9TriLLo Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 (edited) Back in its prime, The Velentzas Crime Family was one of the most prominent and dangerous Greek-American organized crime groups operating in Queens, New York. Tracing its roots back to the post-World War II era, characterized by an influx of Greek immigrants, the origins of this syndicate can be attributed to the Kourakos clan—a lineage hailing from Maniot-Greek origins and led by Peter Kourakos. Yet, it was under the adept leadership of Spyredon "Spiros" Velentzas that the mob experienced a real ascent to prominence during the latter part of the 1980s. Boasting a membership that exceeded thirty individuals at its peak, The Velentzas Crime Family flourished by methodically establishing and controlling illegal gambling operations, spanning from games of dice to horse-racing parlors. Their prosperity was further bolstered by cultivating a tightly-knit rapport with select members of The Lucchese Crime Family—an alliance that furnished protection in return for a share of the gains. The trajectory of this mob group took a dramatic turn on June 20, 1992, when two pivotal figures within its hierarchy, in tandem with the leader of the organization, found themselves ensnared by a set of racketeering charges. Velentzas, confronted with an extensive array of charges including murder, loan sharking, gambling, and tax fraud, was found guilty and sentenced to a lengthy twenty-year term of imprisonment. Subsequently, as additional evidence implicated him in the homicide of Sarecho "Sammy the Arab" Nalo came to light, he was sentenced to life in prison, forcing Fotios Dimopoulos to have no choice but to assume the crown and restore control. Fotios Dimopoulos struggled as a leader, finding it challenging to maintain an iron grip over the gambling operations controlled by the Greek-Americans under the Velentzas regime. Capitalizing on this vulnerability, the Albanian-American Rudaj gang seized the opportunity and decided to extort him. Backed up by The Gambino Crime Family, the Rudaj faction orchestrated an assault on Fotios' associate, Antonis Balampanis, who oversaw a gambling establishment dubbed "Soccer Fever". This move was strategically aimed at wresting control of the gambling enterprises spanning Brooklyn, Queens—their home turf—and New Jersey. The attack was met with resistance from the Greek mafia. Left with no alternatives, they opted to escalate matters into a full-blown conflict with the Albanians with the intent to claim their territory back. This war endured for several weeks, culminating in the death of Dimopoulos, killed by a fatal bullet to his head. The aftermath saw a substantial portion of the organization incarcerated or met with a similarly tragic fate. Amidst the turbulence, the remaining core members had no other choice but to leave the state. Robert Stathakis, the young nephew of a prominent Greek-American mobster closely connected to Spyredon Velentzas, spearheaded the move and, alongside a couple of his close friends, established a small foothold in the city of Los Santos. The Albanian threat was ultimately quelled by the intervention of federal authorities. A sweeping investigation was launched, resulting in the prosecution and conviction of Alex Rudaj and his goons on federal racketeering charges in 2004. Even though this marked the downfall of the Albanian dominance, Stathakis decided not to return to his home city. With that said, the lifeline that sustained the crew financially in the new city stemmed from the establishment of an ouzo distillery and, later on, from opening The Apollo Pub, an establishment that not only served as the group's hangout, but also as a legal front and money maker. Since then, Stathakis has adeptly regrouped and solidified its footing. A number of stable business affiliations has been meticulously achieved with both legal enterprises and organized crime groups. This strategic development has fostered an era of recalibration, enabling the Greek-American crew to establish itself and even flourish. Edited September 16, 2023 by 9TriLLo 3 Link to comment
9TriLLo Posted September 16, 2023 Author Share Posted September 16, 2023 (edited) ➖ Our aim is to successfully portray a modern and unique spin on The Velentzas Crime Family, a Greek-American organized crime group that operates in Los Santos and its vicinities. The small, tight-knit crew once belonged to a now defunct crime family, but has the prospect of building back into a powerful and influential OCG. ➖ We aspire to create an immersive and seamless atmosphere by letting the day to day events shape the personalities and choices of our characters. The dynamism of in-game scenarios holds important sway over our development trajectory. ➖ At this point in time, we are unable to recruit more people as we are not an approved unofficial faction yet, but a small group of characters that are roleplaying and developing together towards that goal. Until then, feel free to develop your character as you deem fit for when you'll cross paths with us In-Game. ➖ If there are any questions, feel free to reach out to 9TriLLo over on Discord or via forum PMs. Edited September 16, 2023 by 9TriLLo 2 Link to comment
9TriLLo Posted September 16, 2023 Author Share Posted September 16, 2023 (edited) Step into the enchanting world of The Apollo Pub, a hidden gem nestled in the vibrant Rockford Hills area. With its timeless elegance and nostalgic 1920s atmosphere, this classy Greek cocktail bar invites you to experience a truly remarkable evening. As you enter, you'll be transported back in time, surrounded by exquisite 1920s-inspired furniture that exudes sophistication and charm. The gentle glow of dimmed vintage lights creates an ambiance that whispers of mystery and allure, setting the perfect stage for unforgettable moments. Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of live jazz and blues, gently caressing your senses and taking you on a musical journey. Allow the melodic tunes to intertwine with your conversations, forming a symphony of laughter, joy, and shared experiences. The Apollo Pub is not merely a place to sip exceptional cocktails crafted with meticulous care; it's an oasis where time stands still, where conversations flow freely, and where friendships are forged. Whether you're seeking a quiet respite from the bustling city or a lively gathering with friends, this sanctuary offers the ideal setting for both. We eagerly anticipate your presence in this haven of sophistication and revelry. Edited September 16, 2023 by 9TriLLo Link to comment
KEEHU$TLE Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 Good luck amigo. 1 Link to comment
slump Posted September 16, 2023 Share Posted September 16, 2023 "Our aim is to successfully portray a modern and unique spin on The Velentzas Crime Family, a Greek-American organized crime group that operates in Los Santos and its vicinities. The small, tight-knit crew once belonged to a now defunct crime family, but has the prospect of building back into a powerful and influential OCG." No. This circumvents the faction system we have in place. I explicitly disclosed to you details into what you would be allowed to do without a faction and this is absolutely not it. This is being shut down by IFM, any characters related to this concept cannot continue in their current form and you cannot apply for this concept once applications have re-opened. Link to comment
Recommended Posts