The Ruthless 2019

Leaves Calabria to join his father in Milan

At sixteen, Santo leaves Calabria with his mother and younger brother to join his father, a former member of the 'Ndrangheta who was expelled from the organization for a transgression. The family settles in Romano Banco, a suburb of Milan, where Santo starts adapting to city life and a new social circle. He finds work as a porter and begins befriending Mario Barbieri, the deli owner's son, while starting to learn the Milanese dialect.

Settling into Romano Banco and entering a world of crime

In Romano Banco, Santo becomes aware of Milan's criminal underworld and witnesses the reach of organized crime. He notices 'Ndrangheta affiliates from his hometown operating in Lombardy under the Gaetani family. He forg es a budding friendship with Mario while navigating the dangerous social landscape.

New Year's Eve stop and detention

On New Year's Eve, Santo and Mario wander the streets drunk and are stopped near a stolen Lambretta. They are briefly suspected but cleared of wrongdoing, and the police contact their parents. Santo’s father refuses to acknowledge him, leading to four months in Beccaria juvenile detention center.

Beccaria: friendship with Slim

While in Beccaria, Santo befriends Slim, another Calabrian inmate. Their bond grows into a working partnership, and the two begin forming strategies that would influence Santo’s future criminal ventures. This friendship becomes a foundation for their later collaborations.

First post-detention robberies

After Beccaria, Santo resumes criminal activity, starting with robberies. He uses his Calabrian connections and the Lombardy network to execute heists, gradually gaining a reputation in the local underworld. The path is dangerous, but it strengthens his confidence and network.

Forging ties with Lombardy 'Ndrangheta and Gaetani

Santo forges ties with 'Ndrangheta affiliates from his hometown operating in Lombardy, aligning with the Gaetani family’s control. These connections deepen his involvement in the criminal empire and provide opportunities for advancement. He becomes increasingly integrated into the Calabria-Lombardy crime axis.

Escalation to kidnappings

His ascent proceeds as he participates in kidnapping operations across Lombardy. The abductions expand his operational reach and bring him closer to the higher echelons of the crime world. He leverages the Gaetani network to coordinate with various local criminals.

Involvement in heroin production

Santo integrates heroin production into the operation, adding a lucrative drug trade to the existing criminal enterprise. The Lombardy network benefits from his leadership and his ability to maintain connections with Calabria-based organizers. The scale of their drug activities grows, increasing both profits and risk.

Consolidation of power within Gaetani network

Santo consolidates power within the Gaetani-controlled network, becoming a key operative for the Lombardy operations. He helps orchestrate cross-regional links between local criminals and Calabria’s organized crime. His influence widens as he commands more operations.