Philadelphia mafia captain Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancellotti is back in the mix inside the mob after battling and now seemingly recovering from cancer. Sources believe Lancellotti is now running the day to day operations of the Philly mafia as the buffer between acting boss Steven Mazzone and the families capos. Joey Merlino returned to Philly for first time since getting off parole restrictions and his first stop was a face to face with his old mobster pal Mikey Lance according to sources of Scott Burnstein’s gangsterreport.

“Michael Lancellotti“

It was reported that Merlino was back in town to attend a graduation party for the daughter of mob associate Raymond “Ray Wags” Wagner but according to sources was also conducting business. Lance was inducted into the Philly mob by Merlino back in the 90’s and is a trusted member of the Merlino factions inner circle. Out of the three factions currently on the streets the Mazzone/Merlino faction seems to have the most stability with guys like Mikey Lance back in action.

Phil Narducci leads another faction currently on the streets of Philadelphia looking for a piece of the pie along with a third faction led by Joseph “Joey Punge” Pungitore. Both Narducci and Joey Pungitore are Scarfo era mafia soldiers and aren’t exactly fans of Merlino. It seems things are being kept in line on streets due to Mazzone being respected across the board from all factions. Some sources believe a power sharing situation has even been implimented via a ruling panel type of arrangement consisting of the rival faction leaders.

Merlino continues to deny any association with the mafia in Philadelphia anymore and claims he left the life behind and now is simply a business man running his new restaurant down in Boca Raton, Florida. Although many including those in law enforcement still consider him to be the current boss of the mob in Philly.

Philadelphia mafia continues to regroup and grow with the return of two veteran mobsters George Borgesi and Marty Angelina. Borgesi was released back in January after doing a 14 year prison stretch on RICO charges and for first time in years is now off of all government restrictions. Marty Angelina is himself finishing up a four plus year prison stay for racketeering and is set to be released from a half way house this week. According to mob sources both are ready to return to the fold adding to the cluster of mobsters back on streets.

“George Borgesi“

Borgesi held the number three spot in the Philly mafia in the late 1990’s before being convicted and his considered a loose cannon by some. Some with in the Philly mob hierarchy are worried that Borgesi’s antics and propensity to stir things up could cause problems with in the delicate frame work between the three factions now on streets. Other decision makers with in the family believe Borgesi is owed since he went away and did his time in a stand up way ever saying a word.

“Marty Angelina“

Angelina formerly held the rank on under boss in the late 2000’s and was taken down in the same case that netted Borgesi. Although he isn’t known to be quite the lightning rod and problem that Borgesi may be he still carries plenty of baggage and a hot headed temperament along with his return to the streets. Both he and Borgesi are long time Joseph Merlino allies and will try and find a way to fit back into the Merlino and Steven Mazzone led faction of the current Philly mafia landscape.

It will be interesting to see how both Angelina and Borgesi transition back into roles with in the mafia and what effect it may have on the balance between the three factions now on streets. Both the Scarfo era factions one led by Phil Narducci and other led by Joseph Pungitore have established footholds back on streets and the fragile state of affairs could be a powder keg waiting for a reason to blow. Most of the major players are now back on the streets for the mafia in Philadelphia and although they have all seemingly been getting along so far mob insiders believe the balancing act will be tricky moving ahead.

The mafia around the country as a whole has been in a state of decline for some time now as its power and influence diminishes. The five families of the New York mafia remain the most powerful mob families in the country some of which have seen a rejuvenation of sorts the past couple of years. Although the American Mafia may never reach the heights of its heyday again some of the New York families have been able to reorganize of late due to many factors, including diminished efforts from law enforcement as the anti-terrorism fight took center stage. Question is can the mob families in Philadelphia and New England which have fallen on hard times in last few years find some of the same success as we head into 2016.

Philadelphia Mafia

“Joey Merlino“

The Philadelphia mafia has definitely been one of the more interesting mob families over the last couple of decades and has sustained its share of setbacks. A major trial targeting the Philly mafia leadership this year led to convictions of some of the family’s hierarchy once again leading to a state of unrest. The release of some key figures from prison of late has led to the family having more made guys on the streets as it had in years although this has led to more questions then answers as to the current state of the Philly mob family and its future. Recently released made guys include Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini, Gaeton Lucibello, Marty Angelina, Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancellotti, and George Borgesi.

There seems to now be three factions operating with in the Philly mafia, including one believed to be led by current acting boss Steven Mazzone and alleged boss Joey Merlino, another led by veteran Scarfo era mobster Phil Narducci, along with another by fellow Scarfo era mobster Joseph “Joey Punge” Pungitore. With the influx of veteran made guys back on the streets and settling in many wonder if the mafia in Philadelphia can find harmony among these internal factions. If they can find a way to make things work peacefully the Philly mob may actually be in a position to re-establish itself and recapture some of its dwindling influence heading into 2016.

New England Mafia

“Carmen DiNunzio“

Few mafia families have seen its ranks decimated more and taken more setbacks over the last few years than the New England mob. The Patriarca crime family has seen its long time power base in Providence virtually dismantled in the last couple of years leading to a shift in power back to the Boston based faction. Convictions of high ranking members, including alleged one time acting boss Anthony DiNunzio and powerful captains Edward “Eddie” Lato and Frank “Bobo” Marrapese continued to diminish the ranks. The indictment of newly installed alleged acting boss Anthony Spagnolo left the New England mob in disarray heading into 2015. The mafia in New England has quietly been trying to pick up the pieces and recover from damage done by law enforcement over the past year.

Heading into 2016 the family has seen the return of powerful captain Matthew “Matty” Guglielmetti and alleged under boss Carmen “The Cheeseman”DiNunzio among others. Carmen and his brother Anthony  are both believed to be key players in the Patriarca family hierarchy moving forward. It’s unclear as to who the current boss of the family is heading into 2016 but its believed that The Cheeseman is likely to have taken the reigns upon his release earlier this year. With Carmen back on streets and the Boston faction almost intact, along with powerful captains like Guglielmetti returning the New England mafia may be able to reorganize and begin to re-establish itself to an extent.

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The Philadelphia mafia remains at least by traditional mob standards to be a dysfunctional family as various factions try and coexist on the streets. According to sources this hasn’t stopped the Philly mob from adding to its ranks with a recent making ceremony led by alleged boss Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino. At least three new members were inducted into the mafia in Philadelphia, according to sources one of which was somehow related to Phil Narducci. With the current instability within the family the move to induct one of Narducci’s guys seems to be a sort of good will gesture to keep things peaceful. Even with the addition of some new blood the family remains fractured into various factions representing two different eras of the crime family’s history according to Scott Burnstein and his Gangsterreport.

“Joey Merlino“

The Scrafo era mobsters from the 1980’s are separated into two faction, one led by Phil Narducci and another by Joseph “Joey Pung” Pungitore. The Merlino faction from the 90’s which was once whole has now been split into two camps, one backing alleged family boss Joey Merlino and another backing former Merlino consigliere George Borgesi. Recent tensions between Borgesi and former underboss Marty Angelina caused a break in the Merlino faction according to reports. Sources confirm that Merlino tried to mediate the dispute unsuccessfully among the childhood friends after Borgesi requested permission to kill Angelina for moving in on his rackets while he was in prison. Borgesi is believed to now be establishing a power base mostly backed by non-made guys outside of South Philly.

Things remain quiet overall as the factions have peacefully co-existed so far with acting boss Steven Mazzone as a sort of intermediary between the key players in Merlino and Narducci who have never seen eye to eye. The feds maintain that Merlino is currently the official boss of the family with Mazzone serving as acting boss handling day to day operations while John “Johnny Chang” Ciancaglini serves as underboss. Former acting boss Joseph Ligambi and veteran mobster Joseph “Chickie” Ciangcaglini both serve as dual consigliere’s. Although it seems with the various factions that have developed the Philly mafia may not be fully functioning along the lines of the traditional mafia structure.

Merlino remains in Florida, where he has lived since his release from prison in 2011 but has made several trips back to Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore in the last few months now that he is off parole and has no limitations. Although some believe he is being influenced by some of his key people to spend more time in Philly overseeing things on the streets. It seems the mob in the City of Brotherly Love is a powder keg which could explode at any time and with the history of this Cosa Nostra family it would be a surprise to no one if things eventually became violent.

Philadelphia mafia is back, according to mob experts and the Cosa Nostra family is even growing, reaching numbers that haven’t been seen in decades. According to a report from veteran mafia reporters George Anastasia and Dave Schratwieser the Philly mafia now has as many as 35 made members on the streets and is as strong as it’s been since the mid 80’s. New made guys have been recently inducted into the Philly mob family along with many made guys who have returned to the streets after long prison sentences. According to the report federal and state authorities believe the family is somewhat divided into as many as four factions but a hierarchy is in place.

“Joseph Ligambi, Joey Merlino, Phil Narducci“

The feds believe the current pecking order of the mafia in Philadelphia has Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi serving as acting boss with Steven Mazzone holding the rank of Underboss and Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini. Mob experts along with authorities believe that Joseph “Skinny Joe” Merlino is still the official boss of the family. There has been plenty of opinions as to the numerous factions the family seems to be divided into allegedly led by Joseph Ligambi, Joey Merlino, Joseph “Joe Pung” Pungitore, and Phil Narducci. Some theories have the mob in Philly broken into three factions with Ligambi and Merlino leading one and then Narducci and Pungitore leading the two others.

“Dominic Grande, George Borgesi, Steven Mazzone“

But the mafia family may not be as fractured as some believe and are finding a way to get along as they get back to the business of making money. The resurgent organized crime family is now getting into the booming real estate and rebuilding industry in Philly and they claim they have gone legit. But authorities are of course very skeptical of these claims and point to the track record of the mob in Philadelphia and believe they still control typical mafia rackets. No doubt the feds will be keeping a close eye on the strengthening organized crime family as we roll into the new year.

The Philadelphia mafia is in a state of resurgence, although some believe the infamous Cosa Nostra family may have fractured into multiple factions. According to reports the Philly mafia has approx 25-35 made men on the streets the most since the Scarfo era in the late 1980’s. The fact that the family is once again growing seems obvious, although the big question by those with eyes on the organization is its stability. Some believe there may be as many as three or four factions currently operating on the streets each led by a veteran Philly wiseguy. The leaders of these factions are believed to possibly include Joseph Merlino, George Borgesi, Phil Narducci, and Joseph Pungitore.

“Joseph Ligambi, Joey Merlino, Phil Narducci“

Many, including some in law enforcement, still believe that Joseph Merlino is the official boss of the Philly mob from his new home down in Florida. Joseph Ligambi who was rumored to be semi-retired after beating a federal RICO case is thought to have resumed his role as acting boss of the resurgent Philly mob. The hierarchy of the mafia family is believed to also include underboss Steven Mazzone and consigliere Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini. Could this established hierarchy point to the fact that the family may not be as unstable as some have thought. The Merlino faction wiseguys still seem to have a grip on the core of the family, despite the historic rift between this faction and Scarfo era guys in Narducci and Pungitore.

Perhaps the high ranking posts of Ligambi, Mazzone, and Ciancaglini who seem to be respected across the board have been able to bring the family together under a single flag. If Ligambi and his current lieutenants have been able to calm the waters and dilute the bad blood between the old and new era factions the mafia in Philadelphia could be more organized than many believe. It seems just as likely that the crews led by Narducci and Pungitore could be on the streets doing their own things refusing to recognize the established hierarchy under Merlino. There have even been rumors of Borgesi with the help of a newly established crew making moves to re-establish his position within the family as well after internal disagreements with other high ranking wiseguys in the Merlino faction over his old rackets.

Perhaps Merlino is retired and no longer in the mob life as he has repeatedly said since being released from prison and is simply down in Florida living the good life. If so then the friction between the Scarfo era mobsters and his old faction may no longer exist, making the crime family a more tight nit group. Has the theory of the family being split into different factions been overblown? The Philly mafia may not be a well-oiled machine but perhaps it’s regained more of its traditional structure then recent theories suggest.

The Philadelphia mafia has been oddly quiet of late as mobsters from various factions have seemingly found a way to coexist. The Philly mob today has more made guys on the streets then it’s seen in years including a fully functional hierarchy a fact that often has led to disharmony. The return to the streets of Scarfo era mobsters including Phillip Narducci and Joseph “Joey Pung” Pungitore has seemingly not been as disruptive internally has many predicted. According to some reports reputed Philly mafia boss Joseph Merlino is still firmly in charge despite reports to the contrary anchored by his inner circle leading what many believe is a sort of family resurgence. Although Merlino has denied any involvement with organized crime since his release from prison.

“Joseph Merlino“

Merlino continues to run things from down in Florida according to mob sources and has guys from Philly making trips down monthly keeping him in the loop. Over the last few months, Merlino has hosted a series of meetings in Florida with top mobsters including Joseph Ligambi, George Borgesi, and Steven Mazzone. He has also made multiple trips back to Philly and is expected to spend some of the summer in South Jersey and on the Jersey Shore. One gangsterreport source was quoted as saying “He’s got his finger on the pulse…. he uses different guys for different jobs. Believe me, he knows what’s going on with everybody in Philly and still has the final say. I don’t care where he’s living, he could be spending the year on the moon, Joey’s in charge.”

“Memorial Day: Steve Mazzone(L) and Joey Merlino(R)”

Dysfunction has long been the calling card of the mafia in Philadelphia and if Skinny Joey is in fact still in charge and can be credited with the recent harmony one has to wonder how long can it last. Appointments of well-respected mobsters to the family hierarchy like Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini, Ligambi, and Mazzone have definitely played a hand in keeping the peace. But law enforcement has kept a close eye on Merlino since his release along with the rest of the Philly mafia and may have a hand in disrupting things sooner rather than later. Whether or not Merlino is still the boss still varies depending on who one talks to but either way the Cosa Nostra family in Philly is back!

It has long been debated as to whether or not Joseph “Skinny Joey Merlino was still the boss of the Philadelphia mafia. The recent bust of what the feds have called the ”

The recent bust of what the feds have called the “East Coast La Cosa Nostra Enterprise” which included Merlino seemingly holds the answer. In a court memo authorities allege that Merlino, from Florida, was “working in earnest to rebuild the Philadelphia crime family.” The Philly mafia has seen somewhat of a resurgence in the last few years the most made men on the streets since the 1980s. Now the question many are asking is if Merlino is convicted what impact would that have if any on the hierarchy of the current Philadelphia mob.

“Joey Merlino”

According to reports and mafia sources, the one time semi-retired Joseph Ligambi has resumed his role as acting boss with longtime Merlino pal Steven Mazzone acting as underboss. Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini rounds out the hierarchy as the families consigliere a unit that has kept the peace between varying factions. The 1980s Scarfo era guys led by Phil Narducci and Joseph “Joey Pung” Pungitore were never fans of Merlino which many believed could fracture the current harmony. Even with the lingering bad blood, the Merlino led Cosa Nostra family has found a way to keep the recent peace and get back to business.

“Joseph (Uncle Joe) Ligambi”

Now with Merlino possibly in line for an extended prison term if convicted the hierarchy of the mafia family in Philly may be in for another shake-up. If Merlino is set to once again be a guest of the government could he lose his long-held grip over the mob family? Ligambi and Mazzone are reportedly respected across the board including the 80s era mobsters so they could seemingly hold things together for Merlino as they did during his last prison stretch. But the void at the top may be an opening for leaders of the Scarfo era faction like Narducci or anyone else to make a play for the big chair or at least push for an end to the Merlino era if they so desired. Perhaps even an overly ambitious guy like George Borgesi  who was recently bumped back up to capo could make some waves.

“Phil Narducci” 

With the stability of the family increasing and business smoothly moving along of late everyone involved may decide it better to leave things as is and not risk upsetting the new balance. But this is the Philly mafia and history has proven this family is extremely unpredictable and could become unraveled at any point and time. It will definitely be something worth keeping an eye on as the East Coast LCN Enterprise case moved forward.

The Philadelphia mafia has quietly navigated its way through the last couple of years during which the family has grown and had somewhat of a resurgence.

According to recent reports, there are as many as 35 made guys currently on the streets in Philly and the Cosa Nostra family is as strong as its been in decades. The mafia in Philadelphia hasn’t had this kind of strength in numbers since back in the 1980s as numerous made guys find their way back to the streets after long prison sentences along with some newly inducted members. With so many players back in the fray along with legal troubles once again popping up for alleged boss Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino the hierarchy of the family seems to be in flux.

“Joseph Ligambi and George Borgesi”

In the mafia bad news for one usually, means the opportunity is knocking for someone else and veteran mobster George Borgesi seems to be making moves to re-establish himself as a power within the crime family. Borgesi made his way back to the streets in 2014 after doing 13 years in prison for a 2001 RICO conviction and beating a racketeering conspiracy rap. Both Borgesi and then acting boss Joseph (Uncle Joe) Ligambi were able to avoid convictions on various charges in two separate trials in 2013-14. Along with being Ligambi’s nephew he also grew up with Merlino, Steven Mazzone, and Michael (Mikey Chang) Ciancaglini. The four of them went to war in the 1990s against then Philly mob boss John Stanfa and eventually took control of the family after Stanfa was sent to prison.

Back in 2000 Borgesi had risen through the ranks and was promoted to acting consigliere under then underboss Steven Mazzone. His ascent up the ladder was cut short when he was sent to prison along with Merlino, Mazzone, and John (Johnny Chang) Ciancagalini. When Borgesi was released he complained to family leaders about the loss of control over the families Delaware County rackets to Johnny Chang and other rackets that he claimed were raided by fellow mobster Marty Angelina. Borgesi had reportedly been bumped down to soldier when released and there seemed to be a lot of bad blood. According to reports, a series of sit-downs took place over several months between Borgesi and Merlino in both South Philly and Florida leading to Borgesi being bumped back up to captain last year in an effort to ease tensions.

Borgesi has seemingly been very active ever since cultivating connections both inside and outside of his own organized crime family. It was reported last year that he met with members of multiple New York mafia families in both New Jersey and Florida along with other organized crime members. A new report from Scott Burnstein and his Gangsterreport has Borgesi meeting with New England mafia leader Matthew Guglielmetti in Rhode Island back in February according to a source. The reasons behind the recent meeting are unclear although Borgesi has previous links to New England once being responsible for a Philly mob crew that operates in Patriarca family territory. George seems to be leveraging old and new connections along with establishing new rackets in an effort to strengthen his power base and his position inside the Philly mafia family.

The 53-year-old mobster has been seen as a live wire and somewhat of a wild card by many over the years. Could he now be poised to once again begin a rise through the ranks of the new family hierarchy especially if boyhood pal Merlino is sentenced to another extended stay behind bars? The aging Ligambi was reportedly semi-retired before stepping back in recently as acting boss but his run seems to be coming to an end leaving the family with a void to fill perhaps sooner than later. There seem to be a few likely candidates that could step into that acting boss or even a more permanent role including Mazzone who has held the rank of acting boss in the past. It now seems that Borgesi may also be positioning himself to be part of that conversation as well given the opportunity.

Although Borgesi may not be seen by some as boss material when it comes to the American Mafia crazier things have happened. With the diminished earning power of the family and the legal hurdles that come with being boss many wonder if anyone really even wants the job these days. Well, George has always been a mobster for better or worse and it wouldn’t be a reach for him to be one of the few that still covets the job and title. The Scarfo era factions of the family which include Phil Narducci and Joseph Pungitore at least so far seem content to stay operating off the radar. So with some backing from Ligambi and a few of his other boyhood pals who would also prefer to stay in the background along with his New York and New England connections it seems plausible that Borgesi could one day sit atop the mountain in Philadelphia.

The current Philly Mafia has been somewhat of a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma at least when it comes to most of its hierarchy.

There have been plenty of theories as to the Cosa Nostra family being split into at least two factions and maybe more. With key Scarfo era mobsters now back on the streets there seemed to be potential for some turbulence within the organization. The Joey Merlino crew and these Scarfo era wiseguys haven’t always seen eye to eye. So just how organized is organized crime these days in the City of Brotherly Love? Is it possible for the Mafia in Philadelphia today to just be one big happy family?

The release of Scarfo era wiseguys like Phil Narducci and Joseph Pungitore made headlines and had many wondering what kind of impact it would have. Speculation was rampant that these veteran guys and others wouldn’t just fall in line with Merlino and members of his Philadelphia mafia leadership. The potential for the family to be split into two separate factions now emerged with each kind of staying out the way of the other. Rumors of a ruling panel being formed that included Narducci as a way to bridge the gap between factions began circulating for a time.

But in the last couple of years since their release, there has been virtually no evidence of a rift in the family or even the existence of a separate faction. In fact, there has been nothing at all that points to the fact that either Narducci or Pungitore or even involved in the crime families activities anymore. Even though their names continue to come up within conversations surrounding the mafia family they seem to both be involved in legit businesses these days. It seems at least possible that both have simply ended their days in the mafia and gone legit. And even if they are still involved in some fashion neither of them have made any waves.

Other Scarfo era guys like former captain and street boss Francis (Faffy) Iannarella have been seen circulating amongst the Merlino crew. The now 71-year-old Iannarella is fresh off of parole restrictions and there rumors that he is now part of the families administration. It seems like Faffy could possibly be the new Consigliere of the Philly Mafia. Although Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi and Joseph (Chickie) Ciancaglini have also been linked to the Consigliere position as well. But both could also be eyes semi-retirement and reduced exposure.

There have certainly been more indications of the Scarfo era guys working alongside and in conjunction with the Merlino faction than being separate from it. Now there can certainly be a debate as to just how active the Philly mob is today and if what’s left is even worth fighting for. We continue to see lots of names from both era’s tossed around for various positions within the current hierarchy with little certainty. Most seem to agree that Joseph Merlino is likely still the official boss and that Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancelotti seems to be the new street or acting boss. While the other positions within the ranks are still unclear.

With friend and family ties existing between some of those involved, there are plenty of reasons to work together. Perhaps the theories and speculation over the Scarfo era bad blood and potential problems were simply blown out of proportion. It seems like the Philly mafia could be much more “organized” at least in a sense than expected. But when it comes to the Mafia money is always a driving factor so those at peace today may not be tomorrow and Philadelphia certainly has a history of instability.

While everyone may not be huddled together singing Kumbaya they seem to be getting along at least for now and the “family” seems like it may be intact.

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As we head into the new year we take a look at the current status of the Philly Mafia.

The City of Brotherly Love has long been home to what many consider to be one of the more interesting Cosa Nostra families in the country. The Philly family certainly has a colorful past but where does the family stand today and what does the future hold. From a pure numbers perspective, the organization is seemingly stronger today than it has been in years. The return to the streets of some of the older Scarfo era mobsters along with the Merlino crew and reports of some newly made guys have expanded the ranks. But this doesn’t necessarily mean the Mafia in Philadelphia is on an upward swing.

One of the main questions asked when it comes to the Philadelphia Mafia is what’s actually left on the streets? Like most mob families the traditional rackets like illegal gambling, loan sharking, and drugs have been it’s bread and butter for more than a decade. But with the growth of the local casino industry and the newly passed laws legalizing sports betting the illegal gambling rackets are not what they once were. The domino effect may also lead to smaller proceeds from loan sharking as it often goes hand and hand with illegal gambling.

While illegal drugs are highly profitable it’s also a highly competitive market and even more so dangerous. Recent indictments have shown that the family is active in this area although it’s unclear as to what extent. Like many of the other families in New York and elsewhere the need to diversify is greater than ever if a mafia family is to remain viable. Smaller profits for the mafia ultimately means less power and influence. But there hasn’t been any recent indications that this sort of diversity has taken hold within the Philly organization.

Instead, recent reports have been of high ranking mobsters branching off into the legal business world.  George Borgesi, Joseph (Joey Pung) Pungitore, and Phil Narducci among others have moved into the real estate business, buying properties, renovating and flipping properties as well as restaurants etc. As to whether or not all of these businesses are completely legit and if it means these guys have stepped back from their criminal activities that remains to be seen. We also look at the recent indictment of alleged boss Joey Merlino who feds claim was part of a criminal enterprise not composed of mobsters from Philadelphia but from New York.

Recent rumors of the organized crime task force in Philly working to put together a new case revolve around cold case murders more so than recent and ongoing criminal activity. The bad blood and potential unrest within the family between the old Scarfo era and Merlino crews haven’t come to pass and many believe it’s in part because what’s left isn’t even worth fighting for. While some see these things as indicators that the Philly Mob is on its way out and has dwindled down to nothing more than a street crew not everyone agrees.

Some believe these guys have learned an important lesson and are simply staying low key and operating in a more old school fashion rebuilding it ranks while they reorganize behind some of the veteran wiseguys who remain. Recent reports have Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancelotti as the new street boss of the family atop a still seemingly functional hierarchy. Many who think the mob in Philadelphia may be more than what it seems to be point to the fact that a leadership structure remains in place and they continue to have a presence on the streets as clear signs that they can still bounce back.

So as we head into 2019 which side of the debate do you stand?

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Philadelphia mafia continues to regroup and grow with the return of two veteran mobsters George Borgesi and Marty Angelina.

Borgesi was released back in January after doing a 14-year prison stretch on RICO charges and for the first time in years is now off of all government restrictions. Marty Angelina is himself finishing up a four-plus year prison stay for racketeering and is set to be released from a halfway house this week. According to mob sources both are ready to return to the fold adding to the cluster of mobsters back on streets.

“George Borgesi“

Borgesi held the number three spot in the Philly mafia in the late 1990’s before being convicted and his considered a loose cannon by some. Some within the Philly mob hierarchy are worried that Borgesi’s antics and propensity to stir things up could cause problems within the delicate framework between the three factions now on streets. Other decision-makers within the family believe Borgesi is owed since he went away and did his time in a stand-up way ever saying a word.

“Marty Angelina“

Angelina formerly held the rank on underboss in the late 2000’s and was taken down in the same case that netted Borgesi. Although he isn’t known to be quite the lightning rod and problem that Borgesi may be he still carries plenty of baggage and a hot-headed temperament along with his return to the streets. Both he and Borgesi are long time Joseph Merlino allies and will try and find a way to fit back into the Merlino and Steven Mazzone led faction of the current Philly mafia landscape.

It will be interesting to see how both Angelina and Borgesi transition back into roles within the mafia and what effect it may have on the balance between the three factions now on streets. Both the Scarfo era factions one led by Phil Narducci and other led by Joseph Pungitore have established footholds back on streets and the fragile state of affairs could be a powder keg waiting for a reason to blow. Most of the major players are now back on the streets for the mafia in Philadelphia and although they have all seemingly been getting along so far mob insiders believe the balancing act will be tricky moving ahead.

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The mafia around the country as a whole has been in a state of decline for some time now as its power and influence diminishes.

The five families of the New York mafia remain the most powerful mob families in the country some of which have seen a rejuvenation of sorts the past couple of years. Although the American Mafia may never reach the heights of its heyday again some of the New York families have been able to reorganize of late due to many factors, including diminished efforts from law enforcement as the anti-terrorism fight took center stage. Question is can the mob families in Philadelphia and New England which have fallen on hard times in last few years find some of the same success as we head into 2016.

Philadelphia Mafia

“Joey Merlino“

The Philadelphia mafia has definitely been one of the more interesting mob families over the last couple of decades and has sustained its share of setbacks. A major trial targeting the Philly mafia leadership this year led to convictions of some of the family’s hierarchy once again leading to a state of unrest. The release of some key figures from prison of late has led to the family having more made guys on the streets as it had in years although this has led to more questions then answers as to the current state of the Philly mob family and its future. Recently released made guys include Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini, Gaeton Lucibello, Marty Angelina, Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancellotti, and George Borgesi.

There seems to now be three factions operating with in the Philly mafia, including one believed to be led by current acting boss Steven Mazzone and alleged boss Joey Merlino, another led by veteran Scarfo era mobster Phil Narducci, along with another by fellow Scarfo era mobster Joseph “Joey Punge” Pungitore. With the influx of veteran made guys back on the streets and settling in many wonder if the mafia in Philadelphia can find harmony among these internal factions. If they can find a way to make things work peacefully the Philly mob may actually be in a position to re-establish itself and recapture some of its dwindling influence heading into 2016.

New England Mafia

“Carmen DiNunzio“

Few mafia families have seen its ranks decimated more and taken more setbacks over the last few years than the New England mob. The Patriarca crime family has seen its long time power base in Providence virtually dismantled in the last couple of years leading to a shift in power back to the Boston based faction. Convictions of high ranking members, including alleged one time acting boss Anthony DiNunzio and powerful captains Edward “Eddie” Lato and Frank “Bobo” Marrapese continued to diminish the ranks. The indictment of newly installed alleged acting boss Anthony Spagnolo left the New England mob in disarray heading into 2015. The mafia in New England has quietly been trying to pick up the pieces and recover from damage done by law enforcement over the past year.

Heading into 2016 the family has seen the return of powerful captain Matthew “Matty” Guglielmetti and alleged under boss Carmen “The Cheeseman”DiNunzio among others. Carmen and his brother Anthony  are both believed to be key players in the Patriarca family hierarchy moving forward. It’s unclear as to who the current boss of the family is heading into 2016 but its believed that The Cheeseman is likely to have taken the reigns upon his release earlier this year. With Carmen back on streets and the Boston faction almost intact, along with powerful captains like Guglielmetti returning the New England mafia may be able to reorganize and begin to re-establish itself to an extent.

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The Philadelphia mafia remains at least by traditional mob standards to be a dysfunctional family as various factions try and coexist on the streets. According to sources, this hasn’t stopped the Philly mob from adding to its ranks with a recent making ceremony led by alleged boss Joseph “Skinny Joey” Merlino.

At least three new members were inducted into the mafia in Philadelphia, according to sources one of which was somehow related to Phil Narducci. With the current instability within the family, the move to induct one of Narducci’s guys seems to be a sort of goodwill gesture to keep things peaceful. Even with the addition of some new blood the family remains fractured into various factions representing two different eras of the crime family’s history according to Scott Burnstein and his Gangsterreport.

“Joey Merlino“

The Scrafo era mobsters from the 1980’s are separated into two faction, one led by Phil Narducci and another by Joseph “Joey Pung” Pungitore. The Merlino faction from the 90’s which was once whole has now been split into two camps, one backing alleged family boss Joey Merlino and another backing former Merlino consigliere George Borgesi. Recent tensions between Borgesi and former underboss Marty Angelina caused a break in the Merlino faction according to reports. Sources confirm that Merlino tried to mediate the dispute unsuccessfully among the childhood friends after Borgesi requested permission to kill Angelina for moving in on his rackets while he was in prison. Borgesi is believed to now be establishing a power base mostly backed by non-made guys outside of South Philly.

Things remain quiet overall as the factions have peacefully co-existed so far with acting boss Steven Mazzone as a sort of intermediary between the key players in Merlino and Narducci who have never seen eye to eye. The feds maintain that Merlino is currently the official boss of the family with Mazzone serving as acting boss handling day to day operations while John “Johnny Chang” Ciancaglini serves as underboss. Former acting boss Joseph Ligambi and veteran mobster Joseph “Chickie” Ciangcaglini both serve as dual consigliere’s. Although it seems with the various factions that have developed the Philly mafia may not be fully functioning along the lines of the traditional mafia structure.

Merlino remains in Florida, where he has lived since his release from prison in 2011 but has made several trips back to Philadelphia and the Jersey Shore in the last few months now that he is off parole and has no limitations. Although some believe he is being influenced by some of his key people to spend more time in Philly overseeing things on the streets. It seems the mob in the City of Brotherly Love is a powder keg which could explode at any time and with the history of this Cosa Nostra family it would be a surprise to no one if things eventually became violent.

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Philadelphia mafia is back, according to mob experts and the Cosa Nostra family is even growing, reaching numbers that haven’t been seen in decades.

According to a report from veteran mafia reporters George Anastasia and Dave Schratwieser the Philly mafia now has as many as 35 made members on the streets and is as strong as it’s been since the mid 80’s. New made guys have been recently inducted into the Philly mob family along with many made guys who have returned to the streets after long prison sentences. According to the report federal and state authorities believe the family is somewhat divided into as many as four factions but a hierarchy is in place.

“Joseph Ligambi, Joey Merlino, Phil Narducci“

The feds believe the current pecking order of the mafia in Philadelphia has Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi serving as acting boss with Steven Mazzone holding the rank of Underboss and Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini. Mob experts along with authorities believe that Joseph “Skinny Joe” Merlino is still the official boss of the family. There has been plenty of opinions as to the numerous factions the family seems to be divided into allegedly led by Joseph Ligambi, Joey Merlino, Joseph “Joe Pung” Pungitore, and Phil Narducci. Some theories have the mob in Philly broken into three factions with Ligambi and Merlino leading one and then Narducci and Pungitore leading the two others.

“Dominic Grande, George Borgesi, Steven Mazzone“

But the mafia family may not be as fractured as some believe and are finding a way to get along as they get back to the business of making money. The resurgent organized crime family is now getting into the booming real estate and rebuilding industry in Philly and they claim they have gone legit. But authorities are of course very skeptical of these claims and point to the track record of the mob in Philadelphia and believe they still control typical mafia rackets. No doubt the feds will be keeping a close eye on the strengthening organized crime family as we roll into the new year.

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The Philadelphia mafia is in a state of resurgence, although some believe the infamous Cosa Nostra family may have fractured into multiple factions.

According to reports the Philly mafia has approx 25-35 made men on the streets the most since the Scarfo era in the late 1980’s. The fact that the family is once again growing seems obvious, although the big question by those with eyes on the organization is its stability. Some believe there may be as many as three or four factions currently operating on the streets each led by a veteran Philly wiseguy. The leaders of these factions are believed to possibly include Joseph Merlino, George Borgesi, Phil Narducci, and Joseph Pungitore.

“Joseph Ligambi, Joey Merlino, Phil Narducci“

Many, including some in law enforcement, still believe that Joseph Merlino is the official boss of the Philly mob from his new home down in Florida. Joseph Ligambi who was rumored to be semi-retired after beating a federal RICO case is thought to have resumed his role as acting boss of the resurgent Philly mob. The hierarchy of the mafia family is believed to also include underboss Steven Mazzone and consigliere Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini. Could this established hierarchy point to the fact that the family may not be as unstable as some have thought. The Merlino faction wiseguys still seem to have a grip on the core of the family, despite the historic rift between this faction and Scarfo era guys in Narducci and Pungitore.

Perhaps the high ranking posts of Ligambi, Mazzone, and Ciancaglini who seem to be respected across the board have been able to bring the family together under a single flag. If Ligambi and his current lieutenants have been able to calm the waters and dilute the bad blood between the old and new era factions the mafia in Philadelphia could be more organized than many believe. It seems just as likely that the crews led by Narducci and Pungitore could be on the streets doing their own things refusing to recognize the established hierarchy under Merlino. There have even been rumors of Borgesi with the help of a newly established crew making moves to re-establish his position within the family as well after internal disagreements with other high ranking wiseguys in the Merlino faction over his old rackets.

Perhaps Merlino is retired and no longer in the mob life as he has repeatedly said since being released from prison and is simply down in Florida living the good life. If so then the friction between the Scarfo era mobsters and his old faction may no longer exist, making the crime family a more tight nit group. Has the theory of the family being split into different factions been overblown? The Philly mafia may not be a well-oiled machine but perhaps it’s regained more of its traditional structure then recent theories suggest.

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The Philadelphia mafia has been oddly quiet of late as mobsters from various factions have seemingly found a way to coexist. The Philly mob today has more made guys on the streets then it’s seen in years including a fully functional hierarchy a fact that often has led to disharmony.

The return to the streets of Scarfo era mobsters including Phillip Narducci and Joseph “Joey Pung” Pungitore has seemingly not been as disruptive internally has many predicted. According to some reports reputed Philly mafia boss Joseph Merlino is still firmly in charge despite reports to the contrary anchored by his inner circle leading what many believe is a sort of family resurgence. Although Merlino has denied any involvement with organized crime since his release from prison.

“Joseph Merlino“

Merlino continues to run things from down in Florida according to mob sources and has guys from Philly making trips down monthly keeping him in the loop. Over the last few months, Merlino has hosted a series of meetings in Florida with top mobsters including Joseph Ligambi, George Borgesi, and Steven Mazzone. He has also made multiple trips back to Philly and is expected to spend some of the summer in South Jersey and on the Jersey Shore. One gangsterreport source was quoted as saying “He’s got his finger on the pulse…. he uses different guys for different jobs. Believe me, he knows what’s going on with everybody in Philly and still has the final say. I don’t care where he’s living, he could be spending the year on the moon, Joey’s in charge.”

“Memorial Day: Steve Mazzone(L) and Joey Merlino(R)”

Dysfunction has long been the calling card of the mafia in Philadelphia and if Skinny Joey is in fact still in charge and can be credited with the recent harmony one has to wonder how long can it last. Appointments of well-respected mobsters to the family hierarchy like Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini, Ligambi, and Mazzone have definitely played a hand in keeping the peace. But law enforcement has kept a close eye on Merlino since his release along with the rest of the Philly mafia and may have a hand in disrupting things sooner rather than later. Whether or not Merlino is still the boss still varies depending on who one talks to but either way the Cosa Nostra family in Philly is back!

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It has long been debated as to whether or not Joseph “Skinny Joey Merlino was still the boss of the Philadelphia mafia. The recent bust of what the feds have called the ”

The recent bust of what the feds have called the “East Coast La Cosa Nostra Enterprise” which included Merlino seemingly holds the answer. In a court memo authorities allege that Merlino, from Florida, was “working in earnest to rebuild the Philadelphia crime family.” The Philly mafia has seen somewhat of a resurgence in the last few years the most made men on the streets since the 1980s. Now the question many are asking is if Merlino is convicted what impact would that have if any on the hierarchy of the current Philadelphia mob.

“Joey Merlino”

According to reports and mafia sources, the one time semi-retired Joseph Ligambi has resumed his role as acting boss with longtime Merlino pal Steven Mazzone acting as underboss. Joseph “Chickie” Ciancaglini rounds out the hierarchy as the families consigliere a unit that has kept the peace between varying factions. The 1980s Scarfo era guys led by Phil Narducci and Joseph “Joey Pung” Pungitore were never fans of Merlino which many believed could fracture the current harmony. Even with the lingering bad blood, the Merlino led Cosa Nostra family has found a way to keep the recent peace and get back to business.

“Joseph (Uncle Joe) Ligambi”

Now with Merlino possibly in line for an extended prison term if convicted the hierarchy of the mafia family in Philly may be in for another shake-up. If Merlino is set to once again be a guest of the government could he lose his long-held grip over the mob family? Ligambi and Mazzone are reportedly respected across the board including the 80s era mobsters so they could seemingly hold things together for Merlino as they did during his last prison stretch. But the void at the top may be an opening for leaders of the Scarfo era faction like Narducci or anyone else to make a play for the big chair or at least push for an end to the Merlino era if they so desired. Perhaps even an overly ambitious guy like George Borgesi  who was recently bumped back up to capo could make some waves.

“Phil Narducci” 

With the stability of the family increasing and business smoothly moving along of late everyone involved may decide it better to leave things as is and not risk upsetting the new balance. But this is the Philly mafia and history has proven this family is extremely unpredictable and could become unraveled at any point and time. It will definitely be something worth keeping an eye on as the East Coast LCN Enterprise case moved forward.

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The Philadelphia mafia has quietly navigated its way through the last couple of years during which the family has grown and had somewhat of a resurgence.

According to recent reports, there are as many as 35 made guys currently on the streets in Philly and the Cosa Nostra family is as strong as its been in decades. The mafia in Philadelphia hasn’t had this kind of strength in numbers since back in the 1980s as numerous made guys find their way back to the streets after long prison sentences along with some newly inducted members. With so many players back in the fray along with legal troubles once again popping up for alleged boss Joseph (Skinny Joey) Merlino the hierarchy of the family seems to be in flux.

“Joseph Ligambi and George Borgesi”

In the mafia bad news for one usually, means the opportunity is knocking for someone else and veteran mobster George Borgesi seems to be making moves to re-establish himself as a power within the crime family. Borgesi made his way back to the streets in 2014 after doing 13 years in prison for a 2001 RICO conviction and beating a racketeering conspiracy rap. Both Borgesi and then acting boss Joseph (Uncle Joe) Ligambi were able to avoid convictions on various charges in two separate trials in 2013-14. Along with being Ligambi’s nephew he also grew up with Merlino, Steven Mazzone, and Michael (Mikey Chang) Ciancaglini. The four of them went to war in the 1990s against then Philly mob boss John Stanfa and eventually took control of the family after Stanfa was sent to prison.

Back in 2000 Borgesi had risen through the ranks and was promoted to acting consigliere under then underboss Steven Mazzone. His ascent up the ladder was cut short when he was sent to prison along with Merlino, Mazzone, and John (Johnny Chang) Ciancagalini. When Borgesi was released he complained to family leaders about the loss of control over the families Delaware County rackets to Johnny Chang and other rackets that he claimed were raided by fellow mobster Marty Angelina. Borgesi had reportedly been bumped down to soldier when released and there seemed to be a lot of bad blood. According to reports, a series of sit-downs took place over several months between Borgesi and Merlino in both South Philly and Florida leading to Borgesi being bumped back up to captain last year in an effort to ease tensions.

Borgesi has seemingly been very active ever since cultivating connections both inside and outside of his own organized crime family. It was reported last year that he met with members of multiple New York mafia families in both New Jersey and Florida along with other organized crime members. A new report from Scott Burnstein and his Gangsterreport has Borgesi meeting with New England mafia leader Matthew Guglielmetti in Rhode Island back in February according to a source. The reasons behind the recent meeting are unclear although Borgesi has previous links to New England once being responsible for a Philly mob crew that operates in Patriarca family territory. George seems to be leveraging old and new connections along with establishing new rackets in an effort to strengthen his power base and his position inside the Philly mafia family.

The 53-year-old mobster has been seen as a live wire and somewhat of a wild card by many over the years. Could he now be poised to once again begin a rise through the ranks of the new family hierarchy especially if boyhood pal Merlino is sentenced to another extended stay behind bars? The aging Ligambi was reportedly semi-retired before stepping back in recently as acting boss but his run seems to be coming to an end leaving the family with a void to fill perhaps sooner than later. There seem to be a few likely candidates that could step into that acting boss or even a more permanent role including Mazzone who has held the rank of acting boss in the past. It now seems that Borgesi may also be positioning himself to be part of that conversation as well given the opportunity.

Although Borgesi may not be seen by some as boss material when it comes to the American Mafia crazier things have happened. With the diminished earning power of the family and the legal hurdles that come with being boss many wonder if anyone really even wants the job these days. Well, George has always been a mobster for better or worse and it wouldn’t be a reach for him to be one of the few that still covets the job and title. The Scarfo era factions of the family which include Phil Narducci and Joseph Pungitore at least so far seem content to stay operating off the radar. So with some backing from Ligambi and a few of his other boyhood pals who would also prefer to stay in the background along with his New York and New England connections it seems plausible that Borgesi could one day sit atop the mountain in Philadelphia.

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The current Philly Mafia has been somewhat of a mystery wrapped in a riddle inside an enigma at least when it comes to most of its hierarchy.

There have been plenty of theories as to the Cosa Nostra family being split into at least two factions and maybe more. With key Scarfo era mobsters now back on the streets there seemed to be potential for some turbulence within the organization. The Joey Merlino crew and these Scarfo era wiseguys haven’t always seen eye to eye. So just how organized is organized crime these days in the City of Brotherly Love? Is it possible for the Mafia in Philadelphia today to just be one big happy family?

The release of Scarfo era wiseguys like Phil Narducci and Joseph Pungitore made headlines and had many wondering what kind of impact it would have. Speculation was rampant that these veteran guys and others wouldn’t just fall in line with Merlino and members of his Philadelphia mafia leadership. The potential for the family to be split into two separate factions now emerged with each kind of staying out the way of the other. Rumors of a ruling panel being formed that included Narducci as a way to bridge the gap between factions began circulating for a time.

But in the last couple of years since their release, there has been virtually no evidence of a rift in the family or even the existence of a separate faction. In fact, there has been nothing at all that points to the fact that either Narducci or Pungitore or even involved in the crime families activities anymore. Even though their names continue to come up within conversations surrounding the mafia family they seem to both be involved in legit businesses these days. It seems at least possible that both have simply ended their days in the mafia and gone legit. And even if they are still involved in some fashion neither of them have made any waves.

Other Scarfo era guys like former captain and street boss Francis (Faffy) Iannarella have been seen circulating amongst the Merlino crew. The now 71-year-old Iannarella is fresh off of parole restrictions and there rumors that he is now part of the families administration. It seems like Faffy could possibly be the new Consigliere of the Philly Mafia. Although Joseph “Uncle Joe” Ligambi and Joseph (Chickie) Ciancaglini have also been linked to the Consigliere position as well. But both could also be eyes semi-retirement and reduced exposure.

There have certainly been more indications of the Scarfo era guys working alongside and in conjunction with the Merlino faction than being separate from it. Now there can certainly be a debate as to just how active the Philly mob is today and if what’s left is even worth fighting for. We continue to see lots of names from both era’s tossed around for various positions within the current hierarchy with little certainty. Most seem to agree that Joseph Merlino is likely still the official boss and that Michael “Mikey Lance” Lancelotti seems to be the new street or acting boss. While the other positions within the ranks are still unclear.

With friend and family ties existing between some of those involved, there are plenty of reasons to work together. Perhaps the theories and speculation over the Scarfo era bad blood and potential problems were simply blown out of proportion. It seems like the Philly mafia could be much more “organized” at least in a sense than expected. But when it comes to the Mafia money is always a driving factor so those at peace today may not be tomorrow and Philadelphia certainly has a history of instability.

While everyone may not be huddled together singing Kumbaya they seem to be getting along at least for now and the “family” seems like it may be intact.

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