Far-reaching geography and the vast stretch over time of the events covered here were only two of the many challenges we faced in researching and writing this piece of underworld history. A host of kind-hearted people—and the occasional mercenary figure—stepped up to help ease our burden. We extend our appreciation to all.
Out of respect for their underworld code or a fear of aggrieved colleagues, numerous people within the criminal milieu spoke with us on the condition that we not identify them. Similarly, on the other side of the law, several law enforcement and legal sources requested their name not appear in this book. Their reasons were strangely similar: fear of institutional reprimand and castigation from a boss. The men and women in both of these categories are among the most valued contributors to what has become The Sixth Family.
Interviews and research for this project was conducted in several countries. In that regard, some of the most appreciated assistance came from guides, translators and research assistants, almost all of who did not wish to be publicly named. We express our gratitude regardless of anonymity.
Some who have helped us in our continuing curiosity on organized crime include: Detective-Constable Anthony Saldutto and former Detective-Constable Bill Sciammarella of the Toronto Police Service; Montreal Police Sergeant-Detective Pietro Poletti; former RCMP Staff Sergeant Larry Tronstadt; RCMP Staff Sergeant Reginald King; former Special Agent Bruce Mouw, who led both the FBI’s Bonanno Squad and Gambino Squad; former RCMP Constable Michel Michaud; former RCMP Chief Superintendent Ben Soave, who was the head of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit; RCMP Inspector Glenn Hanna; former Montreal Police Commander André Bouchard; former FBI Special Agent Joseph Pistone (a.k.a. “Donnie Brasco”); former RCMP intelligence analyst Pierre de Champlain; Chief Superintendent Silvia Franzè of the Direzione Investigativa Antimafia; former Montreal Police Sergeant-Detective Robert Menard; former Ontario Provincial Police Detective-Constable Ron Seaver, who passed away in 2005; York Regional Police Detective David Stilo; and Sergeant Robert Thibault, organized crime unit, Sûreté du Québec.
At the office of the United States District Attorney, Eastern District of New York, Robert Nardoza, Samantha Ward, Samuel D. Noel and Pietro Deserio were helpful. Investigative reporters, writers and journalists who were gracious with their time, include: Paul Cherry, Michel Auger, Daniel Sanger, Alexander Norris, André Cédilot, Allison Hanes and Graeme Hamilton, in Montreal; Anthony M. DeStefano, Claudio Gatti and Jerry Capeci in New York; Robert Benzie, Antonio Nicaso and John Greenwood in Toronto; and Daniel Nolan in Hamilton.
Marian L. Smith, historian at the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services History Office; Sallie Sypher, deputy Putnam County historian; John Celardo and Aloha South at the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration; and Sue Swiggum and Marj Kohli of www.theshipslist.com aided us greatly. Staff at the FBI’s Freedom of Information–Record Dissemination Section in Washington, D.C. was generally true to their name and the National Parole Board in Canada is a model of how a government agency can provide a timely release of relevant information while still complying with privacy legislation. Clerks at the various courts we visited around the world were generally helpful despite themselves.
For translation work, additional research in various countries and other support we thank: Dr. F. and A. Miosi, D. and V. Hearn, N. and G. Robinson, Andy Petepiece, Martin Patriquin, Les Perreaux, Kim McNairn, Ian Stuart, Steve Meurice, Jennifer Kirk, Natalie Alcoba, Melissa Leong, Scott Maniquet, Anne Marie Owens and Stewart Bell. In terms of the book’s creation, we benefited from the considerable talents of Elizabeth Schaal, Don Loney, Julien Béliveau, Jean-Louis Morgan, Pam Vokey and Brian Rogers.
And above all, thanks to Paula and company and Lucy for letting the Sixth Family take us away from our first families.