: nydailynews.com, allvoices.com)  |2010-01-26|     Two men killed near murder scene of Nick Rizzuto Jr. Last sunday police found 2 men shot dead in the parking lot of McDonalds in the Notre-Dame-De-Grâce district in Montreal. The men, identified as Kirk Murray and Antonio Onesi, were both shot several times by an unidentified gunman. 51 year old Antonio Onesi was unknown to police but 47 year old Kirk Murray on the other hand was no stranger. Murray had committed himself a double homicide 27 years ago, claiming he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs. He was sentenced to life but managed to escape in 1993, surrendering himself again not much later. He was eventually released on probation in 2003. 10 years ago Murray declared to police that he had been approached by the Mafia while being in prison to get himself involved in drug trafficking. Murray refused the offer and eversince had been fearing for a hit by Mafia killers. Speculations however also rise if the double homicide has ties to the Nick Rizzuto murder last month. (Source: montrealgazette.com, globalmontreal.com)  |2010-01-21|     Again police strikes hard against Camorra Italian police has arrested up to 69 Camorra members and has confiscated €65 million worth of goods. Amongst the arrested men are 2 court employers and a known psychiatrist. The confiscated goods contain about 700 kilo's of cocaine, 62 kilo's of Marihuana and 27 kilo's of hasj. In the last few years the Camorra has had major setbacks with losses of millions of euro's and the arrests of several leaders. In another operation the police seized €900.000 in goods belonging to Franco Mazzarella, son of clanleader Ciro Mazzarella, and Antonio Muscerino. (Source: timesofmalta.com, it.notizie.yahoo.com)  |2010-01-02|     Son of Vito Rizzuto shot dead in broad daylight Nick Rizzuto Jr., the oldest son of Montreal boss Vito Rizzuto, was shot and killed last monday in the Notre-Dame-De-Grâce district of Montreal. So far the police has no suspects in the murder but witnesses did saw a man running away after the murder. This is a serious challenge for the Rizzuto family and it could mean war on the streets of Montreal. It is not certain if Vito will be present during the funeral because he is serving 10 years in a Colorado prison. (Source: ca.news.yahoo.com, nationalpost.com) 2009  |2009-12-31|     Highlights of 2009 Since another year has passed, it is time to review last years events. Multiple crackdowns in Camorra networks have resulted in several arrests, including that of leading figures like the Russo brothers, who were captured in November, and Giuseppe Setola, who was arrested in January. Also the 'Ndrangheta had a rough year after police took many members into custody and rounded up a million dollar business in illicit trade from the harbors of Gioia Tauro last December. In Sicily one of Cosa Nostra's highest leveled leaders, Domenico Raccuglia, was caught and arrested after being on the run for 15 years. The American Mafia also had it's moments. The Family secrets trials led to the sentencing of 4 top Chicago mobsters, including Joseph Lombardo and Frank Calabrese Sr. In April they were fined to pay up $20 million. Alphonse Persico, the Colombo Family acting boss, was sentenced to life in February for murder. Also Gambino capo Nick Corozzo was sentenced to 13 1/2 years in March for murder. That same month "Mafia cops" Louis Eppolito and Stephen Caracappa were sentenced to life for their cooperation with the Lucchese family which led to multiple killings. Another man sentenced to life was Gambino soldier Charles Carneglia, who reputidly dissolved his victims in acid. Also 2 men of the American Mafia were deported. Salvatore Montagna, the reputed Bonanno acting boss was deported back to Canada and Rosario Gambino, a relative of the late Carlo Gambino, was deported back to Italy to stand trial. On the 1st of December the highly publicized trial of Junior Gotti ended with a hung jury. Junior had managed to escape conviction for the 4th time in 5 years. Deaths: Donato Angiulo - 86y Gennaro Angiulo - 90y Anthony Seccafico - 42y Alfonso Tornabene - 86y Gregory DePalma - 78y Vincenzo Luppino - 83y Nick Jr. Rizzuto - 42y  |2009-12-22|     26 'Ndrangheta members arrested in Rome and Calabria. This morning Italian police arrested 26 men who are believed to be involved in a million dollar business of illicit trade, primalerly with import of counterfeit clothing from China. The police also confiscated about €50 million ($70 million) worth of goods, including multiple containerloads and some hotels in Latium, Rome. Amongst the 26 arrested men are 2 custom workers from the harbor of Gioia Tauro in Calabria. All are reputed members of the 'Ndrangheta, which has a large presence in Gioia Tauro. A 27th suspect is still at large. (Source: javno.com, chinapost.com)  |2009-12-02|     4th Gotti case ends in mistrial, again Like father like son some would say. John "Junior" Gotti, the reputed boss of the Gambino family, succeeded again in avoiding a prison sentence. Gotti was trialed for murder and racketeering but walked away a free man yesterday after the jury was unable to reach a verdict. Gotti claimes to have quit the mob in 1999 to spent more time with his family, a claim which was credible enough for the jury. Victoria Gotti, star of her own reality show and sister of Junior, reacted in tears outside the courtbuilding: "We're ravaged. We're beaten down, but we're not broken." It's the 4th time Gotti was indicted but walked away, his bail now was placed on $2 million. (Source: msnbvc.msn.com, huffingtonpost.com, cbsnews.com)  |2009-11-16|     Domenico Raccuglia caught Domenico "Mimmo" Raccuglia, the boss of Altofonte and the mandamento of San Giuseppe Jato and Partinico, was arrested today in Trapani, Sicily. Ruccuglia, 45 years of age, was conscidered to be a possible successor of Bernardo Provenzano next to Salvatore Lo Piccolo and Matteo Messina Denaro. He was on the run for about 15 years and is held responsible for several murders, including the killing of Giuseppe Di Matteo, the child of a turncoat named Santo Di Matteo. The young boy was held captive for about 2 years before he was eventually killed. The body was then dissolved in acid to destroy evidence. Raccuglia was loyal to Giovanni Brusca and took over from him after his arrest in 1996. With the arrest of Raccuglia police say they have stricken the Mafia hard as he was regarded as one of the highest leveled leaders. (Source: huffingtonpost.com, timesonline.co.uk)  |2009-11-01|     Russo brothers arrested in Naples This morning Italian police arrested Pasquale and Carmine Russo in the town of Sperone. A third brother, Salvatore Russo, was allready caught yesterday. 62 year old Pasquale was one of Italy's most wanted criminals and is the boss of the Russo clan, a branch of the Camorra. He was on the run since 1993 to avoid multiple life sentences for murder and Mafia association. (Source: guardian.co.uk, momento24.com)  |2009-10-30|     Italy publishes footage of Mafia execution in hopes to find killer In order to stimulate witnesses to talk, prosecutors revealed a shocking video which shows the cold blooded killing of a man in Naples, Italy. The victim was Mariano Bacio Terracino, a 53 year old shopowner with former ties to the Camorra. Although the murder occured in broad daylight near a busy street, none of the witnesses have gone to the police so far. After months of investigations Italian law enforcements finally hope to identify the Camorra assassin by publishing the videotape (view link below). A couple of months ago prosecutors also published a video which showed the killing of Petru Barlandeanu, an innocent streetmusician. (Source: napolitoday.it)  |2009-10-08|     15 Bonanno members arrested during bust Extortion, racketeering, bank fraud, drug trafficking and illegal gambling are the harsh charges for which 15 Bonanno members got arrested yesterday morning. The men are all facing a maximum penalty of 20 years, if convicted. Authorities said the bust was made after investigations were brought up by a former Bonanno boss, most likely pointing out to Joseph Massino. The arrested men are: Joseph Sammartino, 55y old captain, Anthony Sclafani, 63y, Joseph Loiacono, 64y, Anthony Pipitone, 37y, Frank Pastore, 39y, Paul Spina, 54y, Manny Bana, 42y, Peter DeFilippo, 47y, Sebastian DeRosa, 66y, Richard Lotito, 46y, Frank DeRosa, 45y, ito Pipitone, 28y, Joseph Spatola, 33y, Frank Terzo, 24y, and Natale Terzo, 52y. six of the arrested men are from Staten Island. (Source: fivefamiliesnyc.blogspot.com, silive.com)  |2009-09-21|     Gambino hitman sentenced to life Gambino soldier Charles Carneglia was sentenced to life last thursday for racketeering and the murder of four men. He was one of many arrested Mafia members who were brought in after operation Old Bridge last year. The court however failed in convicting him for a 5th murder, that of Albert Gelb, a young police officer killed in 1977. (Source: nydailynews.com, huffingtonpost.com)  |2009-08-30|     Gennaro Angiulo passes away aged 90 Gennaro "Jerry" Angiulo, the former Patriarca family underboss died yesterday aged 90. He was brought to the hospital earlier this month for kidney failure and a broken hip. Angiulo led a Patriarca branch in Boston for over 2 decades together with his brothers. He frequently worked together with Whitey Bulger who eventually provided the FBI with enough evidence to arrest and convict the Angiulo brothers in 1986. Gennaro was sentenced to 45 years in prison, being released in 2007, and retiring to Nahant. His brother Donato also passed away earlier this year. (Source: boston.com, news.bostonherald.com)  |2009-08-18|     'Ndrangheta leader arrested in Sicily Paolo Rosario De Stefano, 32 years of age, was arrested this morning in Sicily while being on vacation with his wife and daughters. He was a fugitive since 2005 and is a leading member of the De Stefano 'ndrine which is based in Calabria, Italy. His father was a founding member of the clan and was murdered in 1977 during a feud against the Piromalli brothers. The hitsquad which killed his father was headed by Giuseppe Piromalli. The capture of De Stefano is one of the many successes the Italian government has had lately in their war against organized crime. (Source: adnkronos.com, monstersandcritics.com)  |2009-08-13|     Updates! Biographies of Albert Anastasia, Aniello Dellacroce, Anthony Seccafico, Arnold Rothstein, Joseph Yacovelli, Salvatore Vitale, Vincenzo Luppino and Vito Tocco have been made or updated. Be sure to check it out!  |2009-08-04|     Last member of Dewey's Mob busting crew dies Thurston Greene was the last living member who took part in Thomas Dewey's mob busting campaign against organized crime which led to convictions against several corrupt police officials and notorious gangsters such as Charles Luciano and Dutch Schultz. Greene was born in 1908 and after studying at Harvard University became a succesfull lawyer. Dewey started his hunting process in 1935 and brought Greene into his staff. After his career as "mob buster" he inlisted in the US army and fought in World War II. In 1991 he wrote a book called "The Language of the Constitution". Greene passed away on July 31 at the age of 101. (Source: poughkeepsiejournal.com, bitterqueen.typepad.com)  |2009-07-29|     Another big arrest for the carabinieri Vincenzo Capone, a dangerous hitman and cash collector for the Camorra, was arrested today. He was a member of the Crimaldi clan, which is located in the north of Naples. The 37 year old Camorrista was also listed on the 100 most wanted criminals in Italy. The police had placed his wife under surveillance and tapped her phonecalls. By this they were able to track Capone down and arrest him. (Source: italie.blog.nl)  |2009-07-27|     Seattle "don" pleads not guilty on prostitution charges 92 year old Francis Colacurcio Sr. pleaded not guilty last friday on a total of 15 federal counts, amongst them prostitution and money-laundring. Amongst the other 5 defendants was his son, Francis Jr., who is taking over his fathers million dollar empire. Colacurcio Sr. started his carreer during the 1950's in the vending machine business and later on bought himself several strip joints, which formed the main base for his fortune. Over the years he and his associates have managed to create a million-dollar business "of flesh", their most profitable nudie bar called "Rick's" in Lake City, generates millions of dollars a month. On the second of June, when the FBI raided Colacurcio's nightclubs, one agent said that even at his ripe old age Colacurcio Sr. pays his dancers for sex. (Source: seattleweekly.com, komonews.com)  |2009-07-14|     Italian Law enforcements continue war against Camorra Today more than 100 policemen took part in a large scale operation, dubbed 'Fifty', against one of Camorra's most notorious and dangerous groups, The Casalesi clan. The operation could at least be described as succesfull because the police confiscated about 50 million Euros (69.7 million Dollars) worth of goods. The town of Caserta in particular was targetted where many buildings, trucks, companies and all sorts of insurance papers were seized. Most of the real estate however is legal, but police officials believes most of it was bought with drugsmoney and some of the buildings have been used for moneylaundring. It is the second most largest capture of Mafia assets since operation Spartacus a couple of years ago. (Source: adnkronos.com, earthtimes.org)  |2009-07-04|     Bonanno soldier murdered in Staten Island 46 year old Anthony “Little Anthony” Seccafico, a made man within the Bonanno Family, was murdered on July 2 while waiting on a deserted corner for a bus in Staten Island. Police officials fear that there might be a Mafia war up front as Seccafico's murder could be a result of Salvatore Montagna's excile to Canada 2 months prior. It is possible his death is part of a grip for power. Seccafico had police records from 1985 for a drug conviction and in 2002 for running a gambling and loansharking ring. He was discribed as a heard headed but nice man. (Source: nypost.com, nydailynews.com)  |2009-06-27|     Shocking footage of dying Camorra victim One month ago Cumana was the place where a tragedy appeared for the Italian people. A Romanian street musician, named Petru Barlandeanu, and his wife were at the wrong place at the wrong moment as they were suddenly part of a vendetta between 2 rival Camorra clans. The couple was walking down the street when suddenly 4 motorcycles came by and started shooting. The musician was hit in the chest and leg but managed to ran off to the station where he eventualy collapsed and died. No one inside the station however offered any help which is clearly visible by the footage taken at the station. The widow was afterwards only given a one way pass back to Romania. This event has shocked the Italian people and has once again proved the threath the Camorra is causing. Because of this the Italian media has published the footage as a protest. (Source: http://video.videoclick.com, belfasttobrussels.wordpress.com)  |2009-06-08|     Detroit toughguy portrayed in new mob movie Streetboss, as the movie is called, shows the live of Detroit mobster Anthony Giacalone and his sidelings. Giacalone was a capo within the Detroit Outfit and was brought in connection with the disappearance of Teamster president Jimmy Hoffa. The film is based on a book written by former FBI agent Phil Kerby and includes know actors Nick Turturro (NYPD Blue) and Vincent Pastore (Sopranos). (Source: www.metromedia.com)  |2009-05-23|     Gambino handed over to Italy Rosario Gambino, nephew of former mob boss Carlo Gambino and one of the notorious Cherry Hill Gambino's, was brought over from the US to Italy today to face a long delayed prison term. During the 1980's Gambino was sentenced in absentia to 14 years in prison for his role in a massive drug trafficking ring between Sicily and the US, also reffered to as the Pizza Connection. The first arrest warrant against Gambino was first handed out by famous anti-mafia judge Giovanni Falcone in 1980. (Source: www.earthtimes.org, www.hln.be)  |2009-05-05|     Donato Angiulo passes away aged 86 Donato Angiulo, a former Patriarca Family capo and brother of Gennaro Angiulo, died sunday in a Boston medical center due to ill health. Donato and his brothers were bigtime players in Boston's criminal life and had frequent encounters with Irish gangboss Whitey Bulger. In 1981 they were arrested after the FBI had planted wiretapes in their headquarters and heared them discussing about murder, extortion, loansharking and illegal gambling. The trial which followed became Boston's first sensational Mafia trial and led to Donato's 1986 conviction for racketeering, gambling and loansharking. He was sentenced to 20 years in jail but only served 11, making him a free man again in 1997. His brother Gennaro, who was the former Patriarca underboss, was paroled in 2007 and is currently 90 years old. (Source: www.boston.com, news.bostonherald.com)  |2009-05-01|     Updates! Biographies of Salvatore Catalano, Rosario Gambino, Phillip Rastelli, Domenick Napolitano, Al Capone, Riccardo Fanchini, Nicodemo Scarfo, Philip Testa and Vito Rizzuto have been made or updated! Be shure to check it out!  |2009-04-28|     Nick Corozzo sentenced to 13 1/2 years. Nicholas Corozzo, a high leveled capo within the Gambino Family, was sentenced to 13 and a half years on April 17 for the murder of 2 men. Robert Arena, a Lucchese associate, and an unfortunate bystander, Thomas Maranga, were murdered in 1996 in Brooklyn. Prosecutors are now trying to isolate Corozzo in prison to avoid him for communicating with other jailed mobsters. So far the judge has refused the request. (Source: www.nydailynews.com)  |2009-04-20|     Salvatore Montagna has to leave the US Salvatore Montagna, regarded by the FBI as the new Bonanno acting boss, will be deported to Canada due to a 2003 contempt conviction. Prosecutors have no other crimes to blame Montagna and will therefore use a 6 year old indictment to make him leave the United States. Immigration officials told Montagna's lawyer he will be deported within the week. (Source: www.nypost.com)  |2009-03-12|     One hundred years ago... 100 years ago a dark day fell above the New York police department as one of New York's finest crime fighters and early Mafia nemesis was murdered in Palermo. Joseph Petrosino, a respected 49y old police lieutenant, traveled towards Sicily on a secret mission to investigate criminal ties between the Sicilian and American Mafia. On the rainy night of March 12, 1909, Petrosino was led to a presumed counterfeiting factory accompanied by a certain Dr. Mucci. As they were walking down the street they were suddenly halted. 2 men, claimed to be Salvatore Mucuoloso and Francesco Cassisi, pulled out their guns and shot the unfortunate policeman to death. To this day the man suspected to be the mastermind behind the killing is Vito Cascio Ferro, Sicily's very first boss of bosses. It is however possible the murder occured as a cooperation between American Boss of bosses Giuseppe Morello and Cascio Ferro. Another man suspected of the crime was not a Sicilian mobster, but Camorra boss Enrico Alfano, who was arrested by petrosino 2 years prior and ever since claimed vengeance. Petrosino's body was shipped back to New York for burial afterwards. His funeral was said to have been witnessed by at least 250.000 people who payed their respects to the fallen hero. In his honor a small park in Little Italy, Manhattan, was named after him.  |2009-02-13|     Family Secrets The Family secrets investigation, which began in 2003, had now led to 3 men being sentenced to life in prison. Frank Calabrese Sr., Joseph Lombardo and James Marcello received their sentence on respectively the 28th of January, 2th and 5th of February, 2009. Another Outfit member, 71 year old Paul Schiro, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for racketeering. The Family Secrets was a federal operation which reopened old Mob murders such as the killings of Michael Albergo in 1970, Danny Seifert in 1974, Nicholas D'Andrea in 1981 and Anthony Spilotro in 1986.  |2009-02-03|     Updates! Biography's of Stefano Magaddino, Vito Bonventre, Francesco Puma, Pellegrino Morano, Andrea Ricci, Giuseppe Magliocco, Nicolo Rizzuto and Paolo Violi are updated! Be sure to check them out!  |2009-01-14|     Camorra leader arrested Giuseppe Setola, a 38 year old presumed leader within the Camorra's Casalesi clan, was arrested today. Setola is believed to be involved in the deaths of 6 African men in September 2008. Monday Setola had already managed to escape arrest at his villa through a secret tunnel, linked with the local sewage network, during a raid. He had attempted the escape while being on house arrest. While escaping however he wounded himself and needed to see a doctor. Due to this the police was able to arrest him at the hospital. They also arrested his wife and seized computers and surveillance equipment from his home. (Source: Heraldsun, celebgalz)  |2009-01-02|     24 year old burned alive by 'Ndrangheta In Calabria, southern Italy, 24 year old Cristian Galati was rushed to the hospital with 3th degree burnings. The 'Ndrangheta had gotten to him after he had started a private investigation about the 2006 disappearance of his younger brother. Galati was at the wrong place at the wrong moment as he was abducted and beaten badly before eventually being tied up to a tree. The violence didn't end there as they poured gasoline on him and burned him alive. By miracle the young Galati was able to free himself and wait for help to arrive. However, doctors are afraid he is not going to survive. (Source: Demorgen.be) 2008  |2008-12-29|     Highlights of 2008 As the year passes by again, it's time to enlighten the highlights of this years events. Police has hit the Gambino Family hard this year. Capo Nicholas Corozzo went on the lam after a Gambino crackdown by the police in April before eventually turning himself in on May 29. Junior Gotti was arrested in August and Acting boss John D'Amico and underboss Domenico Cefalu were both sentenced to 2 years for extortion. In September 'Ndrangheta clan leader Franscesco Pelle was arrested in Italy and later that month 7 men were murdered by the Camorra's Casalesi clan near Naples. Also a couple of well and less known mafia members passed away this year: Bill Bonanno - 75y Michele Greco - 83y John Bazzano Jr - 80y Vincent Meli - 87y Anthony Spero - 79y Frank Valenti - 97y Gaetano Lo Presti - 52y  |2008-12-16|     Historical Mafia raid This morning about 1200 carabinieri participated in an anti-Mafia raid which local authorities already call historical. More than 90 members of the Mafia were captured and arrested during the hunt. The Italian government fears that the Mafia is rebuilding it's criminal empire ever since it's last real godfather, Bernardo Provenzano, was captured. During the past few years the carabinieri often held raids and crackdowns, which has weakened the organization but hasn't destroyed it by far. A large part of the arrested men belong to Mafia clans in Palermo, the capital of Sicily. Some of them are believed to be close associates of Matteo Messina Denaro, the most wanted Mafia leader in Italy and possible new boss of bosses.  |2008-11-13|     Mafia territory gets a makeover The former property of Salvatore Riina, some 25 acres of land in Corleone, will be transformed into a tourist complex. The territory will contain a restaurant, a shop and a hotel. The complex is created with blessings from the Italian minister of internal affairs Roberto Maroni and will open it's doors in 2009. The former capo di tutti capi himself 'celebrates' his 78th birthday next sunday, the 16th of November. (Source:mytrip.be)  |2008-10-28|     1919 - Prohibition It's been exactly 89 years when the Volstead Act was approved and prohibition became nations law. The distribution of alcohol became forbidden for anyone, but no one had forseen what results it would eventually have. The 1920's rapidly became known as the 'roaring twenties' and criminal activities were at it's hight. Gangs often stole loads of alcohol from each other and wars were being fought on the streets. A large number of men found their deaths during the constant powerstruggles. Many gangs involved themselves in illegal brewerage and export and importation of liquor, a business refered to as 'bootlegging'. Many hidden bars opened their doors for the women and men who loved to have a drink (and more than one) in secret. The police even needed their own special prohibition forces who often held raids in all sorts of bars, basements and atticks in an attempt to stop the distribution of alcohol. Nonetheless notorious gangsters such as Arnold Rothstein, Al Capone, Dutch Schultz and Charles Luciano earned both fame and millions of dollars thanks to this government created goldmine. Prohibition eventually ended in 1933 and became one of the major events in American History, it also led to the enormous rise in power by the Cosa Nostra.  |2008-10-17|     Death threats for writer of 'Gomorrah' Roberto Saviano, the 29 year old writer of bestseller 'Gomorrah', has recieved death threats recently stating that he won't last till Christmas. His book, which sold millions of copies and was made into a hit movie, is based on his own investigations about one of the most powerfull Camorra organisations, the Casalesi clan. The clan allready made headlines last month by murdering 6 Africans near Naples and by this once again proved that they won't let anybody cross their path. Saviano, who has lived the past 2 years under police protection, is seen as a hero by the Italian people because he dares to openly challenge the Camorra. His courage can be compared with that of Giuseppe Impastato, a Sicilian who took on against the mafia during the 1970's by using a radio program. Impastato was murdered 30 years ago, hopefully Roberto Saviano is facing a better future.  |2008-10-02|     Anthony Spero dies at 79 After a short fight against cancer, Antohny Spero died in prison at the age of 79. Spero was a high ranking and long time member of the Bonanno Family. He started as a soldier to Carmine Galante in the 50's and later rose to Caporegime and Consiglieri (1968-1973) under bosses Natale Evola and Phillip Rastelli. Later, during the absence of Joseph Massino he played a leading role inside the organisation together with Sal Vitale. Spero was convicted for racketeering and murder in 2001. He eventually died in prison after he suffered from an early stage of cancer.  |2008-09-24|     Updates! In the past few weeks I've made a couple of adjustments to the following articles, be shure to check them out! Buster from Chicago, Franscesco Caruso, Salvatore D'Aquila, John Bonventre, Vito Genovese, Klondike O-Donnell, Antonio Macri, Pasquale Condello, The Apalachin Meeting, Gaspare Magaddino, Antonio Magaddino, The Camorra and the Atlanta Federal Penitentiary.  |2008-09-22|     Camorra slays 7 men near Naples Late thursday a 53 year old gambling hall owner was shot dead. The gambling hall was thought to be Camorra property. Only minutes later Six African men, who alledgedly started to deal drugs in Camorra territory without authorization, where murdered at a tailer shop in the town of Castelvolturno. Police say that at least 130 bullets were fired from a driving car and moving scooters. The victims were all men in their late 20's and originated from Ghana, Togo and Liberia. The murders sparkled a riot in the Italian town where windows and cars were smashed. The rioters do not only accuse Camorristi but also the police for racism. The government has sent out the Italian army to restore peace and to find the killers. Tonight a first gunman was arrested, 29 year old Alfonso Cesarano.  |2008-09-19|     Nicolo Rizzuto pleads guilty. Nicolo Rizzuto, father of jailed Montreal boss Vito Rizzuto, and 5 others pleaded guilty yesterday to racketeering related charges. He was arrested in 2006 after a 4 year drug trafficking investigation. 84 year old Rizzuto, who lived a while in Venezuela during the 70's and 80's, faces a long prison sentence.  |2008-09-18|     Fransesco Pelle arrested Calabrian 'Ndrangheta boss Fransesco Pelle was arrested at night in the city of Pavia. Pelle, who is 31, was involved in the Duisberg killings, where 6 men of his clan were murdered. In July 2006 he nearly escaped a murder attempt but was badly wounded, leaving him in a wheelchair for the rest of his live. With his arrest most of the Pelle leadership is behind bars. The rival Nirta-Striango clan also had their part when Paolo Nirta and Giuseppe Nirta were arrested in respectivily August and May. The 'Ndrangheta was recently listed as the Nr. 3 largest and most dangerous crime organisations. The Sicilian Mafia follows at the 6th place. The Nr. 1 spot is covered by the Russian Mafiya.  |2008-09-16|     Provenzano's former doctor murdered? The case of 34 year old urology surgeon Attilio Manca was recently reopened. Manca was found dead on his bed in February 2004. At first it was believed the man had committed suicide after an autopsy revealed he had taken an overdose. Manca's parents however still do not believe that their son killed himself. In 2003 Manca treated Mafia boss of bosses Bernardo Provenzano in a hospital in France for a prostate problem. A couple of months later he was found dead. His parents believe that their son was murdered so he could not reveal Provenzano's location as the godfather was still on the run for the law. (Source: telegraph.co.uk)  |2008-08-19|     D'Amico and Cefalu sentenced to 2 years It seems that the FBI has hit the Gambino Family hard this year by arresting and convicting most of it's leadership. After Reputed acting boss John D'Amico and former underboss Dominico Cefalu pleaded guilty to extortion a couple of months ago, both were sentenced to 2 years for their crimes. D'Amico also recieved a $4000 fine, which does not come in handy because he is still reputidly broke according to defense attorney Elizabeth Macedonio. Nicholas Corozzo, a Gambino lieutenant who was on the run for a brief period, faces up to 15 years after he pleaded guilty to murder conspiracy.  |2008-08-06|     Junior Gotti arrested in NY John Gotti jr., son of the legendary Teflon Don John Gotti, was arrested yesterday morning for racketeering offences, murder and possession of drugs at his home in Long Island, New York. His arrest was made after a succesfull investigation against a faction of the Gambino Family in Tampa, Florida. In 1999 Gotti had allready been arrested for racketeering charges and was jailed untill 2005. In the following years law enforcements tried to convict him another three times for racketeering and the kidnapping of Curtis Sliwa, but all three attempts ended in mistrials. Afterwards Gotti claimed he stopped his involvment in the crime families business. However, charged with racketeering and the murders of Georges Grosso in 1998, Louis DiBono in 1990 and Bruce Gotterup in 1991, he is facing a life long prison sentence.  |2008-07-22|     Lazio Roma Lazio Roma, a football team from Italy which plays in first class, was on the wanted list of the Casaledi Clan in Naples. The Casaledi family, which is part of the Camorra, tried to buy shares of the team true intimidations and violence. This came to the notice of the police after 10 men got arrested in Rome and their plan, called 'Broken Wings', was revealed. Lazio Roma exists for over 100 years and was the national champion in 1974 and 2000.  |2008-06-25|     Updates I've devided the Genovese Family from the original and legendary Morello gang. This because the Genovese Family has such a large history that I thought it would be better to split things up. Also I've made changes to the Nicholas Terranova, Ciro Terranova, Peter Morello and Anthony D'Andrea pages.  |2008-06-09|     9 Colombo members arrested After the Gambino and Lucchese breakdown in respectively February and March, it was time for the Colombo Family. After 3 years of research the police arrested 9 alledged Colombo men on federal racketeering charges. The men are also accused of theft of fur coats and murder in New York, during the early 1990's, and a home invasion by police officer impersonators in Los Angeles in 2006. Amongst the arrested men are current Acting boss Thomas Gioeli and the elder Underboss John Franzese. (Source: Nytimes.com)  |2008-06-04|     Cali pleads guilty to extortion charges Frank Cali, a Sicilian Gambino capo, pleaded guilty to extortion-related charges on june 3, 2008. Cali admitted that he had helped extorting a trucker who worked at a NASCAR construction site in Staten Island. Cali is a rising Mobster in the Gambino family with close ties to Sicilian mobsters. He is related to the Sicilian Inzerillo Crime Family by marrying Rosaria Inzerillo, a niece of the late Salvatore Inzerillo.  |2008-06-02|     Police informant murdered in Naples Michele Orsi, former Camorra member and federal witness, was murdered today in front of his house. Orsi helped Italian law enforcements to arrest and prosecute Mafia members who are involved in the wastemanagement business. There have been many problems with waste dumping all over Naples since last year, causing the streets to fill up with waste and also causing stench all over the historic city. Orsi was murdered on the same day as a protestaction against primeminister Berlusconi to stop the streets filling up with waste.  |2008-05-30|     Nicholas Corozzo turns himself in! The reputed Gambino Family capo, Nicholas Corozzo, turned himself in yesterday. After being on the television show America's Most Wanted, Corozzo felt it would be better to make a deal with the authorities to qualify for a plea deal. Corozzo was on the run since february 2008, after a high scale operation busted about 54 Gambino members. Corozzo was charged with 2 murders dating back from 1996. Other Gambino news, Boss John D'Amico and underboss Domenico Cefalu both pleaded guilty to a single count of extortion charges. Both face rather small prison terms from 21 to 27 months.  |2008-05-28|     Updates In the past few weeks there have been a couple of updates, files such as the Castellammarese war, Sing Sing prison, Anthony Paretti, Joe Valachi, The Bonanno Family, Vito Bonventre, Carmine Galante, Nicola Gentile, Thomas Gioeli, Carmine Persico and Francesco Paolo Bontade have been made or updated. Be shure to check it out!  |2008-05-23|     Giovanni Nirta caught! Giovanni Nirta, 68, the Calabrian 'Ndrangheta boss of the Nirta-Strianga Family was arrested today. He was responsible for the Duisberg killings last year where 6 'Ndrangheta members of the rival Pelle-Romeo family were murdered in Duisberg, Germany. Nirta was arrested in San Luca in an underground weaponbunker. Italian law inforcements are heavily hunting down 'Ndrangheta members all over Calabria since the murders last year.  |2008-05-14|     One hundred years ago... It's been exactly 100 years ago when Max 'Kid Twist' Zwerbach, then leader of the notorious Monk Eastman gang, was murdered. His killer was the young Louis Pioggi who was a member of the rival Five Points Gang. In the early evening of May 14, 1908, Pioggi was dumped by his girlfriend, who preferred the company of his enemy Kid Twist, and went to a saloon where he started to drink. Sometime later Kid Twist and Cyclone Louis suddenly happened to walk in the saloon. The men and Pioggi got into a dispute and ambarrassed Pioggi. Pioggi was out for revenge and eventually murdered Kid Twist and Cyclone Louis outside the saloon. Pioggi was said to have murdered the rival leader and his bodyguard on his own. He was arrested the next year and was only sentenced to 11 months in jail. After Pioggi got out of prison he disappeared from criminal life. Zwerbach was only 24 years old when he was murdered.  |2008-04-08|     Vincent Basciano sentenced for life Former Bonanno boss Vincent 'Gorgeous' Basciano was sentenced for life in prison on March 31. He was convicted for the murder of rival Frank Santorno in 2001. It could even get worse for Basciano because he can face the death penalty for the murder of Randolph Pizzolo.  |2008-03-02|     8 Lucchese members indicted. On February 28, eight members and associates of the Lucchese Family were charged with racketeering crimes. The court identified, amongst others, Dominick Cutaia as an 'acting captain' and his son-in-law John Baudanza as a made member. They could be charged with maximum prison terms of 30 years. The other indicted Lucchese men were Michael "Mikey Bones" Corcione, 67, Salvatore Cutaia, 48 and associates Steven LaPella, 45, Victor Sperber, 57, Louis Colello, 64, and John Rodopolous, 46. (Source: mob-news blogspot)  |2008-02-21|     Mafia treasure discovered in Sicily! The police in Sicily has discovered a Mafia treasure that's worth about 150 Milion €. A couple of villa's, five companies and a village to spent hollidays were amongst the belongings of Cosa Nostra bosses Salvatore Lo Piccolo and Bernardo Provenzano, who were respectivily arrested in 2006 an 2007.  |2008-02-17|     Michele Greco dies in Rome. Michele 'The Pope' Greco died on February 13, 2008. He was 83 years old. Michele Greco was a reputed and respected boss for many years and had a long Mafia heritage from his ancestors. He was arrested in name of Giovanni Falcone during the Maxi Trials of 1986 - 1987. He was released in 1991 but was quickly rearrested untill his death of natural causes.  |2008-02-07|     Prominent Gambino members arrested! After 5 years of research and a good coorperation between the American FBI and Italian law enforcements, they made their move. 54 members and associates of the Gambino Family were arrested. Amongst the arrested men is current acting boss John D'Amico, Nicholas Corozzo and underboss Domenico Cefalu. The accusation go from extortion to murder and some of the crimes date back from the 70's. Not only was the American Mafia attacked, but also a anti-mafia raid was held in Palermo, Sicily. 20 men were arrested there who were mainly part of the Salvatore Lo Piccolo family.  |2008-01-22|     Salvatore Cuffaro sentenced to 5 years. Salvatore Cuffaro, the governor of Sicily, was convicted to 5 years in prison on January 18th. According to an article on Reuters.com, Cuffaro helped Mafia leaders by giving them information about anti-mafia investigations. Cuffaro said that he was 'very comforted' with his sentence because it didn't acuse him directly of having links with organised crime. He claimed he didn't knew the men he helped were members of the Mafia.  |2008-01-02|     Bill Bonanno dies on Newyearsday. Salvatore 'Bill' Bonanno, son of late Mafia boss Joseph Bonanno, died on newyearsday of a heartattack in Tucson Arizona. In the 1950's and 60's Bill was a member of his fathers criminal organisation, the Bonanno Family. After an internal war he and his father retired from the life of crime and lived in Arizona. Bill began writing about his life and also did a couple of interviews. Some of his books are: Bound by Honor and The Good Guys. (Source: Mob-news Blogspot) 2007  |2007-12-26|     Top 10 gangsters of all time! In following of the new year, 2008, I've gathered a list of the top mafioso of all time according to myself. A hard choice to make when there were so many top gangsters in the early 1900's who all had there part in Mafia history. 1. Johnny Torrio - Pioneer of the 'modern' mafia and top advisor to future leaders. 2. Vito Cascio Ferro - Early Palermo boss of bosses (for over 20 years) with influence in America. 3. Charles Luciano - Pioneer of the modern mafia, US boss of bosses (30's & 40's) and creator of the Commission. 4. Stefano Magaddino - Long going Buffalo boss with lots of connections. 5. Carlo Gambino - Ranked his family as the strongest in America and was boss of bosses in the 60's & 70's. 6. Calogero Vizzini - Powerfull and influencial Villalba boss who became the mayor of his town. 7. Paul Kelly - Leader of the infamous Five Points Gang. 8. Tony Accardo - Concidered to be the greatest leader of the Chicago Outfit. 9. Meyer Lansky - Jewish Syndicate Boss, Casino frontman (Bahamas, Cuba & Las Vegas) and creator of the commission. 10. Joe Bonanno - Boss of the Brooklyn based family which still bares his name and who outlived his enemies.  |2007-12-04|     Again heavy blows for the Mafia. Only a few weeks after the arrest of boss of bosses Salvatore Lo Piccolo, a new blow strucks the Mafia. In Catania, in the east of Sicily, about 70 people who are accused to be mafiosi were arrested. Amongst the arrested was the son of Benedetto Santapaola, who was allready captured in 1993.  |2007-11-08|     Paul McCartney's new girlfriend Rumours or not? Paul McCartney's new girlfriends, 45 year old Nancy Shevell, father would have had connections to the American Mafia according to The Sun. Shevell is owner of the New England Moter Freight and has gathered a fortune with it. Her father (71y. old) was accused for having connections with Tony Provenzano and Vincent Gigante in 1988 for giving them bribes so he would not have to deal with the Union. He was later acquited of that charge. Both Gigante and Provenzano past away a couple of years ago.  |2007-11-05|     Salvatore Lo Piccolo arrested! Salvatore Lo Piccolo was arrested today together with 3 other members of the Cosa Nostra in Palermo, Sicily, during a meeting in a small villa. Lo Piccolo was on the run for about 21 years and is 65 years old. One of the other arrested members was his 32 year old son, Sandro Lo Piccolo. The 4 arrested men were all on the 30 most wanted list from Italy. Police say shots were been fired at the house before the armed men were arrested. The men are: Salvatore Lo Piccolo (successor of Bernardo Provenzano, captured in 2006), Sandro Lo Piccolo, Gaspare Pulizzi and Andrea Adamo. This action forms another big blow to the Sicilian Mafia.  |2007-10-5|     Powerfull Belgian mafioso captured. Everybody knows the mafia has its members all over Europe, so has Belgium. Riccardo Fanchini (51y. old) was arrested in London by the police in order of the New York Justice department. Fanchini had strong connections to the Russian mob and was since 2004 involved in smuggling cocaine to the United States. In a book by Juergen Roth Fanchini was the third most powerfull mobboss in Europe.  |2007-09-20|     Mafia accountant arrested Giuseppe Lipari, a 72 year old man was arrested in Palermo. He is suspected to be the accountant of Bernardo Provenzano, who was arrested in 2006. Lipari allready had a criminal record.  |2007-08-15|     6 men executed in Germany In Duisberg, Germany, 6 Italian men were found death on the street in front of an Italian restaurant with bullets in their heads. The victims were members of a family in Calabria and fled their country due to the war with another family. Both victims and murderers are members of the 'Ndrangheta, Calabrian organised crime. The youngest victim was 16 years old and the oldest 39. The men were executed according to the German police.  |2007-08-07|     Mafia htiman arrested in Palermo Franco Franzese (b. 1964), a hitman for the mafia in Sicily was arrested in Palermo. He is being charged for murder and extortion. Franco is a close member of Salvatore Lo Piccolo who is still on the run and who is said to be the successor of Bernardo Provenzano who was arrested in 2006.  |2007-08-01|     Movie about Lucky Luciano 45 years after Luciano's dead they are finally going to make a biographical movie about him. The 60 year old Joseph Isgro will be the producer, he is also the man who nailed the rights for the Hoffa film in 1992. Isgro has once been associated with the Gambino family by the FBI but Isgro laughs with these charges saying he's only part of the Isgro family. The distribution is planned for New Line Cinema and the actors are not yet identified, but Isgro says some of the Sopranos actors will star in this movie.  |2007-06-24|     9 mafiosi captured in Sicily 9 mafiosi who are believed to have connections to the Corleonesi are captured in Palermo. They were planning murders on small time criminals when they were arrested.  |2007-06-12|     New Mafia movie starring Robert De Niro A new Mafia movie starring Robert De Niro is sheduled for 2008. The movie will be called 'The winter of Frankie Machine' and is about an ex mob hitman lured back into his former profession. The movie is written by David Levien (Runaway Jury, Oceans 13) & his co writer Brian Koppelman.  |2007-05-25|     Vito Rizzuto sentenced to 10 years Vito Rizzuto, the Montreal crime family boss is sentenced to 10 years in prison for the murders of the 3 renegade Bonanno capo's in 1981. Rizzuto is 61 years old.  |2007-04-22|     The Untouchables - Al Capone rising Brian De Palma is currently shooting a new movie about the rising of Al Capone in Chicago. The prequel to 'The Untouchables' from 1987 will star Nicholas Cage as Capone and will be released in 2008.  |2007-04-11|     Provenzano & Riina Former bosses of the Corleonesi, Bernardo Provenzano & Salvatore Riina, have to appear before court again for a murder they are believed to have committed in 1969. Both men are allready serving a life sentence.  |2007-03-27|     Camorra boss caught in Naples Vincenzo Di Lauro, the 31 year old boss of the Di-Lauro Clan in Naples was arrested. He was the succesor of his father who was apprehended in 2005 by the police.  |2007-03-20|     180 mafia suspects caught in Naples The police has arrested 180 suspected mafia members in South of Naples. The police also arrested children and women. They are being charged with drug charges with the Camorra.  |2007-02-13|     Salvatore 'Toto' Riina transfered Toto Riina, who's in prison since 1993 is transfered to a hospital. For a couple of years now Riina has problems with his heart. Riina is 77 years old.  |2007-02-07|     La Camorra builds an illegal city The Napolitan Mafia, The Camorra, has illegaly built 50 appartments in a suburban of the South-Italian capital city. In 3 years time there has developt a small city in Casalnuovo, North-East of Naples. See the dutch article here.  |2007-01-25|     Salvatore Lo Piccolo still on the run The Police was hunting down about 48 members of the Mafia in Palermo. Salvatore Lo Piccolo, the successor of Bernardo Provenzano is still on the run.

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