The three dominant Mafia families of Liberty City, The Leones, Forellis and Sindaccos, each have their own rich history of murder, betrayal, loyalty and honour spanning decades. From their conception at the turn of the century to the Caligula War of 1993, the streets of Liberty are scarred with their very existence. What follows is a historical account of the 3 families from their birth to present day.
Chapter 1: The Black Hand of LibertyAntonio Leone was born in Palermo, Sicily in 1915. His father was a humble farmer and he lost his mother when he was only 5.
At a young age Antonio already began to show his beginnings in his life of crime. He started a protection racket among younger school children, if they didn't want to get beaten up on the way to school, it cost them.
One of the very few who stood up to him was a boy about five years younger that he, his name was Marco Forelli and he gave as good as he got. The two became firm friends.
Marco and Antonio would always dream of escaping the island to live in the land of opportunity – America. Sicily was already rife with crime and corruption with the mafia integrated into every crevice of society. Sicily was not a safe place for a young man with a fiery temper
In 1940 their dream came true, an uncle of Marco who lived in America had arranged for them to come and stay with them. All the paperwork had been "arranged" and so at the age of 25, Antonio and his childhood friend Marco moved to the United States of America.
During the trip over to America, Marco met a young man called Victor Wachowski, his family was escaping persecution in his homeland of Poland and America was to be a new start for them too. The two became good friends.
Antonio and Marco finally arrived in Liberty City in 1940. Immediately they began work washing dishes with their uncle in a restaurant he owned in St Mark's – Cafe de Sicily
It became apparent to Antonio that the Mafia has a grip on the people here in Liberty too. Small businesses were constantly "shaken down" and murders were frequent. The Mafia waltzed around Portland like kings. It was one particular Mafioso that caught Antonio's attention when he came into the restaurant – His name was Luchiano Sindacco and he ruled the streets of Portland.
Luchiano was born in Palermo, Sicily in 1875, and fled to Liberty City in 1899 after the murder of a high ranking Mafia Chief in Palermo. Luchiano was what they called a Moustache Pete – a traditionalist. Within 5 years of arriving in Liberty he was a figure to be reckoned with. There were originally only 2 main Mafia Families, The Clericuzio and Santiago's, but by 1910 he waged war with both had almost wiped out the smaller Irish and Jewish gangs and built up his organisation to staggering levels – They dubbed him "The Black Hand". It was even rumoured he was the man responsible for the assassination of Liberty City's Mayor Rupert Cochrane in 1921 after he imposed very harsh punishment on mobsters found involved in any illicit activities, especially involving liquor. Nothing was proved.
There wasn't something he wasn't involved in - gambling, prostitution, liquor, bribery, bootlegging, hijacking – from San Fierro to Carcer City.
He owned half of the Supreme Court, There were even rumours that he had connections with President Gerald Sherman at some level.
Now at the age of 65 he was getting old but was still sharp as a knife and liked to keep his profile low. Eating at small restaurants and visiting local barbers.
His only regret was only his son and heir's decision not to be involved in the family business. Luis Sindacco (40) was a hard working accountant and hated what his father stood for. Luis had 3 daughters and a son, Anthony.
Anthony was only 13 in 1940 but regrettably was getting into trouble at school was caught shoplifting several times. His father could not control him so his grandfather, Luchiano took it upon himself to look after Anthony – much to the disapproval of his father. Luchiano began to groom his little prince into a king.
Antonio was instantly drawn to Luchiano; he wanted the power, the money, and the respect. But he knew that a dishwasher from Portland could never go against a heavyweight like Luchiano. Antonio bided his time for now.
