Felice Maniero is a name that strikes a chord in Italy's organized crime history. Known as "Faccia d'Angelo" or "Angel Face," Maniero's reign over the Mala del Brenta criminal organization left an indelible mark on the Veneto region. This article delves into his life, career, and the financial empire he built, providing a comprehensive look at one of Italy's most infamous crime bosses.
Quick Info
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Felice Maniero |
| Also Known As | Faccia d'Angelo |
| Occupation | Crime Boss |
| Age (as of 2024) | 70 years |
| Date of Birth | September 2, 1954 |
| Birthplace | Campolongo Maggiore, Italy |
| Nationality | Italian |
| net worth (2025) | Estimated $10 million |
| Parents | Lucia Carrain, Ottorino Maniero |
| Children | Elena Maniero (deceased), Alessandro Biselli |
Early Life
Felice Maniero was born on September 2, 1954, in Campolongo Maggiore, a small town in the province of Venice, Italy. His early years were marked by a modest upbringing, but few could have predicted that this boy would grow up to become one of Italy's most feared crime bosses.
Growing Up in Campolongo Maggiore
Campolongo Maggiore, a serene town in the Veneto region, provided the backdrop for Maniero's formative years. Raised in a relatively unremarkable family, he was the son of Lucia Carrain and Ottorino Maniero. Despite the seemingly peaceful environment, Maniero's early exposure to petty crime set the stage for his future endeavors.
The Path to Crime
Maniero's journey into the underworld began with small-time thefts and misdemeanors. However, his charisma and ruthless ambition quickly propelled him into more significant criminal activities. By his early twenties, he had already established himself as a formidable figure in the local criminal landscape.
Career Highlights
Felice Maniero's criminal career is a tale of audacious heists, drug trafficking, and a complex network of alliances. His leadership of the Mala del Brenta transformed the organization into a major player in the Italian underworld.
Formation of Mala del Brenta
Under Maniero's leadership, the Mala del Brenta evolved from a small band of thieves into a powerful criminal syndicate. Operating primarily in the Veneto region, the organization engaged in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and high-stakes armed robberies.
Key Collaborations and Rivalries
Maniero's rise to power was marked by strategic alliances and fierce rivalries. He collaborated with Sicilian mafiosi to expand his influence while clashing with other notorious mobsters like Francis Turatello and Edoardo Contini, both of whom shared the "Faccia d'Angelo" moniker.
Major Heists and Operations
Maniero orchestrated several high-profile heists that cemented his reputation as a master criminal. One of the most notable was the armed robbery of the Venice Casino in 1984, which netted the organization millions of dollars. These audacious acts not only enriched the Mala del Brenta but also instilled fear and respect among rivals and authorities alike.
Personal Life
While Felice Maniero's public life was steeped in crime, his personal life was equally complex. He was a family man, but his criminal activities often overshadowed his domestic responsibilities.
Family Ties
Maniero's parents, Lucia Carrain and Ottorino Maniero, played significant roles in his early life. He had children, including Elena Maniero, who tragically passed away, and Alessandro Biselli. Despite his criminal lifestyle, Maniero maintained close ties with his family, often using his wealth to ensure their well-being.
The Double Life
Balancing his criminal empire with his personal life was no easy feat. Maniero's ability to lead a double life—maintaining a facade of respectability while orchestrating criminal operations—demonstrates his cunning and strategic mind.
Financial Insights
Felice Maniero's financial empire was built on a foundation of illegal activities, but its scale and scope were staggering. This section delves into the financial aspects of his criminal career, including his net worth and the economic impact of his operations.
Net Worth and Financial Success
As of 2024, Felice Maniero's estimated net worth stands at around $10 million. This figure, while impressive, only scratches the surface of the wealth he accumulated during his criminal career. The Mala del Brenta's operations generated millions of dollars annually, with significant portions laundered through legitimate businesses.
Economic Impact of Criminal Activities
Maniero's involvement in drug trafficking and armed robberies profoundly impacted the economy. The influx of illicit funds into the Veneto region stimulated certain sectors while also fueling corruption and violence. Maniero's financial acumen allowed him to reinvest his earnings into new ventures, perpetuating the cycle of crime and profit.
Legal Repercussions and Asset Seizures
Despite his efforts to shield his wealth, Maniero faced significant legal challenges. Following his arrest and subsequent cooperation with authorities, many of his assets were seized. However, the full extent of his financial empire remains a subject of speculation, with some assets believed to be hidden beyond the reach of law enforcement.
The Pentito Phase
In February 1995, Felice Maniero took a dramatic turn in his criminal career by becoming a pentito, or collaborator with Italian justice. This decision had far-reaching consequences for him, his organization, and the broader criminal landscape.
Cooperation with Authorities
Maniero's decision to cooperate with the authorities marked a pivotal moment in his life. As a pentito, he provided invaluable information that led to the dismantling of the Mala del Brenta. His testimony helped convict numerous associates and significantly weakened the organization's hold on the Veneto region.
The Aftermath
While his cooperation earned him leniency, it also marked him as a traitor in the eyes of many former allies. Maniero's life post-collaboration was fraught with danger, as he faced threats from those he had betrayed. Despite these challenges, he managed to survive, albeit under constant threat.
Continuing Criminal Activities
Reports suggest that even after becoming a pentito, Maniero continued to engage in criminal activities. This paradoxical behavior highlights the complexities of his character and the challenges of fully extricating oneself from the world of organized crime.
Conclusion
Felice Maniero's life is a compelling narrative of ambition, power, and betrayal. From his humble beginnings in Campolongo Maggiore to his rise as the leader of the Mala del Brenta and eventual cooperation with authorities, Maniero's story exemplifies the allure and dangers of the criminal underworld. His legacy, marked by both infamy and intrigue, continues to captivate those who delve into the annals of Italian organized crime.
FAQ Section
Who is Felice Maniero?
Felice Maniero, also known as "Faccia d'Angelo," is a former Italian crime boss who led the Mala del Brenta, a criminal organization based in the Veneto region.
What is the Mala del Brenta?
The Mala del Brenta was a powerful criminal syndicate involved in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking and armed robberies, primarily operating in the Veneto region of Italy.
Why did Felice Maniero become a pentito?
In February 1995, Maniero decided to cooperate with Italian authorities, providing information that led to the dismantling of the Mala del Brenta. This decision was likely influenced by the threat of severe legal repercussions and the possibility of leniency.
What was Felice Maniero's net worth?
As of 2024, Felice Maniero's estimated net worth is around $10 million, although the full extent of his wealth remains uncertain due to the hidden nature of many of his assets.
What happened to the Mala del Brenta after Maniero's cooperation with authorities?
Following Maniero's cooperation, the Mala del Brenta was significantly weakened, with many of its members arrested and convicted. However, some elements of the organization reportedly continued to operate under new leadership.
What is the significance of the nickname "Faccia d'Angelo"?
"Faccia d'Angelo," or "Angel Face," is a nickname shared by Felice Maniero and other notorious mobsters like Francis Turatello and Edoardo Contini. It reflects a deceptive appearance of innocence that belies their ruthless criminal activities.
Felice Maniero's story vividly illustrates the complexities and contradictions inherent in the world of organized crime. His life, marked by extraordinary success and profound consequences, offers a window into the shadowy dynamics of power and loyalty in the criminal underworld.
