Perce Galea, a prominent figure in Sydney's underworld from the 1950s to the 1970s, ran a network of successful illegal casinos, enjoying close ties with corrupt police and politicians. His son, Bruce Galea, continued the family's involvement in illegal gambling, becoming a major operator in Sydney's Chinatown. The text details both Perce and Bruce's extensive criminal activities, including bribery, connections to powerful individuals, and their eventual encounters with the law. While Perce's influence spanned the realms of casinos and horse racing, Bruce's career in illegal gambling persisted despite facing investigations and imprisonment. The sources highlight the deep corruption within Sydney's criminal underworld and its interaction with law enforcement and political figures.

George Freeman, a prominent Sydney figure, was a highly successful illegal bookmaker with extensive connections in organised crime. His empire, built through violence and corruption, involved phone betting, casinos, and race fixing, impacting police, the judiciary, and possibly politics. He maintained close relationships with other major crime figures and enjoyed a lavish lifestyle fueled by immense profits. Freeman's influence extended to resolving industrial disputes and even involved alleged participation in violent acts against those who threatened his power. Despite public accusations and investigations, Freeman largely evaded prosecution until his death in 1990.

Today we examine the transition of organised crime in Sydney, Australia, from illegal gambling to the drug trade, using the Moylan family as a case study. Michael Moylan senior built a successful illegal casino, showcasing the lucrative nature of organised crime in the 1960s. However, the legalisation of gambling and prostitution and the rise of the less controllable drug trade significantly altered the landscape of organised crime. The Moylans' drug importation operation, while relatively small in scale, marked a pivotal shift in organised crime's focus, attracting increased police scrutiny and media attention, contrasting with the previous era of more lenient law enforcement. This shift ultimately led to a decline in the power and influence of traditional organised crime figures.