In mid-2015, in the northern suburbs of Melbourne, a clandestine meeting took place in a seemingly ordinary shipping container. A small group of wealthy businessmen chose this unconventional location to ensure the utmost privacy for their discussion. They left their phones behind at a nearby property, determined to keep their conversation completely confidential. It was clear that they did not want anyone to hear what they had to say.

However, there was a clue that hinted at the nature of their business. Among the group, one man stood out as the most senior and influential figure. He had a reputation that extended far beyond the meeting’s confines, reaching into the realms of Australian politics. This man, a multimillionaire, was identified in a confidential intelligence brief received by the Australian Federal Police. The report, authored by a senior Victoria Police official, revealed that he was the most powerful boss of the Calabrian mafia, also known as ’Ndrangheta, in the country.

According to the intelligence brief, this individual had been the undisputed leader of the ’Ndrangheta since the early 1990s. Over a period of 25 years, numerous reliable sources consistently alleged his involvement in criminal activities. The report described him as the "godfather" of the ’Ndrangheta and highlighted his violent and feared reputation. It was also suggested that he had resorted to drastic measures to maintain his power and accumulate immense wealth.

The most alarming revelation in the 2015 brief was the indication that this influential businessman was involved in drug importation. The intelligence gathered pointed to his significant role in the illegal drug trade. Moreover, his closest advisers were individuals well-known in Melbourne's Calabrian community. Among them were a prominent meat wholesaler, an accountant, and the owner of a trucking company. Although not explicitly mentioned in the report, it was rumored that the godfather's network extended even further, including connections to the founder of a large publicly listed company.

This revelation shed light on the extent of the ’Ndrangheta's presence and influence in Australia. The Calabrian mafia, originating from the Calabria region in Southern Italy, had managed to establish a stronghold in Melbourne. The secretive meeting in the shipping container was just one example of their covert operations. This incident exposed the criminal organization's reach into legitimate businesses and its ability to infiltrate various sectors of society.

The news of the godfather's involvement in drug importation raised concerns about the impact of organized crime on Australian society. It underscored the need for law enforcement agencies to remain vigilant and proactive in combating illegal activities. The investigation that followed this intelligence brief aimed to dismantle the criminal network and bring its members to justice.

This revelation also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime. The ’Ndrangheta operates beyond national borders, utilizing extensive networks to facilitate their criminal activities. Closely collaborating with international partners, such as Italy, was crucial to effectively combating the influence of this powerful criminal organization.

In conclusion, the 2015 intelligence brief provided a glimpse into the inner workings of the ’Ndrangheta in Australia. The senior businessman identified as the godfather of the Calabrian mafia held immense power and was involved in drug importation. This revelation exposed the extent of organized crime's influence in Australian society and emphasized the need for international collaboration in combating transnational criminal networks. The investigation that followed aimed to dismantle the criminal organization and bring those responsible to justice, protecting the Australian community from their harmful activities.