The Most Notorious Italian Mafia Bosses on the FBI’s Hitlist

In the world of organized crime, the Italian Mafia has long been a dominant force. Over the years, certain individuals have risen to the top of the ranks, earning a spot on the FBI’s hitlist as some of the most notorious Mafia bosses of all time. In this article, we will take a closer look at these infamous figures and delve into their backgrounds, criminal activities, and the impact they have had on the world of organized crime.

Al Capone: The Original Gangster

Al Capone is perhaps one of the most well-known Mafia bosses in history. Born in 1899 in Brooklyn, New York, Capone rose to prominence during the Prohibition era as the leader of the Chicago Outfit. He was involved in various criminal activities, including bootlegging, gambling, and racketeering.

Capone’s reign of terror came to an end when he was finally arrested for tax evasion in 1931. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison but only served 7 years before being released on parole. Despite his incarceration, Capone’s influence on organized crime in America was undeniable, and his legacy continues to be felt to this day.

Salvatore Riina: The Beast

Salvatore Riina, also known as "The Beast," was a Sicilian Mafia boss who led the Corleonesi clan during the 1980s and 1990s. Riina was responsible for a reign of terror in Sicily, ordering numerous murders and acts of violence to maintain control over his territory.

Riina’s ruthless tactics earned him a spot on the FBI’s hitlist, and he was eventually captured in 1993. He was sentenced to multiple life terms in prison but continued to exert influence over the Mafia from behind bars. Riina’s death in 2017 marked the end of an era for the Sicilian Mafia.

Bernardo Provenzano: The Tractor

Bernardo Provenzano, also known as "The Tractor," was a Sicilian Mafia boss who succeeded Salvatore Riina as the leader of the Corleonesi clan. Provenzano was known for his low-profile approach to leadership, staying out of the public eye and communicating with his subordinates through written notes.

Provenzano’s reign came to an end in 2006 when he was finally captured by Italian police. He was sentenced to multiple life terms in prison but maintained a strong grip on the Mafia organization until his death in 2016. Provenzano’s legacy as a cunning and elusive Mafia boss lives on to this day.

Matteo Messina Denaro: The Last Godfather

Matteo Messina Denaro, also known as "The Last Godfather," is a Sicilian Mafia boss who has been on the run since the 1990s. Denaro is known for his flashy lifestyle, including expensive cars and designer clothing, despite being a fugitive from justice.

Denaro’s criminal activities include drug trafficking, extortion, and murder, making him one of the most wanted men in Italy. Despite numerous efforts by law enforcement to capture him, Denaro remains at large, continuing to evade authorities and maintain his status as a top Mafia boss.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Italian Mafia has produced some of the most notorious and feared crime bosses in history. From Al Capone to Salvatore Riina, these individuals have left a lasting impact on organized crime and law enforcement. While some have been captured and brought to justice, others like Matteo Messina Denaro continue to operate outside the bounds of the law. The FBI’s hitlist serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against the Mafia and the persistent threat they pose to society.