Vincenzo Pesce (Rosarno, May 27, 1959), also known as Cenzo, is an Italian criminal and a member of the 'Ndrangheta, a Mafia-type organisation in Calabria. He is based in Rosarno and heads the Pesce 'ndrina.
The son of Francesco Pesce, a historical boss of the clan, he heads the family with his brothers Antonio, Giuseppe, Rocco and Salvatore Pesce. When he was released from prison in 2008, he took over the command over the clan, despite opposition by his nephew Francesco Pesce, known as "Cicciu testuni" and the son of the boss Antonino Pesce who is in jail since 1993.[1]
He was an important power behind the decision to appoint Domenico Oppedisano as capo crimine – the ceremonial head of the 'Ndrangheta – in August 2009.[1] After the demise of his father Antonio Pelle Gambazza in November 2009, his son Giuseppe Pelle aspired to replace his father as capo crimine. However, Vincenzo Pesce felt that the nomination of Pelle would distort the equilibrium in the 'Ndrangheta and treathened to form a separate organization taking some 30 locali – local 'Ndrangheta organisations – with him. In stead of Pelle, Oppedisano became the capo crimine.[2]
On April 28, 2010, the clan was hit in a police operation, known as Operation All Inside, that led to the arrest of 30 people accused of Mafia association including Vincenzo Pesce. On September 20, 2011, at the All Inside trial, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison.[1][3][4]