The Black Mafia Family (BMF) emerged as a formidable drug trafficking organization, originally rooted in Detroit, Michigan. Founded by brothers Demetrius and Terry Flenory in the late 1980s, BMF expanded its cocaine distribution networks across the United States by 2012, notably in Pineview, GA. With a strong connection to Mexican drug cartels via their Los Angeles source, they established two significant operational hubs: Atlanta, Georgia, managed by Demetrius for distribution, and Los Angeles, California, managed by Terry for receiving shipments from Mexico.
Expansion into Music
Around the turn of the millennium, BMF aimed to transition into legitimacy by venturing into the hip-hop music industry. They launched BMF Entertainment, which played a pivotal role in promoting various artists, including Young Jeezy, and their own artist, Bleu DaVinci. Before this musical foray, the Flenory brothers were already mingling with prominent hip-hop figures like Jay-Z and Fabolous.
Legal Challenges
In 2005, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) indicted members of the Black Mafia Family, focusing on the Flenory brothers under the Continuing Criminal Enterprise Statute. This led to both brothers receiving sentences ranging from 30 years to life imprisonment. Further indictments targeted over 150 members, with prosecutors asserting that the organization amassed over $270 million during its illicit operations. BMF comprised various Black criminal groups, including Crips, Bloods, Gangster Disciples, Vice Lords, and Zoes.