Italy's Most Wanted CAPTURED | Sit down with Michael Franzese 

I remember when Michael Franzese came to LSU in 2008 to tell his story to all the LSU student athletes. I immediately lost respect for all fake gangsters in the music industry, etc. I actually stayed afterwards and had a quick, 5 minute convo him with. All I remember was "stay out of trouble". Haha, which I did. Much respect.

As an Italian I can tell you that in Italy almost everyone thinks that his arrest is fake and premeditated for some things happened in last months.

I’m from Italy. The murder of the young boy mentioned in the article was big news here for a long time. The poor kid was only 12 at the time he was killed, such a sad story

One of the biggest things I’ve got to say that makes Michael stand out to me is how he has sat down with people who could have either killed him or put him in prison for life. His transformation and wisdom is unmatched

I don't even remember when I started subbing to this channel but I remember thinking "I can't believe Michael doesn't have over a million subs". That day has finally come and it's well deserved. All the stories you have told have provided so many hours of enlightenment and entertainment. Thank you Michael and congrats on 1M!

To add more, his nickname Diabolik comes from comic in Italy. He was a killer, in 80s he only did killings for Toto Riina, he and others claimed he filled a graveyard with victims. But case involving 12 year son of informant is different. Brusca who was also high ranking mafia member in 90s killed that boy, because father of the boy was his soldier, and it was personal. Mafia did know of course and approved of it, it was time in Italy where informants started to hurt mafia and bosses like Denaro, Provenzano thought it would send a good message. Boy was tortured and after 400 days in captivity killed. Its a tragic case involving Cosa Nostra in Sicily. He was behind bombings of 1992, and 1993. But where Denaro showed his talent(if you can say it like that) was in business, he transformed a group that made money from pizzo, drug traffick to a legit green monster. They made billions in wind and solar energy plants, in 2010 italian police sized over 1.5 billion euros and 500 million dollars invested in green energy companies. Also in 2010 his personal money launderer and business magnate lost 750 million dollars believed to belong to Denaro personally. His net of support was large, and pockets even deeper. And personally he liked expensive cloths, his trademark glasses he always wore and was arrested with, always top brands, watches Rolex, armani suites. He liked young women, and golf, he was a fan of Palermo soccer team and was reported to attend manny games in 2010s, reports were made to police, and it got to public. He spent his time on run between Palermo and Trapani region. He had many underground bunkers in city and outskirts if need came to be in one for few days. If operations were carried. He had good support and warning system to avoid big operations, Sicily is island. They need to come, they can not come without noticing . There were couple of big operations that almost caught him, government came closest in 2012 in Trapani where many members of his inner circle and family were arrested. He managed to escape. Strategy of government was to size money, close allies and isolate him, to close the circle, and they needed cancer (colon cancer which spread to liver and 30 years). As for his future, he is sentenced to couple of life sentences so his only option is to like Riina and Provenzano close his mouth and be under most strict regime in world, 23hour lockdown, no visit, no communication, only taped and allowed rarely. 41-bis , no connection with world, or he talks and goes to high security prison where he can have some visits and contact, not much but some. I think he will stay under bis 41 like Riina and Provenzano, its how they lived and they will not talk, its pride thing. Denaro will not talk so he can get visits he will die soon from cancer under bis 41 regime in jail. And one thing to add, i respect people who dont talk. Like father of Michel, like Toto Riina, Toto Riina spent almost 25 years in most restrictive jail system ever, no visits, no contact with kids, family, he was even offered to admit he was head of Corleone clan and mafia to go to high security visits from family. He said he was farmer, he never heard of mafia. Only words he spoke to authorities since arrest. 25 years, not even admitting Corleone clan exists and he was leader, i can think of many things and say but that is fucking CHARACTER I WANT IN MY CORNER, NOT EVEN IN THE END, NO I AM FARMER, NEVER HEARD OF CORLEONE CLAN AND MAFIA, FUCK OFF. REAL FUCKING SHIT.

Those two judge-prosecutors were Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Brosellino (they knew each other and were very good friends since kids basically. Also they knew they were going to die during their last assignments). To get Falcone they blew up a HIGHWAY segment with half a tonne of tritol explosive. Giovanni's wife and bodyguards died as well. Paolo died much later. If i remember correctly they planted an explosive in a car and parked it in the neighborhood where Paolo' was headed to visit his mother I believe. He went there and got blown to kingdom come. People were fed up they started protesting. Some more priests got killed and 'nosy' journalists but it didnt deterr the people. Omerta was starting to break and ultimatelly the state had to invent a provision for proven mafia members that 1) made it illegal to be a member of the mafia(if you are a member you killed or helped kill so you get jail) and 2) 41-bis article of the criminal law which completely isolates any mafia bosses in a jail cell and also there's a mechanism in place where basically lawyers dont have enough time to appeal it. Not very constitutional but when major italian cities became like Beirut then you forgo these details. As italians would say "mafiosi ,andatevene a morire ammazzati!" Edit: during the Great Mafia Trial (Maxi-processo) they constructed an armored hall ,had military for protection and got tips of an attack with some sort of missile from the freaking air Edit 2: that informant's son was innocent. They tortured him as a message to his family he was like 12 or 13 years old. Another colaborator had his family decimated not just immediate family but cousins and second cousins. Pure insanity.

Congratulations on reaching 1 million viewers, Mr. Franzese. Knowing your entertainment and words of wisdom, spoken from experience, have reached so many people in a positive way must make this the most satisfying 'million' ever in your life. Godspeed to you, Sir. These are gems.

Man, as soon as the video notification came on, I immediately sat down to watch it. I love your videos, Michael. Congrats on reaching 1 million followers, well deserved.

Clear, precise, no ego, no bs if you don’t know you don’t know. I respect that. Congratulations on the growth of your channel, very much deserved. From England

I heard that Carlo Gambino used to sit and home and stream Fortnite on Twitch

I’m so happy to have found your channel and be part of your first million milestone. Well deserved sir. God Bless

Congrats Michael! Been with you since 2019 and it's great to see this positive and incredible development. Much deserved. Here's to another million! Many blessings from Sweden

I’m glad Michael has 1 million subscribers already. He deserves it. Good guy.

I love the Mob Mentality. Fear, loyalty, and Respect

Michael, your life story is amazing and the way you tell your story captivates yet does not glorify that life style. Much respect to you! I am anxiously awaiting for your life story on the big screen.

I've heard about this guy Denaro: back in Italy he was known as the playboy mafiosi. He always acepted only most expensive brands of cars, watches and clothes, and he is truly a big fan of video games. Fun fact: his nickname was "Diabolik" after popular italian comic book character (also a playboy criminal).

I flew with Tomasso Buscetta on a C130 out of Naples to England in 1984, but didn't know who he was at the time, he was surrounded by plain clothes Carabinieri, they were getting him out of Italy, because of what you said, those guys didn't play.

Congratulations on 1 million subscribers Michael! I’ve been here since around 150,000 subs and it was always just a matter of time. Thank you for the content and for your personal story, absolutely love the channel! God Bless you and your family!

I'm happy you are here and free to sit down with us given how authorities never stop looking. Thank you Michael for taking time out to sit down and explain. Stay safe stay healthy and God bless

The young kid dissolved in a vat of acid was 12 years old... That was a shocking moment in Italy...

I’m so happy for you achieving the million subscribers. You deserve it because it is obvious that you work hard and that you are very serious about your programming content . I always enjoy your videos and learning how you have become successful through hard work. ❤❤❤

È sempre un piacere seguirti Michael,un abbraccio dall'Italia.

That type of loyalty is becoming more and more rare these days.

here in Palermo, Riina 26 years on a run, Provenzano 40 years in a run....

Thank you Mr Franzese for sharing your thoughts on this situation. I really don’t have any strong opinions on this subject but it was interesting too hear the difference between the two countries and the way they each handle things in their own way. Your input was invaluable as it gives a real life aspect to it we would miss out on without you, thank you for that. Listening too you is always in the best possible way an education. May God bless you and your family lots of love Davidx

Was waiting for this since I heard the news. Michael always delivering.

I've been hearing news about Sicily Mexico America and Italy crazy. Also Michael congrats on reaching a lot of subscribers.

For an ex mafia boss he is a really straight guy ,tells how it really is well done you Michael may the Lord keep you😊

Congrats for the subs . Ive always found you a very interesting and seemingly honest guy . Big respect michael

What I like the most of you Mr Franceze, is how respectful and careful you are with everything you say! Congrats for the milestone!!!

🥳 🥳 1 MILLION! Congratulations!!!!! Doing a tremendous job!!!

Buonasera Michael, thanks for always telling a story like it is. I love the way you express your feeling with sincerity and strong demeanor. Always reminds my of how I grew up in Brooklyn and we spoke straight up with no filters. Love you and God bless you and family. Ciao

One million. I can remember when you were at 150k like it was yesterday. Great work. I would guess you were probably Shadow Banned after you started covering certain subjects too. Makes it even more impressive.

BEST RU-vid CHANNEL! I just bought your book as well, looking forward to reading it this weekend :)

Congrats on a million Mr. Franzese! Well deserved! I've been following since about 20,000 subs and have been happy to do so! Have learned a lot from your website and youtube site!

Mike got to a million subs - HELL YEAH! Totaly deserved. Still watching and following everything. Dont stop. Take care Mike. ROCK ON!

Very informative, Michael ! One wonders, sometimes, as to how differences present themselves in the different cultures (Italy, Sicily & the USA). Nice analysis and fill-in info. Be blessed !

As soon as I saw a notification I came to watch straight away, congratulazioni Michael on 1M always a pleasure to watch grazie👍

One MILLION subs! Well deserved, as this is for sure one of the most interesting channels on YT. Keep doing good work, God bless you!

Always fascinating to learn this stuff. Bless you and your family Michael x

Congratulations Michael!! I’ve been following you on here for quite some time and it is some of the greatest material I’ve heard.

Haven't been able to listen lately. Now I can binge. God bless you

I remember when I started watching you at 1500 subs, wow the growth , love it Michael , molto orgoglioso di te e del successo

Congratulations on one million Michael! I knew you would get there! I've been spreading the word about you and your channel and how awesome it is. You'll hit two million before you know it. Been following you since the beginning ( not so much lately as I have been battling lung cancer), but I'm going to play catch up while in chemotherapy. Good luck brother and God bless.

Thank you so much Michael you bring us a lot of great content. I appreciate it. I’ve learned a lot from watching your channel.

Love these stories. Great storyteller and amazing details that help sort fact from fiction with all of this. You have a growing following in China and I found two of your books for sale, in English and also in Chinese. Really easy to understand why you have hit the 1M mark already and you'll keep growing. Thanks for the good stuff and best wishes.

This is one of the few RU-vid channels where I have seen EVERY video. The growth of this channel is a reflection of the quality of work that's associated with you name Mr. Franzese - well done!

Been watching you for as long as I remember -- Almost like a second dad or a wise teacher. Hope you continue doing this for a long time

Phenomenal video Michael! Love your stories and wisdom. Greetings from Australia😊

Congrats on the million subscribers, my brother and I have been keen watchers for a good deal of time and it's quite the milestone. Keep at it! The second million will surely arrive in good time.

Thank you for this video Michael, Matteo Messina Denaro is on the news in Italy everyday. I have another video suggestion for you. Can you do a video on Thomas and Rosemarie Uva? They were the modern Bonnie & Clyde, they held up Mafia social clubs belonging to the Bonanno crime family and Gambino crime family. They were killed on Christmas Eve in Ozone Park by Gambino capo Dominick Pizzonia who was released from prison 3 years ago.

This is a great input from someone who used to be in that life. Awesome as always, Michael!

This was incredibly interesting! Thanks for uploading Michael!

Thank you for this video. I’ve been waiting patiently.

Thanks for these videos Michael.

Love the videos my friend I go on long walks and really like listening to your videos while on my journey so keep up the good work and il keep on walking and listening THANK YOU

Congratulations on a million subs!! You always have such interesting stories/videos!! ❤️❤️🙏

Thanks again for another great video, will be looking forward to your video pertaining to former mob member from first question answered.

Michael thank you for your insights into this issue with the arrest of the mafioso in Italy. One thing I've noticed is the Costa Nostra in Italy and the Mexican cartels are very different in the way" they carry out business".

As usual, great video. Thank you!

Congratulations on your viewership. I saw you at my church and thoroughly enjoyed your message. We are living in a time where the Cosa Nostra has more integrity than our politicians.

The guy they arrested is from the dark era of Salvatore "Toto" Riina.

Hey Micheal, got in again early sound like a good video....blessings

I am in the uk and gave followed Michael Well on social media and find his insight into the lifestyle of the mafia Costa Nostra so inciteful- balanced and informative- thank you Michael for taking the time to help us all understand the truth behind the myth of the life.

Wonderful content. I always learn so much. Thank you

Hello, Michael, thank you for an enlightening video.

THIS IS INTERESTING, I LEARN ALL THE TIME. HAVE A GOOD WEEKEND!

What a great way to end the week, been having a tuff couple days I was hoping Michael would do a video today thank you so much and glad to see you at 1M have a great weekend Michael

Congrats on the first million subscribers🎉… on to the next million!! God bless you Micheal and my best wishes

I was waiting for your views on this story , great show thanks👍

Hello Michael from South Africa!

This is excellent analysis. It would be absolutely interesting and fundamental to explore the dark and complicated role of italian politics since the 60s in order to understand why and how these people kept into hiding for such a long time

Mr Franzese. as someone coming from a life on the streets i have a lot of respect for you. Not for what you have done in the past but for what your are doing now. I'm Cuban American , and was a street criminal for the better part of my life. I have been involved in the drug game and all the crime that comes with it. i have to state bids and fed bid. i was also a fugitive for nine years. I'm now a working citizen working on a book and short documentary. your channel has helped me very much. i wanted to thank you . keep up the good works. God Bless

I asked for this in a comment on your previous video! Thank you so much!

Hi Michael! I saw this news on the CBC and instantly thought of you. I wonder if a part of Denaro is relieved to no longer be a fugitive given the number of years and his health. I look forward to your analysis! Happy Friday 😊

Congratulations on 1 million subscribers Michael love your videos always very informative keep up the good work.

Love the channel!! CONGRATULATIONS on one million!!

Firstly congratulations on a million subscribers. Second. 30 years on the run is a long time, but to be caught over trying to get medical care is quite sad. I know he’s done wrong like many others in this world. But he’s an old man now he’s probably just exhausted. I was quite shocked and somewhat saddened by hearing of his capture. It was really interesting hearing about the differences between the mafias. Thank you for your time making this video! Have a wonderful weekend can’t wait for the next❤️

THANK YOU MICHAEL.HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

another interesting and informative video. Good Job

i read aboud Denaro 10 years ago and there was not any data any info or pics and i was super interested now Mr. Michael talks about it, i was waited for it tbh. Great

Great show!! Congrats on all your success.

Congrats Michael on your 1 million subs !!!! 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊

Congratulations on 1million plus subscriber's Michael. Great to hear real life stories from the horse's mouth.....and someone the lived the life.....peace ✌️ from Ireland 🇮🇪🍀

Great video. One of your best Michael Sir 🙏

Joy to listen to you Michael,all the best for you and your family greetings from Serbia.

Great video as always, saludos from san Jose ca

Congratulations on reaching a million, while keeping it 💯💯💯 the whole time.

1 million subscribers gained, well deserved Michael. May God continue to bless you this year 🙏🏾

Wow this is very interesting and so fun to listen to- keep it going 🙏🏻

Very glad you did this video. I was interested to know how these Cosa Nostra groups differed especially as related to the cartels. Very much enjoyed it. The only other time I remember discussions about killing someone from the Government was about Thomas Dewey. I think Dutch Schultz wanted him hit but the Commision forbid that. God Bless you and your family Michael!

Very much enjoy your channel King... God bless

I really enjoy listening to your perspective on various issues that you address. Congrats on changing your life around. PTL.

Love this info Mike, so glad u hit Ur mil. Keep up the.good work

Interesting insight. God bless Michael

Michael, how was the situation in italy seen in NY in the 80s? Early 80s was a huge war in Sicily and thousand made men were killed. Was that at all a topic of discussion? Did newly arrived Zips play a big role in your day to day during that time?

I tagged you in a post a couple of days ago and said that it would be interesting to get your perspective on this and just a few days later, here is the video! Thank you for this one, Michael. I and many others are very interested in your opinion

The questions at the end of the video. It may be interesting to be called “2 Mob Questions Epilogue” as a title or something before the video ends in a few minutes.

Congratulations on ONE MILLION subs! I think you’re going even higher. Just my opinion but IMO you’ve got one of the 3 best “mob” channels on YT (I also like Sammy Gravano’s channel and the mob historian OC Shorts). But once again, Congrats on A Cool Million! The “sitdowns” are gold!