In the first half of part two of this two-part episode, legendary undercover agent Joe Pistone and retired agent Donnie Brasco talk about why Joe chose the name “Donnie Brasco” for his alias, and how Joe felt when Donnie followed in his footsteps.
Joe talks about how he felt when he learned Donnie had applied to join the FBI, presented him with his agent credentials at his FBI Academy graduation, and the advice he would have given Donnie if he knew he was applying to attend the undercover certification school.
Joe also provides insights about what is required to be a good undercover agent and a successful true crime and crime fiction author.
During the second half of the episode, Donnie reviews his undercover role during the group one operation code-named “Black Eagle.”
Watch the video interview on YouTube.
Special Agent (Retired)
Donald Brasco
3/2001- 5/2022
Retired agent Donnie Brasco served in the FBI for 21 years. He was initially assigned to the FBI’s Washington Field Office (WFO) shortly before the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. Donnie spent several months on TDY in the Newark Division working on the Anthrax investigation, prior to being permanently transferred to the Philadelphia Division, where he worked on a Drug/Gang Squad and became an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang subject matter expert, working closely with the Mid Atlantic Gang Law Enforcement network (MGLCN). He earned Safe Streets Certification and Special Operations Certification.
During his career, he attended the FBI Undercover Certification school and began taking on UCA assignments around the world. While undergoing these roles, he attended the Gemological Institute of America, receiving a law enforcement certification in gemstone identification.
While still assigned to the Philadelphia Field Office, Donnie transferred from the drug gang squad to the Field Intelligence Squad and Special Operations Squad, conducting surveillances throughout the U.S.
He has been recognized as a runner-up for the North-East Region Case Award and received the Polizia Italia Naples Italy, case participation award, Pennsylvania Attorney General commendation for participation in the apprehension murder subjects in the homicide of a police officer and a Pennsylvania State Trooper.
In 2007, Donnie represented the FBI in Afghanistan and became certified for international interview and interrogation, receiving the Franklin Award for his efforts in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Later in his career, he volunteered to serve as an FBI National Academy Counselor at the FBI Academy.
Since retiring from the FBI, Donnie has become an author, currently working on a book about his infamous name and his FBI career following in the footsteps of his uncle, legendary undercover agent Joe Pistone. Donnie can be reached at therealdonniebrasco.com and Instagram @donniebrascofbi.
Special Agent (Retired)
Joseph Pistone
7/7/1969 – 2/28/1996
Retired agent Joe Pistone served in the FBI for nearly 27 years. He spent six years on an undercover assignment so sensitive that only a handful of agents knew what he was doing and where he was, as he secretly gathered vital intelligence on the Mafia and its criminal ways. His undercover work has been documented in numerous books, documentaries, and television shows, including the 1997 feature film Donnie Brasco, starring Johnny Depp and Al Pacino.
Once the undercover assignment was closed down, Joe spent the remainder of his Bureau career testifying in federal court all around the country for mob-related trials and at the FBI Academy helping to establish the FBI’s undercover program and training courses. Joe continues to travel overseas lecturing and training law enforcement officers how to “go undercover.”
Joe has penned several non-fiction books about infiltrating the New York mob and four crime novels. Visit his website JoePistoneMerch.com to learn more.
The following are links to articles about Operation Black Eagle and images related to Donnie’s FBI career:
Press Release FBI Newark Division — Federal Agents Shut Down International Smorgasbord of Crime
Stranger’s Guide – Disorganized Crime: How the Albanian mafia went global
