Ex-Mafia Boss: I Made $8 Million Every Week Until The FBI Destroyed My Life! What I Learned...

However, the family’s criminal legacy was inescapable. When Michael was 16, his father was convicted and sentenced to 50 years in prison for masterminding a nationwide bank robbery conspiracy. This event marked a turning point for Michael, who, driven by loyalty and a desire to help his father, abandoned his pre-med studies and embraced the mafia life. At 20 years old, he was formally inducted into the Colombo family, taking the oath of omertà, a vow of silence that defines the mafia’s code of conduct.

Life in the Mafia: Power, Money, and Danger

Michael’s rise within the mafia was swift and marked by a sharp business acumen that distinguished him from many of his peers. He explains the distinction between “gangsters” and “racketeers” within the mob—the former being enforcers and muscle, the latter skilled businessmen who leveraged the criminal lifestyle to generate substantial wealth. Michael belonged to the latter group, using his intelligence and networking skills to build legitimate businesses alongside illicit operations.

At the peak of his criminal career, Michael was involved in one of the largest and most lucrative gasoline tax fraud schemes in U.S. history. This complex operation defrauded the government of taxes on half a billion gallons of gasoline monthly, generating upwards of $8 million a week. Despite the enormous sums, Michael maintained a lifestyle that was flashy but not ostentatious, owning multiple homes, two yachts, a jet, and a helicopter. He was deeply involved in managing a large crew and various legitimate enterprises, including car dealerships and film production companies.

Michael’s story also sheds light on the internal politics and dangers of mafia life. He recounts witnessing violent murders and betrayals, including a harrowing incident where his own father betrayed him during a critical confrontation designed to “put him in his place.” This betrayal fractured their relationship and planted the seeds for Michael’s eventual departure from the life.

Encounters with Law Enforcement and Legal Battles

From the moment he entered the mafia, Michael was a prime target for law enforcement. Over his criminal career, he was arrested 18 times and faced multiple indictments, including two federal racketeering cases. He describes the intense pressure and stress of living under constant surveillance, wiretaps, and undercover investigations, including a year-long FBI probe into organized crime’s infiltration of professional boxing.

Despite the relentless pursuit by authorities, Michael was adept at navigating the legal system, often beating cases or negotiating plea deals. His most significant legal battle involved the gasoline tax fraud case, where he leveraged his knowledge and legal strategy to reduce a potential 25-year sentence and $100 million fine down to 10 years and $20 million in fines and forfeitures. He served eight years in federal prison, including 29 months in solitary confinement, an experience he describes as torturous but ultimately transformative.

Transformation Through Faith and Solitary Confinement

It was during his time in solitary confinement that Michael experienced a profound spiritual awakening. Facing the darkest moments of his life, isolated and stripped of all control, he turned to God for help. A prison guard’s unexpected gesture of leaving a Bible in his cell became a catalyst for his conversion. Initially angry and resistant, Michael eventually found solace and guidance in the scriptures, particularly the book of Proverbs. Verses about trust, enemies, and divine guidance resonated deeply with him, helping him confront his own shortcomings and the reality of his situation.

This spiritual transformation was not instantaneous but marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to faith and ministry. Michael emphasizes that his decision to leave the mafia was motivated not only by love for his wife—a young Christian woman he met while producing a movie—but also by a growing realization of the destructive nature of his lifestyle. He stresses that the mafia life, while sometimes portrayed as glamorous, is fundamentally an “evil lifestyle” that devastates families and communities.

Life After the Mafia: Ministry, Business, and Legacy

Since leaving the mafia, Michael has dedicated himself to ministry and motivational speaking, sharing his story to inspire others to overcome adversity and find purpose. He has reached millions through his talks, books, and online presence, emphasizing themes of redemption, faith, and personal responsibility.

In addition to his ministry work, Michael has re-entered the business world with a unique venture in the wine industry. Partnering with a young entrepreneur from Armenia, he helped launch a wine company that celebrates the ancient heritage of Armenian vineyards, believed to be the site of Noah’s Ark’s landing. The company has grown rapidly, securing distribution in major retailers across the United States and even introducing a non-alcoholic wine product praised by top chefs and restaurants.

Michael’s approach to business today reflects lessons learned from his past: the importance of surrounding oneself with trustworthy people, delegating effectively, and maintaining focus on what truly matters—faith, family, and integrity. He acknowledges that while he could have continued to pursue wealth and power, his priorities have shifted toward leaving a positive legacy as a “good person.”

Reflections on Leadership, Trust, and Overcoming Adversity

Throughout the conversation, Michael offers candid insights into leadership and human nature, drawing parallels between the mafia and legitimate business. He highlights the inevitability of jealousy and envy in any competitive environment and the necessity of managing relationships carefully. Trust, he says, is paramount but fragile, and leaders must be vigilant in choosing their allies.

Michael also discusses the psychological toll of his former life, including the constant threat of betrayal and violence, and the mental discipline required to survive. His story underscores the value of humility, listening more than speaking, and the courage to face one’s own flaws honestly.