Brightside Police Department
Confidential Report: Longshoremen Gang
Prepared By: Officer Linda Matthews, BPD Intelligence Unit
Status: Ongoing Investigation
Subject: The Longshoremen Smuggling Gang
Overview:
The Longshoremen are a smuggling gang operating primarily out of the Dockside and Westbridge areas of Havensport. Originally a group of dockworkers, the gang turned to crime as economic conditions in Wharfside deteriorated. Over the past decade, they have become key players in the illegal trade that moves through Havensport’s waterfront. Their operations focus on smuggling weapons, illicit goods, and possibly human trafficking, though confirmed cases of the latter remain sparse.
Gang Leadership:
Leader: Reggie Kowalski, aka "The Foreman"
Age: 45
Occupation (Cover): Former dock foreman
Known Aliases: "The Foreman"
Notes: Reggie Kowalski is a pragmatic leader with deep ties to the docks. His long career as a foreman before turning to crime has given him an extensive knowledge of logistics and shipping, which he has applied to smuggling operations. Despite his practical nature, recent reports suggest that Kowalski has grown increasingly paranoid, especially after the gang's relocation to Westbridge Asylum. His leadership appears stable for now, but there are rumors of tension within the ranks.
Enforcer: Tommy Iverson, aka "The Wrench"
Age: 38
Occupation (Cover): Mechanic
Known Aliases: "The Wrench"
Notes: Iverson acts as the gang’s primary enforcer, handling any "disputes" with a violent and efficient manner. He is believed to be responsible for several unsolved cases of assault tied to Dockside disputes. Iverson's loyalty to Kowalski is currently unquestioned, but there are hints that he may be growing concerned with Kowalski’s erratic behavior.
Veteran Member: Piotr Kasprzak, aka "Old Pete"
Age: 67
Occupation (Cover): Retired Dockworker
Known Aliases: "Old Pete"
Notes: Piotr Kasprzak is one of the oldest members of the gang. He reportedly believes that Westbridge Asylum, where the gang has recently moved operations, is haunted or cursed. His superstitious tendencies have reportedly created some friction within the group, and he's becoming increasingly unreliable due to his age and growing paranoia. However, he is still respected by some of the younger members due to his years of experience.
Other Known Members:
- Marek Dvorak, aka "Nails"
- Anton Jensen, aka "Big Al"
- Viktor Novak, aka "Two-Tone"
These individuals operate as lieutenants and foot soldiers, responsible for managing the gang’s day-to-day smuggling activities. Surveillance footage places them regularly at Dockside, particularly near abandoned warehouses and shipyards.
Operations and Territory:
The Longshoremen’s primary base of operations has historically been Wharfside, where they control key smuggling routes along the waterfront. They’ve established a network that enables them to efficiently transport illegal goods in and out of Havensport. This network spans across Dockside, but recent intelligence indicates they’ve moved significant portions of their operation to Westbridge Asylum.
The Westbridge Asylum, located on the Old Town side of the Westbridge, is a dilapidated building long abandoned by legitimate authorities. It is an ideal hideout for the gang due to its isolated location and the labyrinthine layout that allows them to avoid detection. However, their relocation has caused internal strain, with several members expressing discomfort with the eerie atmosphere of the asylum.
Criminal Activities:
- Smuggling: The Longshoremen are heavily involved in smuggling weapons, drugs, and stolen goods through Havensport’s waterfront. They use their knowledge of the docks to avoid detection, often hiding contraband in legitimate shipments or using smaller vessels to bypass major checkpoints.
- Violence and Intimidation: Several violent incidents have been linked to the gang, especially in disputes over control of smuggling routes. The gang’s enforcer, Tommy Iverson, is believed to have orchestrated numerous assaults on rival groups and those who interfere with their operations.
- Potential Human Trafficking: Although no concrete evidence has been found, there are ongoing investigations into the possibility of the gang’s involvement in human trafficking. Several missing persons cases, particularly from the Dockside area, remain open, and the gang’s routes would make them well-positioned for such activities.
Recent Developments:
- Relocation to Westbridge Asylum: The gang has recently relocated much of its operation to Westbridge Asylum. It’s unclear why they moved, but the asylum’s remote location and maze-like structure provide strategic advantages for hiding their operations. However, reports suggest that many members are deeply uncomfortable with the new headquarters. Internal tensions have been noted, with leader Reggie Kowalski showing signs of paranoia.
- Conflict with Rivals: Surveillance indicates that The Longshoremen have been engaging in increased conflict with other smuggling groups operating out of Dockside. The group’s relocation to Westbridge has caused friction, as they attempt to solidify their control over the area.
Surveillance Notes:
Ongoing surveillance efforts have not revealed any significant changes in the gang’s logistics since moving to Westbridge, though activity at Dockside has diminished slightly. Increased patrols near the asylum have yet to yield actionable evidence of smuggling, as the area’s isolation and the asylum’s layout make direct observation difficult.
Several officers have reported that their attempts to stake out the asylum have been compromised by unexplained events—disappearing doors, distorted camera feeds, and unusual sounds. These reports are being investigated for potential tampering by the gang, though no clear cause has been determined.
Recommendations:
- Increase Surveillance: Enhanced monitoring of both Dockside and Westbridge Asylum is recommended, particularly in light of the gang’s apparent discomfort with their new location. Any signs of internal conflict could present an opportunity to disrupt their operations.
- Undercover Operations: The gang’s reliance on smuggling and the potential for human trafficking make it a prime target for an undercover operation. Efforts should be made to infiltrate their supply chains at Dockside and identify key figures within the organization.
- Focus on Kowalski’s Mental State: Intelligence suggests that Reggie Kowalski’s leadership may be weakening due to paranoia. Exploiting this instability could lead to fractures within the gang and potentially weaken their control over smuggling routes.
End of Report
Classification: Confidential—For Internal Use Only
