How Much Money Did Michael Franzese Make? The Shocking Truth

In 1986, at the age of 35, Michael Franzese was listed as number 18 on Fortune Magazine’s list of the “Fifty Most Wealthy and Powerful Mafia Bosses.” He claimed to have earned $8 million per week at the peak of his career.

It’s important to note that Franzese’s claim was made during a period when he was facing legal troubles and potentially trying to portray himself in a more favorable light. The precise amount of money he made is difficult to verify due to the nature of his activities. However, his presence on Fortune’s list is a testament to the sheer scale of his operations and the level of influence he held within the organized crime world.

Franzese’s wealth stemmed from his involvement in a wide range of illegal activities, primarily gasoline racketeering and loan sharking. He controlled a vast network of gas stations and manipulated the market through various illicit practices, including price-fixing and illegal distribution. He also made a substantial fortune through loan sharking, charging exorbitant interest rates on loans to individuals and businesses desperate for cash. His involvement in these activities allowed him to amass a substantial fortune, earning him a place among the wealthiest and most powerful figures in the criminal underworld.

While it’s impossible to know the exact amount of money he made, it’s clear that Michael Franzese operated on a massive scale and accumulated significant wealth through his criminal enterprises.