Michele Greco was born in Orta di Atella

Michele Greco was born on September 26, 1924, in the small town of Orta di Atella, located in the Campania region of Southern Italy. He would go on to become one of the most prominent figures in the Sicilian Mafia, also known as Cosa Nostra, during the 20th century. Growing up in a poverty-stricken family, Greco had early exposure to the criminal underworld. His father, Salvatore Greco, was a member of the infamous Greco Mafia clan, which had a long-standing presence in the region. Michele Greco's involvement in the Mafia started from a young age, as he became closely associated with his father's criminal activities. As he entered adulthood, Greco quickly rose through the ranks of Cosa Nostra, eventually attaining a position of power within the organization. He became part of the Sicilian Mafia Commission, also known as La Cupola, which was a governing body that ruled over various Mafia families in Sicily. This position granted him immense influence and authority within the criminal underworld. Under Greco's leadership, the Mafia not only controlled various illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and gambling but also exerted significant control and influence over political and economic affairs in Sicily. He was known for his strategic intelligence, ruthless tactics, and ability to maintain strong relationships with other powerful Mafia bosses. Throughout his criminal career, Greco managed to avoid lengthy prison sentences and maintained a low profile, making it difficult for law enforcement to apprehend him. This was largely due to the omertà, the code of silence, that was deeply ingrained within the Mafia, making it challenging for authorities to gather evidence against him and his associates. Greco's reign and influence, however, began to crumble in the early 1980s. The Maxi Trial, a landmark trial held in 1986, aimed to dismantle the power and influence of the Sicilian Mafia. Greco, along with several other prominent Mafia members, was finally brought to justice. He was charged and convicted in absentia on multiple counts of murder, extortion, and association with a criminal organization. Despite his conviction, Greco managed to evade capture and remained a fugitive until his death on February 13, 2008, in the town of Aversa, near Naples. His death marked the end of an era for Cosa Nostra, as his influence and leadership had been crucial in shaping the organization's operations in Sicily. Michele Greco's life and criminal activities stood as a testament to the power and reach of organized crime during his time. His ruthless tactics and ability to maintain a strong grip on the Mafia made him a feared and respected figure within the criminal underworld. While his reign ultimately came to an end, the impact of his actions and the legacy he left behind continue to shape the history of the Sicilian Mafia.