In your Sunday night movie Mafia Mamma, an American mother inherits her grandfather's mafia empire. Research by TransCrime shows that male crime bosses headed for prison often hand over their assets and businesses to their wives, daughters, or sisters. These women have demonstrated remarkable resilience and resourcefulness, using their unique talents and abilities to sustain criminal enterprises.
Here's a look at some of the most notorious mafiosas.
Cheng Chui Ping – “The Mother of all Snakeheads”
During a 20-year reign of terror, Cheng Chui Ping, known as “The Mother of all Snakeheads”, made millions by smuggling as many as 3 000 illegal immigrants from China into the United Kingdom. According to reports, Ping's operation was a well-oiled machine with at least a dozen people on her payroll and seven safe houses.
Maria Licciardi – "The Godmother” or “La Madrina”
Maria Licciardi, one of Italy's most prominent female mafia bosses, took over her brother Gennaro Licciardi's business upon his arrest in 1993. Licciardi’s clan, based in the suburb of Secondigliano, is said to have controlled a significant portion of organised crime in the area. While trying to board a plane to Spain in 2021, Licciardi was arrested for running extortion rackets and receiving stolen money.
Griselda – “The Black Widow”
Based in Miami in the 1970s and 1980s, “The Black Widow", one of the most notorious narco-traffickers, pioneered the cocaine trade's shift from the Caribbean to the United States. Her network flooded Miami with cocaine and brought in $80 million a month nationally.
Stephanie St Clair – "Queen of the Rackets"
An influential figure in the underworld, St Clair ran an illegal lottery game and was involved in prostitution, extortion, and bootlegging. As a symbol of her wealth, she mostly wore diamond jewellery and fur coats.
Follow the new head of the family in Mafia Mamma this Sunday at 20:30 on M-Net channel 101 or stream it on DStv Stream. Watch the trailer below.
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Feature image: Mafia Mamma