What is michael franzese?

Michael Franzese

Michael Franzese (born May 27, 1951) is a former New York mobster and caporegime of the Colombo crime family. He was heavily involved in racketeering activities during the 1980s, particularly in gasoline tax fraud.

  • Early Life and Family: Franzese is the son of John%20"Sonny"%20Franzese, a notorious underboss in the Colombo family. He grew up surrounded by the Mafia lifestyle.

  • Criminal Career: He became a made man in the Colombo family in 1975 and quickly rose through the ranks due to his intelligence and business acumen. Franzese masterminded several lucrative schemes, including a gasoline tax fraud that generated millions of dollars.

  • Gasoline Tax Fraud: This operation involved evading federal and state taxes on gasoline sales. Franzese and his associates controlled a network of gas stations and shell companies to siphon off tax revenue. This scheme made him one of the biggest money earners in the Mafia.

  • Arrest and Imprisonment: In 1986, Franzese was indicted on racketeering charges related to the gasoline tax fraud. He was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

  • Turning to Christianity: While incarcerated, Franzese became a born-again Christian. He claims to have renounced his Mafia ties and dedicated his life to spreading his faith.

  • Life After Prison: After his release, Franzese became a motivational speaker and author. He shares his story of redemption and warns against the dangers of organized crime. He has written books and given numerous interviews about his experiences.

  • Controversies: Despite his claimed conversion, some remain skeptical of Franzese's sincerity. He has faced allegations of continuing ties to the Mafia, which he denies. His past actions continue to be a source of controversy.