Origins & Early Life

Tommaso Buscetta (Italian pronunciation: [tomˈmaːzo buʃˈʃetta]; 13 July 1928 – 2 April 2000), also known as "Don Masino" or "The Boss of Two Worlds" (Italian: il boss dei due mondi), was a high-ranking Italian mobster and a member of the Sicilian Mafia. He became one of the first of its members to turn informant (pentito) and explain the inner workings of the organization. Buscetta participated in criminal activity in Italy, the United States and Brazil before being arrested and extradited from Brazil to Italy. He became disillusioned with the Mafia after the murders of several of his family members, and in 1984, decided to cooperate with the authorities.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He provided important testimony at the 1986/87 Maxi Trial, the largest anti-Mafia trial in history. After the murder of the judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, Buscetta gave further testimony to the Antimafia Commission linking Italian politicians to the Mafia. Buscetta entered the Witness Protection Program in the United States, where he remained until his death in 2000. Tommaso Buscetta was born on 13 July 1928, in Palermo, Sicily, the youngest of 17 children; his father was a glazier. Buscetta was raised...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

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• 1928 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1928
• July 13 (07-13) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on July 13
• 2000 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 2000
• April 2 (04-02) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on April 2