Is the shadow of organized crime in Greece darker than the headlines suggest? The Greek mafia, a complex and often misunderstood entity, has woven itself into the fabric of the nation, leaving a trail of violence and illicit activities that extends far beyond the realm of simple street crime.
It is crucial to distinguish the Greek mafia from the often-confused Greek street gangs, whose criminal activities typically involve smaller-scale offenses. The Greek mafia, however, operates on a different level, engaging in sophisticated operations and forging strategic alliances with other criminal organizations, both domestic and international. This complex web of affiliations has allowed the Greek mafia to flourish, expanding its reach and influence across various sectors. Beyond its domestic networks, the Greek mafia has collaborated with other notorious criminal groups, including the Sicilian Mafia, the Camorra, and various groups from Albania, Russia, and Georgia. This international cooperation underscores the global nature of organized crime and its ability to transcend borders, leveraging shared resources and expertise to maximize profits and minimize risks.
The intricate alliances and strategic operations of the Greek mafia have made it a force to be reckoned with in the criminal underworld, with its influence extending far beyond the confines of its native shores. One such example of the ruthless efficiency of the Greek mafia is highlighted by the actions of the Rudaj Organization. They entered the realm of soccer fever and targeted a Greek associate of the Lucchese family, the attack culminated in a beating with a pistol. This aggressive act was a direct act of retaliation, after a Greek member of the Velentzas family, who was also an associate of the Lucchese family, had allegedly tampered with their gambling machines. This act exemplifies the internal power struggles, territorial disputes, and the lengths to which the mafia will go to assert control and maintain dominance.
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The Greek mafia, like its counterparts around the world, relies on a strict code of conduct and a hierarchical structure. Associates are expected to comply with any orders given by the mafia and are essentially on call 24 hours a day to serve the organization. However, it is important to note that these associates do not enjoy the same level of protection as full members of the mafia unless they hold significant value or importance to the organization. This disparity underscores the inherent risks and dangers associated with involvement in organized crime, where loyalty and obedience are often met with violence and betrayal.
The shadow of organized crime extends beyond the streets and into the highest echelons of society. The assassination of Giannis Skaftouros, a prominent figure in the Greek mafia, serves as a grim reminder of the violent nature of these criminal enterprises. Skaftouros, enjoying Easter Monday with family and friends in his summer house in the regional unit of Viotia, was gunned down by two assailants, marking a significant loss for the criminal organization. The subsequent arrests of suspects allegedly involved in these murders, including those with potential links to death contracts executed outside Greece, further illuminate the extent of the mafia's reach and its willingness to operate across international borders. The violence continues with reports of individuals from the former Soviet Union and the murders of mafia leaders.
In stark contrast to the carefully planned operations of the Greek mafia, the story of Gus, a Greek individual involved in the criminal underworld, offers a glimpse into a different perspective. While he was not "made" due to his Greek heritage, he carved out a significant presence for himself. His father's restaurant, located at Wentworth and 26th in Armour Square/Chinatown, was a hub for members of the Capone and Nitti mobs. Gus and Strongy Ferraro began working in the restaurant at a young age, which undoubtedly provided them with a unique education in the inner workings of the criminal underworld. This background allowed Gus to navigate the treacherous terrain of organized crime, utilizing his street smarts and connections to achieve success, even without formal membership in an established mafia family.
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The story of the Greek mafia also extends to other geographical locations. The Philadelphia Greek mafia, for example, was renowned for its massive methamphetamine trade. In 1981, Nikki Scapo, the head of the Philadelphia mafia, took drastic measures when a payment request was refused, ordering the assassination of Chelsea Buraz, the head of the Greek mafia. This act, fueled by betrayal and power struggles, led to violence and chaos. Chelsea Buraz had a close relationship with a woman related to the Italian mafia, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. This incident is a grim example of the inherent instability and the volatile nature of such alliances within organized crime.
The activities of the Greek mafia are often intertwined with other criminal groups, such as the Rudaj Organization, who entered the soccer fever attacking a Greek associate of the Lucchese family and beating Balampanis with a pistol. The attack was retaliation for a Greek member of the Velentzas family and Lucchese associate named Tony, who had broken their gambling machines. This type of interaction illustrates the ongoing power struggles and territorial disputes within the Greek underworld.
The story of the Greek mafia also extends to other geographical locations. The Philadelphia Greek mafia, for example, was renowned for its massive methamphetamine trade. In 1981, Nikki Scapo, the head of the Philadelphia mafia, took drastic measures when a payment request was refused, ordering the assassination of Chelsea Buraz, the head of the Greek mafia. This act, fueled by betrayal and power struggles, led to violence and chaos. Chelsea Buraz had a close relationship with a woman related to the Italian mafia, adding another layer of complexity to the already volatile situation. This incident is a grim example of the inherent instability and the volatile nature of such alliances within organized crime.
The Greek mafia's influence extended beyond the domestic sphere, with international criminal groups, such as the Sicilian Mafia, Camorra, and Albanian, Russian, and Georgian mafia groups, collaborating with them. This cooperation expanded their operations and increased the scale of their criminal activities. Law enforcement efforts to combat organized crime are hampered by the sophisticated tactics employed by these groups and their ability to adapt and evolve.
The arrest of three suspects in connection with the assassinations of alleged members of the "Greek mafia" further highlights the ongoing efforts to dismantle these criminal networks. The suspects were brought before a public prosecutor on Thursday, indicating that investigations are ongoing and that law enforcement authorities are taking decisive action against the leaders and members of the Greek mafia.
The activities of the Greek mafia are often intertwined with other criminal groups, such as the Rudaj Organization, who entered the soccer fever attacking a Greek associate of the Lucchese family and beating Balampanis with a pistol. The attack was retaliation for a Greek member of the Velentzas family and Lucchese associate named Tony, who had broken their gambling machines. This type of interaction illustrates the ongoing power struggles and territorial disputes within the Greek underworld. Operating from Dubai, another key figure eliminated the last remnants of the greek mafia, expanded his empire across mykonos and the aegean, and controlled organized crime from both the streets and prison cells, and along with the smuggling of cigarettes, the members of the organization had in their assets the murders of some of the highest dynamic members of the greek mafia.
The actions of Steve Bouras and Harry Peetros, who were prominent members of the Greek mafia in the 1970s, are evidence of the mafia's historical roots and its evolution. These figures, like other individuals, were crucial in building the organization's initial operations and establishing connections.
The story of Giannis Skaftouros, is a clear evidence of the ruthless nature of organized crime, and the risks faced by those involved. Skaftouros was a key executive within the Greek mafia, and according to the Hellenic police, he was the right-hand man of Vasili Stefanakos, the boss of the Greek mafia's bosses, who was murdered in 2018. This emphasizes the constant threat of violence and the treacherous nature of the criminal underworld.
The murders of Greek mafia leaders, such as Giannis Skaftouros, are a significant loss, highlighting the mafia's internal struggles and the violent competition for power. Such events disrupt the organization and raise questions about its future. The murders of Greek mafia leaders are a reminder of the constant danger and betrayal that characterize criminal organizations.
