This episode of Mob Talk with mafia experts George Anastasia and Dave Schratwieser includes an exclusive interview with a former wiseguy.
We get some inside information on a previous Philadelphia mafia hit and a look into the history of the Cosa Nostra family. The unidentified mobster offers his take on some of the Philly mob’s hits and misses and the war between factions led by John Stanfa and Joey Merlino. Some of that history has carried over into the current state of the Philly mafia which George describes as disorganized organized crime. The mafia in Philadelphia still seems to be split into various factions which are loyal to the people they grew up with more so than the organization as a whole.
There is more talk of the rumors that the feds may be putting together a case which could include some of the still unsolved mafia murders. With an estimated 30+ made guys currently on the streets, the family is as strong numbers wise as its been in decades. If the organization is somewhat splintered the feds may see this as perfect timing for a new round of indictments to nip it in the bud before they have any chance to get reorganized. Whether or not they can put an actual case together which would probably need the aid of someone from inside the family is yet to be seen. With Joey Merlino who many believe is still the boss of the family seemingly headed to trial next year things could continue to change in the City of Brotherly Love.
He does make a good point about bringing in guys you don’t know and how this has been a problem not only on Philly but also elsewhere. Sure it can’t be helped in many cases if your looking to make money but things def became more relaxed over the years as to checking into guys and keeping a buffer between those guys and others up the ladder than it was in the old days.
Think we probably see some kind of case get dropped in Philly sooner rather than later.
Well I’m sure finding someone in the know to flip and give up a bunch of murders isn’t a hard task. Most of these guys it seems are born rats. The government likes to act as if they really accomplished something major everytime they flip a guy but the truth is that it’s as easy as taking candy from a baby, especially these days.
I think your right for the most part although when factions arise like there are now in Philly I think it becomes just a tad more difficult. Still not all that hard but being most of these guys are lifelong friends etc has to make the feds job in finding a rat who knows enough to matter just a bit tougher.
The inner circle of Merlino , Marty Angelina , Johnny Ciangalini , Stevev Handsome Mazzone and Sonny Mezzone , mike and AL Lancelotti. Gayton Lucibello have ratted because they all grew up together and are bonded like glue….Rats like Bent finger Lou monticello were never in that tight circle and the garbage John Veasey ratfella not in the inner circle….so I’m willing to wager merino inner circle won’t rat just as Anthony Nicademo proved…but yes other weak punk rats exist in philly mob but those guys don’t have direct evidence against merino crew…because when job had to be done they stayed in the inner circle
I meant inner circle merino crew never ratted…..please correct…
Anybody have an idea who that rat is?
Word on the street is its an associate not made guy but still a problem
maybe the shoes could be a clue for any philly mobsters lol you never know what someone will remember, i don’t think philly has the usual military set up as other mob families but it seems to be working and everyone is keeping it cool and making money plus they know merlino will never flip so all is good