Ep 2. Packer's Gold

Australian Crime Stories is a gripping true crime series that chronicles some of the most infamous criminal cases in the history of Australia. In season 3 episode 2, titled "Packer's Gold," the show takes a deep dive into the world of high-stakes gambling and the mobsters who controlled it in the 1970s and 80s.

The episode opens with the tantalizing story of Kerry Packer, a billionaire businessman and media mogul who was notorious for his love of gambling. Packer was a regular at the infamous Kings Cross casino, where he blew through millions of dollars in a single night. But Packer was no ordinary high roller - he had a direct line to the Australian mafia, who saw him as a valuable asset in their underworld dealings.

As the episode unfolds, we learn more about the twisted alliance between Packer and the mob. We see how Packer's gambling habit made him vulnerable to the underworld's schemes, and how they took advantage of him to launder their ill-gotten gains. We also hear from former law enforcement officials who worked on the case, and who reveal the shocking extent of the corruption and violence that was rampant in the gambling scene at the time.

One of the key figures in the episode is Brian Alexander, a colorful character who was a major player in Sydney's vice scene. Alexander was intimately involved with the Australian mafia, and he was known for his shady schemes and his brutal methods of enforcement. The episode explores Alexander's role in the Kings Cross casino, and the ways in which he helped to keep Packer hooked on gambling.

As the story unfolds, we see how the various players in the Kings Cross scene became embroiled in a web of deceit and corruption. The episode takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the seedy underworld of the city, as we witness the violent clashes between rival gangs, the tense negotiations between crooked politicians and criminals, and the nail-biting police operations that aimed to bring the guilty to justice.

Overall, "Packer's Gold" is a gripping and eye-opening episode of Australian Crime Stories. Through its in-depth reporting and first-hand accounts, the show paints a vivid picture of the gritty world of organized crime in Australia, and shows how even the most powerful and wealthy figures can become tangled up in its web. With its mix of drama, suspense, and real-life storytelling, this episode is a must-see for anyone interested in true crime and the dark side of human nature.