The Big Dig Presents: Catching The Codfather Catching The Codfather | 6. It’s Your Job to Catch Me
Mar 18, 2026
Carlos Rafael, a New Bedford fishing figure who built a vast groundfish empire and faced fraud prosecutions. The conversation follows the undercover IRS tactics, a casual lunch that sparked a breakthrough, and the tense surveillance that traced cash to Portugal and airport contacts. It also covers the legal and regulatory fallout for the port, permit freezes, fleet sales, and the lingering local impact.
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Inside Contact Created Urgency To Close Case
- The Logan tip forced the IRS team to speed up their case because a corrupt airport contact meant national security risk and imminent money movement.
- Ron Mullett and team pivoted from long-term unraveling to capturing the money flow to the Azores quickly.
Duffel Bags From Fulton Fish Market
- Undercover agents flew to New York and met Michael at Sparks Steakhouse where Michael, who worked Fulton Fish Market, revealed a back room full of cash.
- Carlos negotiated a deal where Michael fronted large duffel bags of cash and Carlos repaid via shipments, calling it the bag of jingles.
Secret Books Walkthrough Led To Evidence
- In a nighttime meeting at Carlos Seafood, his bookkeeper produced dealer reports, vessel trip reports, and handwritten 'dance' sheets explaining how haddock was really gray sole.
- Lenny photographed those documents with a concealed camera, securing evidence for a search warrant.