The Presence and Influence of the Italian Mafia in the UK
The history of criminal organizations in the UK is rich and varied, with numerous traces of prominent mafias, including the Italian Mafia. This article delves into the presence and influence of the Italian Mafia in the UK, focusing on specific cases and geographical locations.
The Italian Mafia in London and the UK
Over the years, significant cases involving the Italian Mafia have been documented and featured in major publications such as The Guardian and The Daily Mail. While the evidence is sometimes circumstantial, the Italian Mafia has made notable inroads into the UK, particularly in the city of London.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Consider the iconic film The Long Good Friday, released in 1980 and starring Helen Mirren. The movie serves as a powerful depiction of the relationship between British gangsters and the American Mafia. In the plot, a British gangster, played by Bob Hoskins, attempts to enlist the American Mafia to finance a real estate development scheme, only to be thwarted by the Provisional IRA. This film highlights the complex and sometimes violent connections between different criminal organizations.
A Visible Presence of the Italian Mafia in London
The most striking evidence of the Italian Mafia’s presence in London dates back to 1982, when a man named Roberto Calvi was found under Blackfriars Bridge. Calvi, also known as "The Banker of God," was a high-profile figure in the world of finance, having worked with shady connections including the mafia, illegal masonic lodges, and the Vatican Bank (IOR).
Initially, the police believed Calvi’s death to be a suicide due to money troubles. However, the involvement of pentiti (repentant mafia members) revealed a much darker truth. Criminal activities, poor investments, and plain crimes eventually led to Calvi's murder. His business partner, Michele Sindona, was arrested and died in prison after consuming cyanide-laced coffee. This case starkly illustrates how mafia money extends far beyond the Italian borders, with London serving as a significant financial hub.
Homegrown UK Mobsters
While the Italian Mafia has made an impact in the UK, the local landscape is dominated by homegrown criminals who are often more violent and ruthless. These UK-based mobsters include individuals like the Richardson’s and the Krays, who operated with an unparalleled level of fearless violence.
The Richardson’s, a notorious crime family, were particularly formidable. In contrast, the Krays, while still lethal, were less intimidating and more sophisticated in their operations. This level of violence, combined with a disregard for personal well-being, often deterred foreign mafia groups from attempting to establish a strong foothold in the UK.
Geographical Presence of the Italian Mafia in the UK
While the Italian Mafia has a significant presence in London, other parts of the UK also have connections to Italian criminal organizations. For example, the Apulian sacra corona unita, the Calabrian ‘ndrangheta, and the Campanian camorra have all been reported to have a smaller, but still notable, influence in specific regions.
However, the Sicilian Mafia, while having historic ties to the UK, is not currently as prominently represented as these other groups.
Conclusion
The relationship between the Italian Mafia and the UK is complex and multifaceted. While there have been significant cases and geographical points of contact, the local presence of homegrown UK mobsters has often provided a formidable challenge to the establishment and expansion of foreign mafia groups. Whether through the lens of the iconic film The Long Good Friday or the specific case of Roberto Calvi, the Italian Mafia's influence in the UK remains a topic of ongoing interest and study.