Josef is a former KGB agent who found himself out in the cold when he Iron Curtain fell. A man of his talents didn't remain on the free market for long. He found work as an enforcer for a local Mafia boss and quickly rose through the ranks. From his time at the KGB he was well aware of the Oktober Guard and even privy to the team's secrets. As the Mafia has moved to expand its interests into more international markets and having no scruples as to who they will work with, the Oktober Guard has taken an interest in their activities. Josef considers himself a man of honor but with only loyalty to himself.

In the video game Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction, one of the factions the mercenaries work for are the Russian Mafia. Josef is the lieutenant to the original Mafia boss. When his boss turns against him Josef has the mercenaries aid him in cleaning house.