Ligambi and co. were friendly with the Gambinos. Remember the Nicky Skins tape of the dinner between the two families? I'm guessing Merlin linked up with the Genoveses through Florida or maybe even prison.

As far as Merlino meeting Bellomo, the FBI was trying to snare Bellomo in the NY indictment. Either JC or GA reported that the investigation didn't get anywhere close to him. That might suggest he wasn't in the loop with Merlino.