The British Connection, the first episode of Ross Kemp: Mafia and Britain, premieres on Sky History on 10 September 2024 at 9:00 pm. The documentary series sees actor and documentarian Ross Kemp investigating Britain’s deep and surprising links with the mafia, an infamous organised crime organisation.
Contrary to assumptions, Britain has a complex and sinister history with the mafia, dating back to the 1920s. Due to the UK not recognising membership of the mafia as a crime, the country has served as a safe haven for high-ranking members, soldiers, and hitmen, who have hidden in unexpected places, from caravan parks to newsagents.
Kemp begins his journey in London, revisiting the 1982 death of Roberto Calvi, the ‘God’s Banker’, found under Blackfriars Bridge with pockets full of foreign currency. From there, he embarks on a global odyssey, travelling to New York, Italy, Sicily, Colombia, and Spain, before returning to London.
Through conversations with those close to mafia bosses, organised crime investigators, and affected individuals, Kemp uncovers the intricate network of money, drugs, and criminals linked to the UK. He creates a historical map and timeline, revealing how the mafia has quietly embedded itself within Britain’s underworld over nearly a century.
Ross Kemp: Mafia and Britain, The British Connection, airs on Sky History on Tuesday, 10 September 2024, at 9:00 pm.
