 Tripodo acquired considerable financial resources through tobacco smuggling.He had relations with the Sicilian Mafia and was the "compare d’anello" (a kind of best man and trusted friend) of Mafia boss Totò Riina at his wedding in 1974.According to Enzo Ciconte, a specialist on the 'Ndrangheta and a consultant for the Antimafia Commission, that would only be possible if they would be considered to be of the same rank.