<a href="https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tot%C3%B2_Riina_il_capo_dei_capi_sorride.jpg">Shirto</a>, <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0">CC BY-SA 4.0</a>, via Wikimedia Commons

Totò Riina

Published: 31 December 2025

Salvatore "Totò" Riina, infamously known as "The Beast" (La Belva), remains one of the most notorious figures in Italian history. Born on November 16, 1930, in the small Sicilian town of Corleone, Riina rose through the ranks of the Mafia, ultimately becoming the undisputed boss of the Cosa Nostra. His reign was marked by unprecedented violence and a ruthless crackdown on anyone who dared to oppose the Mafia’s rule, earning him a reputation as one of the bloodiest criminals in the world.

Early Life in Corleone

Born into poverty, Riina's childhood was shaped by hardship and the loss of his father in a World War II-era accident involving unexploded munitions. Like many young men in post-war Sicily, Riina was drawn into the world of organized crime, joining the Mafia at just 19 years old. Under the mentorship of Luciano Leggio, Riina quickly proved his value to the organization, participating in numerous killings and enforcing the Mafia’s will with unparalleled brutality.

The Rise to Power

The Corleone Mafia, once a relatively small and isolated group, began to expand its influence under Leggio. When Leggio was arrested in the 1970s, Riina stepped into the power vacuum. Known for his calculated cunning, he orchestrated a violent campaign to eliminate rival Mafia factions in what became known as the 'Second Mafia War' of the early 1980s. Hundreds of people were killed during this internal struggle, including high-profile Mafiosi, judges, and police officers.

Riina's success in consolidating power was due to his iron grip on the organization and his reliance on terror to silence dissent. By the mid-1980s, he was the undisputed 'Boss of Bosses', controlling much of the Mafia's activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and political corruption.

The Brutal Reign of Totò Riina

Riina’s reign as head of the Cosa Nostra was marked by unprecedented violence. His strategy was clear: eliminate any opposition, whether within the Mafia or in Sicilian society at large. His most infamous acts include the murders of anti-Mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino in 1992, which sent shockwaves across Italy and the world.

The assassinations of Falcone and Borsellino, carried out using massive explosives, marked a turning point in public sentiment. For decades, the Mafia had operated in the shadows, often with the silent complicity of locals. But these brutal killings galvanized Italian society, prompting mass protests and a renewed commitment to dismantling the Cosa Nostra.

Capture and Trial

After nearly 24 years as a fugitive, Riina was finally arrested on January 15, 1993, in Palermo. His capture marked a major victory for Italian law enforcement, though it came at a high cost—many officers and officials had lost their lives pursuing him. Riina was tried and convicted of multiple murders and sentenced to life in prison.

Even behind bars, Riina’s influence lingered. Through coded messages and loyal intermediaries, he continued to issue orders from prison, though his grip on the Mafia weakened over time. In 2017, Riina died in a prison hospital at the age of 87, leaving behind a dark legacy of fear and violence.

Legacy and Impact

Totò Riina’s story is one of unchecked ambition and cruelty. While his rise to power highlights the deep-rooted social and economic issues that allowed the Mafia to thrive, his eventual capture and the public backlash against his crimes signaled a turning point in Italy’s battle against organized crime.

Today, Riina is remembered not only as a symbol of the Mafia’s brutal power but also as a catalyst for change. His reign of terror mobilized Italian society and the government to take a stand against organized crime, leading to significant reforms in law enforcement and the justice system.

Conclusion

Totò Riina’s life is a chilling reminder of the devastation that unchecked power and violence can bring. As one of history’s most infamous criminals, his story continues to serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of organized crime and the resilience of those who fight against it.

Italy — national feature image — Italy at a glance — then the bigger picture: what shaped the state, how it works, what it produces, and where it stands.

Italy — global snapshot

Stable reference signals for quick orientation.

Area

301,340 km²

Covers a long peninsula extending into the Mediterranean, plus two major islands — Sicily and Sardinia — and numerous smaller island groups. The geography includes alpine regions, fertile plains, volcanic zones, and extensive coastline, shaping settlement, climate, and transport patterns.

Population

~59 million

One of the largest populations in the European Union, with density concentrated in urban and northern regions. Long-term demographic trends include low birth rates, population ageing, and increasing reliance on inward migration for workforce balance.

Coastline

~7,600 km

A predominantly maritime nation bordered by the Tyrrhenian, Adriatic, Ionian, and Ligurian seas. The extended coastline supports ports, tourism, fisheries, naval infrastructure, and a long-standing seafaring and trading tradition.

UNESCO sites

The highest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites globally, spanning ancient cities, archaeological landscapes, historic centres, and cultural routes. This reflects Italy’s layered civilisations and the density of preserved cultural assets across its territory.

Currency

Euro (EUR)

Member of the Eurozone, with monetary policy set at European Central Bank level. Use of the euro facilitates trade, investment, and financial integration across the EU single market.

Time

CET / CEST

Operates on Central European Time, with daylight saving applied seasonally. The time zone aligns Italy with major European capitals, supporting coordination in business, transport, and broadcasting.

Tourism

~50–65M

Among the world’s most visited countries, attracting visitors for heritage cities, landscapes, cuisine, and lifestyle. Tourism is economically significant but regionally uneven, with strong seasonal concentration in major destinations.

Global role

A founding member of the European Union and a permanent participant in G7 coordination. Italy’s influence is exercised through diplomacy, industrial capability, cultural reach, and multilateral institutions.

Governance