Alleged Albanian Mafia Don Alex Rudaj was denied bail at a hearing on Dec. 7, 2004. The Journal News reported:
Rudaj, 37, was denied bail yesterday by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote, despite an offer of seven friends and relatives to put up homes worth nearly $4 million to secure his release. The government opposed the bail request, saying Rudaj was a violent man who might flee to his native Montenegro if freed.Federal prosecutors described Rudaj and his cohorts as fearless and violent.
Rudaj's lawyer, James Kousouros, countered that his client was a hardworking man, devoted to his wife and three children, who had held a series of legitimate jobs since immigrating to the United States more than a decade ago
To make their point prosecutors said Rudaj was the triggerman in a 1993 shooting of another organized-crime figure after a high-speed chase in the Bronx. Rudaj hung out the sunroof of a car and fired at Guy Peduto as he fled in another car from Rudaj and three others.
They also described an incident where Rudaj showed up with 20 thugs to get a good table at Rao's, the legendary and exclusive East Harlem Italian restaurant. It was late mob boss John Gotti's table. They got it.
Rao's is a famous mob hangout. It was there last December mobster and Rao's regular Louis (Louie Lump Lump) Barone fatally shot Albert Circelli after Circelli complained about Broadway singer Rena Strober's rendition of "Don't Rain on My Parade."
Given Mr. Rudaj's enjoyment of fine Italian food - this begs the question: did he ever dine at any of Chef Zef Vulevic's (aka Zef Vulaj and Joe Vuli) fine Italian restaurants in Westchester County, Connecticut, or New York City?
Mr. Rudaj's trial was scheduled to begin Sept. 26, 2005.
Bail denied to alleged Albanian mob boss [JournalNews.com, Dec. 8, 2004]
Related:
The Rudaj Organization aka: The Albanian Mafia
Did the Albanian Mafia Murder Zef Vulevic?
Rao's Restaurant [raos.com]
updated Dec. 17, 2004
