Giuseppe Greco had no scruples when it came to whom he killed. Powerful Mafia rivals were of course among his targets, yet he also often broke precedent by killing victims’ family members, law enforcement, and politicians with practically no moderation (per Criminal Minds Wiki). One of his most influential killings was that of Italian General Carlo Alberto dalla Chiesa. The general was purportedly involved in the deadly Years of Lead — a period of violent terrorism by far-right and far-left elements, per The Economist. Greco reportedly shot Chiesa alongside his wife and bodyguard after the general was appointed Italy’s head of counterterrorism (per Italy On This Day).

In one instance, he brutally mutilated and executed the son of Salvatore Inzerillo, a Mafia boss and another victim of Greco. In another, he killed police magistrate Rocco Chinnici and three others with a car bomb. Two years after the Second Mafia War’s conclusion, his tendencies led the higher-ups to become fed up with him, and according to All That’s Interesting, Mafia leader Salvatore Riina supposedly ordered Greco’s death. In spite of this, the assassin was still brought to trial, convicted, and sentenced to life in prison.