Vice and Crime in Wartime London

This chapter investigates the rise of the vice industry in London during World War II, highlighting the influence of American troops and organized crime syndicates like the Messina gang. It examines the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing these crimes amid wartime chaos, as well as the intriguing interactions between British criminals and American soldiers. The chapter also touches on the broader criminal landscape in Europe during the war, setting the stage for the post-war crime scene.