Australian figures linked to Calabrian Mafia revealed; experts warn more police focus needed on organised crime

Perth : Australian authorities cannot afford to let their focus on terrorism allow them to become complacent about the reach of the Calabrian Mafia, organised crime experts have warned.A joint Fairfax/ABC investigation into the Calabrian Mafia has further exposed the influence of the group across Australia and will air tonight on ABC.It found policing authorities have failed to dismantle a “board of directors” of Calabrian Mafia heads across Australia, which has allowed them to continue illicit drug trades, form links with bikie groups, and infiltrate all levels of government.It has prompted anti-mafia prosecutor Nicola Gratteri to warn that while police around the world focus on terrorism, the tentacles of the Calabrian Mafia could be going unchecked.”When social alarm is provoked over terrorism, governments are forced to invest in terrorism and not in mafia … the mafia celebrates because they know there are fewer resources,” Dr Gratteri said.”I think Australia should look at the mafia problem, the ‘Ndrangheta problem, again and not measure the presence or the strength of ‘Ndrangheta or any mafia by the number of people killed on the street or shootings at shop windows.”Instead, Dr Gratteri said authorities should examine the supply and control of cocaine being sold at bars, pubs and clubs.”Because whoever controls the cocaine, with those earnings they buy all the property for sale. In that way they control the market, they control the economy,” he said.His view is backed by Australian experts past and present who have investigated the mafia dealings.In the second of a two-part Four Corners series, investigative journalist Nick McKenzie examines the link between a number of Australian politicians, from local to federal government, and alleged Australian Calabrian Mafia figures.Among them is a former mayor of an area in Perth and a Labor Party figure from Melbourne.New South Wales police files also reveal the Calabrian Mafia has built close ties to outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCGs), including the Rebels and Bandidos.