NCJ Number
200792
Journal
Journal of Gang Research Volume: 10 Issue: 3 Dated: Spring 2003 Pages: 65-76
Date Published
2003
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This article profiles the emerging “Chaldean Mafia” street gang.
Abstract
The Chaldean Mafia is a gang composed almost exclusively of individuals tracing their roots to the country of Iraq, and has a conspicuous presence in areas with large Middle Eastern populations such as Michigan. Obtaining income rather than “representing” or generating public attention is the focus of this gang, and understanding the Chaldean ethnic heritage and history is important to understanding the emergence of this gang in America. Such ethnic gangs often take root in America because of a desire to band together, avoiding discrimination and persecution. Gang members report to a head person, or “godfather,” and female teenagers refer to themselves as “Chaldean Mafia Chicks.” The prayers, constitutions, by-laws, and rituals of the Chaldean Mafia are discussed , indicating a highly exclusive organization. The article discusses an unsolved execution style murder attributed to the Chaldean Mafia, and profiles Bahaa Kalsko, a leader of the Chaldean Mafia currently serving two prison sentences in the Michigan Department of Corrections. The Chaldean Mafia is best known for its ability to transport, ship, distribute, and sell large quantities of marijuana and cocaine, and does not use any particular colors or identifiers and does not put up graffiti. The connections of this organization to high level international drug cartels, and their presence on the internet, indicate that this small, but well known organization deserves consistent monitoring.