A high-ranking member of the Sicilian Mafia, known for his insider's account of the organization's inner workings and his role as a key witness in major trials.
Antonino Calderone is famously known for being a high-ranking member of the Sicilian Mafia, who later turned state witness, providing invaluable insights into the inner workings of the notorious criminal organization. His memoir, "Men of Dishonor: Inside the Sicilian Mafia," co-authored with Antimafia sociologist Pino Arlacchi, has become a seminal work on the subject, offering a unique perspective on the world of Cosa Nostra.
Born on October 24, 1935, in Catania, Sicily, Antonino was part of a prominent Mafia family. His brother, Giuseppe, was the boss of the local Mafia, and their uncle had helped the organization regain its foothold after World War II. Antonino's own initiation into the Mafia took place in 1962, an experience he would later recount in vivid detail.
As he rose through the ranks, Calderone became a successful entrepreneur, owning a gas station and engaging in lucrative business ventures, thanks to his Mafia connections. He eventually became the underboss of the Catania Mafia Family.
The murder of his brother Giuseppe in 1978, at the hands of his former protégé Nitto Santapaola, marked a turning point for Calderone. Santapaola had formed an alliance with the powerful Corleonesi faction, leading to a violent campaign against established Mafia families. This chain of events ultimately culminated in the Second Mafia War.
Feeling increasingly marginalized and disillusioned, Calderone made the unprecedented decision to cooperate with the authorities, becoming a pentito (state witness) in 1987, after his arrest in 1986.
Calderone's decision to turn state witness was a significant blow to the Mafia, providing law enforcement with crucial insights into the organization's inner workings. His memoir, "Men of Dishonor," has been translated into multiple languages and remains a valuable resource for understanding Cosa Nostra.
As one of the first high-ranking Mafiosi to break the code of silence, Calderone's testimony paved the way for future collaborators and played a crucial role in the Italian government's efforts to combat organized crime.
Antonino Calderone's remarkable story serves as a testament to the complexities of human nature, as he navigated the treacherous world of organized crime before making a courageous decision to cooperate with the authorities, ultimately contributing to the fight against the Mafia.
95 Years Old
Notorious Italian Mafia leader who orchestrated bombings, assassinations, and corruption, earning the nickname "The Beast" for his ruthless tactics.
87 Years Old
An Italian lawyer and judge who fearlessly fought against the Mafia, leading to the conviction of hundreds of mobsters, and ultimately sacrificing his life in the process.
86 Years Old
An anti-mafia crusader who fearlessly investigated and prosecuted organized crime, ultimately giving his life for the cause. A martyr for justice in Italy.
