Latest news with #Outfit
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Yahoo
'Operation Family Secrets': Former Chicago mobster reflects on life after testifying against his father
The Brief April marks 20 years since the FBI brought charges against 14 Chicago mob figures in "Operation Family Secrets," cracking open decades of unsolved murders. Key testimony came from Frank Calabrese Jr., who secretly recorded conversations with his father, mob hitman Frank Calabrese Sr. The trial resulted in life sentences for multiple top mobsters and severely weakened the Chicago Outfit's grip on organized crime. CHICAGO - It has been called the most important mob prosecution in U.S. history. Twenty years ago this month, the federal government filed charges against more than a dozen top leaders of the Chicago mob, Outfit. It involved nearly two dozen murders that had gone unsolved for decades. They called the case "Operation Family Secrets." On Tuesday, FOX 32's Dane Placko talked to the ex-mobster who wore a wire against his father and triggered the FBI investigation. Tonight, we look back at the historic trial and its aftermath. "I know I had to finish what I started. Because if he gets on the street, I'm done or he's dead. And one of us is locked up forever," said Frank Calabrese Jr. The backstory In April 2005, following a seven-year investigation and the surprise cooperation of Frank Calabrese Jr. and his uncle, mob hitman Nick Calabrese, federal prosecutors filed a 43-page racketeering indictment against 14 Chicago mobsters and associates responsible for 18 murders going back to the 1960s. Calabrese Jr. says he doesn't regret wearing a wire on his father. "The hardest thing I ever did in my life. I loved my dad. I did not love his ways, but it's my father," he said. In addition to his father, Frank Calabrese Sr., the feds charged top Outfit leaders James "Little Jimmy" Marcello, Paul "The Indian" Schiro, and Joey "The Clown" Lombardo, who disappeared as the indictment was filed before being discovered hiding in a basement in Elmwood Park several months later. "It was by far the most committed team I've ever had the opportunity and the privilege working with," said Markus Funk. Funk was part of the "dream team" of federal prosecutors at the 2007 trial, which featured a colorful cast of defendants, witnesses and defense attorneys. "I mean, every day, things expected and unexpected happened," Funk said. "It was drama filled. I mean, every day. And we were always aware that the public was there in large part to see the mobsters, right?" At one point, as Funk grilled Calabrese Sr. on the witness stand, jurors heard the mobster whisper that Funk was a dead man. "I think the legacy of the trial is, in part, that it was the first time in Chicago we ever had a made member of the mob convicted of murder. And in fact, we had many murders," Funk said. Dig deeper The trial lasted nearly two months, with prosecutors calling 125 witnesses and presenting over 200 pieces of evidence. And with the smoking gun first-hand testimony of star witnesses Calabrese Jr. and Nick Calabrese, the jury returned guilty counts on all charges, sending Calabrese Sr., Lombardo and Marcello to prison for life. "I think that's the legacy of this case, to not only take down the entire organization, but also to remember that there's victims. And those victims' families, they will live with this forever," said Michael Maseth, a former Chicago FBI agent. Those victims' families also received restitution after the FBI found $1.7 million in stolen loot hidden behind a family portrait in the basement of Calabrese Sr.'s Oak Brook home. Both Calabrese Sr. and Lombardo have since died behind bars. Marcello is now 81 and remains at the federal supermax prison in Colorado. Schiro was released from federal custody in 2022. As for Nick Calabrese, despite 14 murders, he received a short sentence in return for his cooperation and spent his final years a free man. "He did pass on a couple years ago, naturally, with his family. So he had a heavy heart. He had a hard time sleeping at night. He had some ailments that were caused by the stress of it and what you've done," said Calabrese Jr. "The victims were very upset with the sentence that Nick got and the fact he died a free man," Funk added. "He lived up to every part of his deal. He testified to dozens of criminal acts and murders the government had no idea about, frankly, before he began talking. And so, he did what we expected and more and we held up to our side of the deal." Local perspective "As far as I'm concerned, the Chicago Outfit still exists, but it's a very reduced form of what it once was," said John Binder. Binder, a Chicago mobologist, says the Outfit was badly damaged by Family Secrets but also by the fact the government has legalized much of their old business model: bookmaking, gambling, loan-sharking and drugs. "Basically, legalization has been killing them. So much of what they did for years and liked to do because it's profitable has gone away because they've legalized any number of things," Binder said. "Kind of crazy, payday loans. That was one of our biggest things, loan-sharking. The only difference now is there's no violence. But you sign your life over so they just take it from you the easy way," Calabrese Jr. So, is the Chicago Outfit still alive? "There's certainly evidence that the mob is not even close to full strength anymore in the way that they once were. But they also are not dead. In other words, the story of the mob demise is premature and they're still very much active," Funk said. What's next "Operation Family Secrets" was the most successful mob trial in Chicago's history. Now, two decades after the case that brought down the mob's old guard, Calabrese Jr. spends much of his time in Las Vegas, telling his spellbinding life story as a lecturer at the Mob Museum. We asked Calabrese Jr. after 20 years, why does he think people are still fascinated by this story? "I speak to a lot of people, and there's a lot, because this is a family story, Dane. It's not about me getting up and telling you who got killed, who ordered it, who's the boss. This is about what this life does to your family. And at the museum here, I think I found my niche and it's going great," Calabrese Jr. responded. "And you know who I answer to today? My two kids and my grandson. That's my life now." There have been books written about the "Family Secrets" case, but remarkably, given the Shakespearean family drama at the center of the story, there hasn't yet been a movie. Calabrese Jr. said there's still plenty of interest and that he hopes to be able to make an announcement soon. The Source For this story, FOX 32 Chicago interviewed several key players from this historic trial. Those included a witness who is the son of one of the defendants, an FBI special agent who was originally assigned to the case and one of the federal prosecutors who tried the case.
Gulf Business
04-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Gulf Business
Why the HMD Fusion is packed with possibilities
HMD, the brand behind Human Mobile Devices, has just launched a modular smartphone that aims to deliver a truly personalised experience: the HMD Fusion. The HMD Fusion features a sleek, industrial-chic design, boasting a durable stainless steel-reinforced plastic body. Its minimalistic look is a nod to Gen Z's love for raw, grunge-inspired aesthetics, and the clear Casual Outfit included in the box allows the phone's innovative design to shine through. If you prefer a little more flair, there are multiple Casual Outfits available in various colours to add a personal touch, though they're sold separately. The body feels solid in hand, and the fact that it's designed with repairability in mind is a huge plus for sustainability enthusiasts. The phone is part of HMD's 'Fix It Yourself' initiative, which allows users to easily swap out parts like the screen, battery, and charging port. This approach not only saves you money but also reduces e-waste, making the phone a step forward in sustainable tech. Change the 'outfit' on the Fusion Customisation is where the HMD Fusion truly shines. This isn't just a phone — it's a canvas. The standout feature is the Smart Outfits, which allow users to transform the phone's hardware, software and even performance with ease. These outfits are attached via six specialised pins, making it super simple to change things up depending on your needs or mood. The Flashy Outfit, which comes free with the phone (valued at Dhs179), is perfect for selfie lovers. The foldable LED-flash ring is a cool addition, providing the perfect lighting for your selfies with adjustable brightness and colour options through the camera app. Whether you're after a soft natural glow or a bold, colourful lighting effect, it takes your selfie game to the next level. Looking ahead, the upcoming Gaming Outfit is another exciting addition. This outfit transforms your HMD Fusion into a portable gaming console, complete with gaming buttons and joysticks, giving you a truly immersive gaming experience. Plus, if you pick up the Gaming Outfit, you'll get two months of free cloud gaming with Blacknut, which includes access to over 500 titles. This is perfect for gamers who want to turn their smartphone into a powerhouse of entertainment. When it comes to cameras, the HMD Fusion is nothing short of impressive. The phone is equipped with a 108MP dual rear camera setup, designed to perform well in various lighting conditions and capture stunning details, whether you're snapping photos during the day or at night. The camera excels at speed too, ensuring that you never miss a moment. For the selfie kings and queens For selfies, the 50MP front camera will not disappoint. It includes features like Selfie Gestures and Selfie Slow-Mo, giving you plenty of options for creative shots. Whether you're taking a quick selfie or an action-packed slow-motion video, the HMD Fusion ensures you look your best in every frame. In an age where digital burnout is becoming a real issue, the HMD Fusion introduces The HMD Fusion packs powerful performance under the hood, offering a smooth, lag-free experience whether you're multitasking, gaming, or streaming. The phone's versatility and ease of customisation make it a true standout in the crowded smartphone market. The ability to switch outfits to match your needs — whether you're in the mood for gaming, a photoshoot, or just a plain old phone call — adds an element of fun and functionality that you won't find in many other devices. HMD has clearly put a lot of thought into the environmental impact of the The easy-to-repair design and the company's emphasis on reusing parts means that this device isn't just built for performance, but also for a longer life cycle. The HMD Fusion caters to users who crave personalisation and creativity, with its interchangeable outfits and customisable features. The powerful cameras, durable design, and forward-thinking sustainability initiatives make it an appealing choice for anyone looking for a phone that's as unique as they are. Value for money At Dhs1,099, it strikes a perfect balance between affordability and innovation. Whether you're a selfie enthusiast, a gamer, or someone who simply values a phone that can keep up with your style and needs, the HMD Fusion is a device worth considering.
