Welcome to another episode of the Criminal Connection podcast, where we dive deep into the stories behind some of the most notorious underworld figures. Hosted by Terry Stone, this episode offers a rare interview with Jimmy Lambrianou, one of the five Lambrianouwho became infamous in the 1960s London crime scene. In this exclusive conversation, Jimmy Lambrianoureveals details of a life shrouded in secrecy—until now.
The Lambrianou Brothers: A Crime Family’s Origins
The Lambrianou brothers were well-known figures in London’s underworld, operating alongside the infamous Crime Twins, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, as well as the Richardsons. Coming from a Greek Cypriot background, the Lambrianou brothers were raised in East London, contributing to their tough upbringing. Jimmy reminisces about growing up in the 1950s and 60s, during a time of significant social and economic upheaval, shaped by the aftermath of World War II.
In the podcast, Jimmy shares insights about his early life and the influence of his family. While the brothers found themselves following similar criminal paths, the Irish connection also played a role in shaping their story. These roots laid the foundation for their rise within London's criminal world.
Life in the 50s and 60s: A Changing London
Jimmy paints a vivid picture of life in East London during the 1950s and 1960s, a time when the city was in transition. “It wasn’t called the Swinging 60s for nothing,” he recalls, noting how rapidly the city transformed around them. East of the River Thames, the brothers lived through London's social changes as crime became more organized, and different gangs fought for control over various neighborhoods.
Growing up in Bethnal Green, Jimmy talks about the impact of the post-war depression, where people had little money, leading many young men into petty crimes. He recalls starting to earn money by the age of 14, a story familiar to those involved in London’s organized crime.
Rising in the Ranks: Protection Rackets and Strip Clubs
Jimmy’s story progresses as he reveals how he and his brothers transitioned from petty crime to more organized criminal activities. From breaking into warehouses and selling stolen goods, the Lambrianou brothers eventually made a name for themselves by running protection rackets and operating clip joints, the forerunners of modern-day strip clubs. These operations became central to their power in London’s East End.
Jimmy offers a rare look into the operations of these clubs in the 1960s, revealing that while they were often fronts for illegal activities, they were also places of social gathering for various criminal figures. Protection rackets were a means to establish dominance, and Jimmy was instrumental in ensuring the Lambrianou brothers’ reputation remained untarnished.
The Infamous Kray Twins and the Criminal Celebrities of the 60s
One of the highlights of the podcast is Jimmy’s reflections on his relationship with the Kray twins. The Krays were notorious for their public personas, often appearing in the press as celebrity gangsters, despite the darker reality of their activities. Jimmy explains that, unlike the Krays, many criminals of the time preferred to remain in the shadows, avoiding the limelight.
“They were the first celebrity gangsters,” Jimmy says, as he discusses the role of the media in glamorizing their exploits. However, while the Krays may have enjoyed the attention, most of their contemporaries, including the Lambrianou brothers, operated behind the scenes, where notoriety could bring unwanted police attention.
The Reality of Organized Crime: Violence, Rivalries, and Survival
As the conversation turns to the darker side of crime, Jimmy details some of the violent realities of the time. From protection rackets to street fights, the podcast offers a no-holds-barred account of the brutality that came with maintaining a criminal empire. While Jimmy jokes about his reputation for headbutts, there’s no denying the dangerous world in which he lived.
The Lambrianou brothers, like the Krays, operated in an environment where violence was often the first response. Jimmy shares insights into the infamous rivalry between the East End and South London gangs, particularly the Richardsons. This North-South divide wasn’t just a matter of geography but a battle for control over the most lucrative criminal enterprises.
Crime and the Law: Police Surveillance and Legal Battles
As the Lambrianou family’s reputation grew, so did the scrutiny from the police. Jimmy reflects on the constant pressure from law enforcement, which seemed to follow him wherever he went. Police raids, house searches, and arrests became part of his daily life.
Despite numerous brushes with the law, Jimmy recounts how a six-month prison sentence for a minor offense ended up saving him from a much more serious charge. This stint in jail served as a wake-up call and offered a glimpse into the harsh consequences that awaited many of his criminal contemporaries.
The Kray Legacy: Friends, Rivals, and Prison Sentences
Jimmy also sheds light on his personal interactions with the Kray brothers and their circle. He recalls how several of his associates, including Freddie Foreman and Mad Frankie Fraser, became infamous figures in their own right. These relationships were marked by collaboration as much as competition, with crime families often working together while keeping a watchful eye on one another.
However, the conversation takes a darker turn when Jimmy discusses the eventual downfall of the Krays. Both brothers ended up dying in prison, a fate shared by many of their contemporaries. For Jimmy, it was a stark reminder of the potential end that awaited those who stayed in the life too long.
Life After Crime: A Shift to Honest Work
The podcast closes with a reflection on Jimmy’s life after crime. After spending years in the criminal underworld, Jimmy managed to turn his life around, investing in businesses such as pubs and factories. For him, the transition to an honest living came later in life, and he admits that in retrospect, he wishes he had made the shift earlier.
He offers advice to younger listeners considering a life of crime: “Get a job. Build something for yourself.” For Jimmy, finding success in legitimate business ventures was ultimately more rewarding than the fleeting power and wealth of the criminal world.
Conclusion: A Cautionary Tale from London’s Underworld
Jimmy Lambrianou's story offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of London’s organized crime scene in the 1960s. His reflections are not just a recount of the past but a cautionary tale for future generations. The Criminal Connection podcast has provided an exclusive look into the life of one of the era’s most notorious figures, offering listeners insights into a time when London’s streets were ruled by gangs and violence.
As crime continues to evolve in modern times, Jimmy’s story serves as a reminder that while the players may change, the consequences remain the same.