Jimmey Barkho emerges as new boss of Notorious Crime Family

The new leader of Notorious Crime Family has become the biggest target in the northern suburbs and is said to be unfazed by the prospect of a new era of gangland violence.

Underworld figure Jimmey Barkho has emerged as the supremo of feared gang Notorious Crime Family.

Barkho is believed to have taken on more leadership of the emerging gang as heavy scrutiny is applied to co-founder George Marrogi.

There has been speculation in the underworld in recent weeks Barkho has demanded payment of up to $300,000 over a dispute with a high-profile crime figure.

The Herald Sun revealed Marrogi had been charged with directing the activities of a criminal organisation in April along with major international drug smuggling offences.

It is also understood that apart from using code over prison phones, Marrogi is being probed over other matters inside jail.

But Barkho has been active as his outside man and now has assumed more control of the gang since Marrogi’s charges, which carry a life jail sentence.

Jimmey Barkho in police custody. Picture: Alex Coppel

“Whatever Jimmey says goes,” a source told the Herald Sun.

Barkho is said to have been unfazed by recent gangland instability and the prospect of this sparking a new era of violence.

There is talk his Middle Eastern organised crime (MEOC) foes have made him the biggest target in the north.

“Let the games begin,” he is said to have told others.

Barkho was believed to have been present but not involved when gunfire was exchanged in a late night shootout last year.

One group of combatants is allegedly connected to a big-time drug trafficking syndicate operating in opposition to NCF.

Police last month swooped after two gangland hits were allegedly discussed on prison phones linked to NCF.

Jimmey Barkho and Jesse Marrogi. Picture: Supplied

Victoria Police detectives from the Echo taskforce have questioned two men over the suspected murder plots believed to be ordered in retaliation to a contract placed on the head of Marrogi’s brother, Jesse, and Barkho.

Jesse Marrogi headed overseas when speculation of a hit began circulating.

His partner, who is slain triggerman Nabil Maghnie’s daughter, Sabrine, also travelled overseas.

One of the men questioned over murder plots was charged with failing to give his phone pin details to police.

A second man was released pending further inquiries.

George Marrogi’s girlfriend, Antonietta Mannella, remains on remand over her alleged role in NCF drug trafficking after her arrest last month.

Marrogi and the 28-year-old Ms Mannella are facing life imprisonment over an alleged high-level drug smuggling operation.

Marrogi and Ms Mannella were initially charged in April with importing 56kg of methamphetamine and 13kg of heroin into Australia.

Ms Mannella was also charged over a 400kg methamphetamine drug haul seized in Malaysia.

The pair were then slapped with being involved in trafficking a commercial quantity of 356 litres of 1.4 butanediol which was seized in January.

Marrogi and Ms Mannella will face court on May 11.