Rats In The Ranks: Boston Crime Wars, 1995-2006
Rats In The Ranks: Boston Crime Wars, 1995-2006
A Non-Traditional Specialized Committee
About The 1995-2006 Boston Crime Wars
Chair
Osei Allen
As a senior at the University of Miami, Osei is currently pursuing majors in Psychology and Political Science on the pre-law track, with minors in music/cello performance, law and politics, and business law. Born in Montego Bay, Jamaica and raised in Naples, Florida, Osei feels obligated to tell you that, despite having lived in Jamaica for less than two years, he is a proud Jamaican with an overwhelming love for fried dumplings paired with ackee and saltfish. In addition to having served the Miami Model UN team as one of two co-Presidents in the 2024-2025 school year, Osei is in his 4th year of collegiate MUN and 8th year overall. Having competed in and/or staffed over thirty high school and collegiate conferences combined, Osei hopes to add many elements of surprise to his specialized “Boston Crime Wars” committee that force even the most experienced delegates to stay on their toes and expect the unexpected.
Outside of MUN, Osei mentors local high school students as part of UMiami’s Inspire U Academy, works in the PRIDE (Psychology of Racism, Identity, Diversity, and Equity) Lab as a Research Assistant, and works a part-time job on campus as a student-athlete subject tutor. In his free time, he loves playing pickup basketball, riding his bike across the mountainous peaks of Miami, embarking on a quest for the tastiest foods in Miami (Talking Tacos’ Birria Pizza is on top so far), and listening to numerous genres of music (classical, 80-90s salsa, and British/European rap, to name a few).
If delegates have any questions, comments, or concerns about the “Boston Crime Wars” committee, contact Osei as oja31@miami.edu. Osei wishes you all the best in your preparations and looks forward to meeting you all!
Co-Chair
Martina Pantaleon
Martina Pantaleon (she/any) is a sophomore from Buenos Aires, Argentina currently studying Political Science & International Studies with a minor in English (Literature) at the University of Miami. Model UN seemed like a mystery of papers and speeches when she began in Fall 2024 with no prior experience, but since then Martina has staffed several conferences and helped at many events within Miami’s Model UN team, including being a crisis staffer for “From Russia, With Love: Russian Presidental Cabinet, 2050” at 305MUN II and repeating their role in “End of an Era: The NBA Off-Season, 2003” at MICSUN XIII.” Martina also competes regularly with the UMMUN Travel Team.
When not engaged with Model UN, Martina involves herself with various other organizations at the University of Miami, such as the Debate Club, the English Honor Society (SigTD), and The Miami Hurricane (grab a copy while you visit!). When she isn’t drowning in reading assignments, you can find them reading a book in front of the lake or fighting for her life in the Stairmaster. Having only moved to Miami last year, Martina enjoys exploring the wonderful city she has landed in, walking everywhere (Some say it is too much, but she would disagree) and recommends checking out the Vizcaya Museum & Gardens. Being an Argentinian immigrant, carrying her culture as an important part of her experience, and she honors it through a questionable music taste and too much cooking.
As the Co-Chair for “Rats in the Ranks: The Boston Crime Wars”, Martina is excited to welcome all delegates to this iteration of 305MUN and looks forward to meeting everyone! If you have any concerns or questions, reach out to them at mxp2332@miami.edu
Old rivalries. New players. Hidden loyalties. While Boston is known for its rich history, rabid sports culture, and fiercely proud communities, the city’s underworld paints a far darker portrait, one defined by corruption, power struggles, and blood on the pavement. Set against the backdrop of a rapidly evolving Boston in the late 1990s and early 2000s, this committee plunges into the murky depths of organized crime, institutional rot, and a law enforcement apparatus fighting enemies on both sides of the badge.
From the rise of notorious Irish-American syndicates to the widening cracks in the Massachusetts State Police and Boston PD, delegates will navigate a treacherous landscape where trust is a luxury few can afford. Tensions between crime families, community leaders, federal agents, and city officials are rising—made worse by deep economic inequality, the opioid crisis, and political rivalries that cut just as deep as the bullets on the street.
As members of Boston’s most powerful criminal, legal, and political factions, you must decide how to confront the chaos: Will you clean house or play both sides? Can you smoke out the rats before they sink your own operation? Will Boston be ruled by the law—or by those clever enough to bend it? With leaks, lies, and loyalties constantly shifting, one thing is clear: in this game, the truth gets buried deeper than the bodies. This committee is based on the movie “The Departed” (2006) directed by Martin Scorsese and the notorious Boston-area Winter Hill Gang (late 1960s to mid 1990s). Therefore, delegates will represent mob bosses and police officers alike, with both roles having the opportunity to either become undercover “moles” for the other side or represent their assigned role faithfully as the committee progresses.
Although the “Boston Crime Wars” will be run as a typical front-room crisis (traditional crisis committee without a back room), it will be an advanced and fast-paced committee that will involve non-traditional elements. Therefore, we highly recommend that delegates have experience competing in specialized and/or crisis-style committees on the collegiate circuit before participating in this committee. The “Boston Crime Wars” dais looks forward to meeting you all at 305 MUN III!