Inside the Mafia: The Shocking True Story of Mafia Kingpin Salvatore Riina

Salvatore Riina, often dubbed the "Boss of Bosses" in the Sicilian Mafia, was born on November 16, 1930, in Corleone, Sicily. His early life was marked by poverty; he was born into a family of farmers and was the fifth of seven children. The harsh economic conditions of rural Sicily during this period played a significant role in shaping his future path.

Riina's involvement with the Mafia began at a young age. In the post-World War II era, the Sicilian countryside was a hotbed for Mafia activity, and young Riina quickly became immersed in this underworld. His initiation into organized crime was marked by his association with prominent Mafia figures like Luciano Leggio, a key influence in his criminal career.