A+E Networks Commissions New Ross Kemp Investigative Series

A+E Networks EMEA has ordered Ross Kemp: Mafia and Britain (w.t.) from Honey Bee, Freshwater Films and GroupM Motion Entertainment for Sky HISTORY.

Actor and documentarian Ross Kemp will investigate and expose Britain’s deep-rooted links with the Mafia, dating as far back as the 1920s. Since the U.K. does not recognize membership of the Mafia as a crime, it has at various points in history become a safe haven for lieutenants, soldiers and hit men, who have hidden in locations all over the country.

In the new five-part series, Kemp will begin his journey in London, taking viewers back to 1982, when the body of “God’s Banker,” Roberto Calvi, was discovered under Blackfriars Bridge with his pockets stuffed full of foreign currency from around the world. From there, Kemp will travel to New York, Italy, Colombia and Spain before returning to London to reveal the path of the Mafia’s involvement with Britain over the last 100 years.

Throughout his travels, Kemp will speak with those closest to Mafia bosses, top organized crime investigators and some who have been affected by the Mafia’s crimes. He will use this knowledge to trace the complex network of money, drugs and criminals in and out of the U.K. and create a historical map and timeline.

The series is set to air on Sky HISTORY in 2024.

“I’m looking forward to taking viewers into unchartered territory as we discover the relationship between Britain and one of the most notorious organized crime groups in the world, the Mafia,” Kemp said.

“I couldn’t think of anyone more qualified than Ross to expose Britain’s secret links to the Mafia,” said Dan Korn, VP of programming at A+E Networks EMEA. “The series lifts the lid on the U.K.’s shocking connection to one of the world’s most mysterious and notorious crime families.”

Ed Taylor, executive producer, added, “We are delighted to be partnering with Ross, A+E Networks and GroupM Motion Entertainment once again. The history of Britain’s relationship with the Mafia has never been fully explored before. It’s a highly compelling story that both shocks and surprises.”