Modern world There are many criminal groups, and each has its own leader, its own boss, its own head. But comparing the current leaders of the mafia and criminal organizations with the bosses of past dashing years is a matter doomed to failure and criticism. Past bosses of the criminal world created entire empires of evil and violence, extortion and drug trafficking. Their so-called families lived according to their own laws, and violation of these laws foreshadowed death and cruel punishment for disobedience. We bring to your attention a list of the most legendary and influential mafiosi in history.

10
(1974 - present time)

Once the leader of one of the largest drug cartels in Mexico, which is called Los Zetas. At the age of 17 he joined the Mexican army, and later worked in a special unit to combat the drug cartel. The transition to the side of the traders occurred after he was recruited into the Golfo cartel. The private mercenary force Los Zetas hired from the organization later grew into the largest drug cartel in Mexico. Heriberto dealt very harshly with his competitors, for which his criminal group was given the nickname “Executioners.”

9
(1928 — 2005)

Since 1981, he led the Genovese family, while everyone considered Antonio Salermo to be the boss of the family. Vincent was nicknamed "Crazy Boss" for his, to put it mildly, inappropriate behavior. But, it was only for the authorities; Gigante’s lawyers spent 7 years bringing certificates indicating that he was crazy, thereby avoiding a sentence. Vincent's people controlled crime throughout New York and other major American cities.

8
(1902 – 1957)

The boss of one of the five mafia families of criminal America. The head of the Gambino family, Albert Anastasia, had two nicknames - “The Chief Executioner” and “The Mad Hatter”, and the first was given to him because his group “Murder, Inc.” was responsible for about 700 deaths. He was a close friend of Lucky Luciano, whom he considered his teacher. It was Anastasia who helped Lucky take control of the entire criminal world, carrying out contract killings for him of the bosses of other families.

7
(1905 — 2002)

Patriarch of the Bonanno family and the richest mobster in history. The history of the reign of Joseph, who was called “Banana Joe,” goes back 30 years; after this period, Bonanno voluntarily retired and lived in his personal huge mansion. The Castellamarese War, which lasted 3 years, is considered one of the most significant events in the criminal world. Ultimately, Bonanno organized a crime family that still operates in the United States.

6
(1902 – 1983)

Meir was born in Belarus, the city of Grodno. Coming from Russian Empire became the most powerful man in the United States and one of the country's crime leaders. He is the creator of the National Crime Syndicate and the parent of the gambling business in the states. He was the largest bootlegger (illegal liquor dealer) during Prohibition.

It was Gambino who became the founder of one of the most influential families in criminal America. After seizing control of a number of highly profitable areas, including illegal bootlegging, a government port and an airport, the Gambino family becomes the most powerful of the five families. Carlo forbade his people from selling drugs, considering this type of business dangerous and attracting public attention. At its height, the Gambino family consisted of more than 40 groups and teams, and controlled New York, Las Vegas, San Francisco, Chicago, Boston, Miami and Los Angeles.

4
(1940 – 2002)

John Gotti was a famous figure, the press loved him, he was always dressed to the nines. Numerous New York law enforcement charges always failed, Gotti escaped punishment for a long time. For this, the press nicknamed him “Teflon John.” He received the nickname “Elegant Don” when he began to dress only in fashionable and stylish suits with expensive ties. John Gotti has been the leader of the Gambino family since 1985. During the reign, the family was one of the most influential.

3
(1949 – 1993)

The most brutal and daring Colombian drug lord. He went down in the history of the 20th century as the most brutal criminal and the head of the largest drug cartel. He organized the supply of cocaine to different parts of the world, mainly to the USA, on a grand scale, even transporting tens of kilograms on airplanes. During his entire activity as the head of the Medellin cocaine cartel, he was involved in the murders of more than 200 judges and prosecutors, more than 1,000 police officers and journalists, presidential candidates, ministers, and prosecutors general. Escobar's net worth in 1989 was more than $15 billion.

2
(1897 – 1962)

Originally from Sicily, Lucky became, in fact, the founder of the criminal world in America. His real name is Charles, Lucky, which means “Lucky”, they began to call him after he was taken to a deserted highway, tortured, beaten, cut, burned in the face with cigarettes, and he remained alive after that. The people who tortured him were Maranzano gangsters; they wanted to know the location of the drug cache, but Charles remained silent. After unsuccessful torture, they abandoned the bloody body without any signs of life by the road, thinking that Luciano was dead, where he was picked up by a patrol car 8 hours later. He received 60 stitches and survived. After this incident, the nickname “Lucky” remained with him forever. Luckey organized the Big Seven, a group of bootleggers to whom he provided protection from the authorities. He became the boss of Cosa Nostra, which controlled all areas of activity in the criminal world.

1
(1899 – 1947)

A legend of the underworld of those times and the most famous mafia boss in history. He was a prominent representative criminal America. His areas of activity were bootlegging, prostitution, and gambling. Known as the organizer of the most brutal and significant day in the criminal world - the St. Valentine's Day Massacre, when seven influential gangsters from the Irish gang Bugs Moran were shot, including right hand boss. Al Capone was the first among all gangsters to “launder” money through a huge network of laundries, the prices of which were very low. Capone was the first to introduce the concept of “racketeering” and successfully dealt with it, laying the foundation for a new vector of mafia activity. Alfonso received the nickname “Scarface” at the age of 19, when he worked in a billiards club. He allowed himself to object to the cruel and seasoned criminal Frank Galluccio, moreover, he insulted his wife, after which a fight and a stabbing occurred between the bandits, as a result of which Al Capone received the famous scar on his left cheek. By right, Al Capone was the most influential person and a terror to everyone, including the government, which was able to put him behind bars only for tax evasion.

Despite Hollywood's relentless use of mafia images that have long since become clichés, there are still illegal groups in the world that control industry, engage in smuggling, cybercrime, and even shape the global economy of countries.

So where are they located and which ones are the most famous in the world?

Yakuza

This is not a myth, they exist and, by the way, were among the first to make significant efforts to help after the tsunami in Japan in 2011. The traditional areas of interest of the Yakuza are underground gambling, prostitution, drug trafficking, arms and ammunition trafficking, racketeering, production or sale of counterfeit products, car theft and smuggling. More sophisticated gangsters engage in financial fraud. Group members are different beautiful tattoos, which are usually hidden under clothes.

Mungiki

This is one of the most aggressive sects in Kenya, which arose in 1985 in the settlements of the Kikuyu people in the central part of the country. The Kikuyu gathered their own militia in order to protect the Maasai lands from government militants who wanted to suppress the resistance of the rebellious tribe. The sect, in essence, was a street gang. Later, large detachments were formed in Nairobi, which engaged in local racketeering transport companies transporting passengers around the city (taxi companies, car parks). They then switched to waste collection and disposal. Each slum resident was also obliged to pay representatives of the sect a certain amount in exchange for a quiet life in his own shack.

Russian Mafia

This is officially the most feared organized crime group. Former FBI special agents call the Russian mafia "the most dangerous people on the ground". In the West, the term “Russian mafia” can mean any criminal organization, both Russian itself and from other states of the post-Soviet space, or from the immigration environment in non-CIS countries. Some get hierarchical tattoos, often use military tactics and carry out contract killings.

Hell's Angels

Considered an organized crime group in the United States. This is one of the world's largest motorcycle clubs (Hells Angels Motorcycle Club), which has an almost mythical history and branches all over the world. According to the legend posted on the official website of the motorcycle club, during the Second World War the American Air Force had a 303rd heavy bomber squadron called “Hell’s Angels”. After the end of the war and the disbandment of the unit, the pilots were left without work. They believe that their homeland betrayed them and left them to their fate. They had no choice but to go against their “cruel country, get on motorcycles, join motorcycle clubs and rebel.” Along with legal activities (sales of motorcycles, motorcycle repair shops, sale of goods with symbols), the Hells Angels are known for illegal activities (sale of weapons, drugs, racketeering, control of prostitution, and so on).

Sicilian Mafia: La Cosa Nostra

The organization began its activities in the second half of the 19th century, when the Sicilian and American mafia were the strongest. Initially, Cosa Nostra was engaged in the protection (including the most brutal methods) of owners of orange plantations and nobles who owned large land plots. By the beginning of the 20th century, it had turned into an international criminal group, whose main activity was banditry. The organization has a clear hierarchical structure. Its members often resort to highly ritualistic methods of revenge, and also have a number of complex rites of initiation for men into the group. They also have their own code of silence and secrecy.

Albanian mafia

There are 15 clans in Albania that control most of Albanian organized crime. They control drug trafficking and are involved in human and weapons trafficking. They also coordinate the supply of large quantities of heroin to Europe.

Serbian mafia

Various criminal gangs based in Serbia and Montenegro, consisting of ethnic Serbs and Montenegrins. Their activities are quite diverse: drug trafficking, smuggling, racketeering, contract killings, gambling and information trading. Today there are about 30-40 active criminal gangs in Serbia.

Montreal Mafia Rizzuto

The Rizzuto are a crime family that is primarily based in Montreal but also operates in the provinces and Ontario. They once merged with families in New York, which ultimately led to the mafia wars in Montreal in the late 70s. Rizzuto owns hundreds of millions of dollars worth of real estate in different countries. They own hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, construction, food, service and trading companies. In Italy they own companies producing furniture and Italian delicacies.

Mexican drug cartels

Mexican drug cartels have existed for several decades; since the 1970s, some Mexican government agencies have been facilitating their activities. Mexican drug cartels intensified after the collapse of the Colombian drug cartels - Medellin and . Currently the main foreign supplier of cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine to Mexico, Mexican drug cartels dominate the wholesale illicit drug market.

Mara Salvatrucha

Slang for "Salvadoran Stray Ant Brigade" and often shortened to MS-13. This gang is found primarily in Central America and is based in Los Angeles (although they operate in other areas of North America and Mexico). According to various estimates, the number of this brutal crime syndicate ranges from 50 to 300 thousand people. Mara Salvatrucha is involved in many types of criminal businesses, including drug, arms and human trafficking, robbery, racketeering, contract killings, kidnapping for ransom, car theft, money laundering and fraud. A distinctive feature of the group's members are tattoos all over their bodies, including on the face and inner lips. They not only show a person’s gang affiliation, but also, with their details, tell about his criminal history, influence and status in the community.

Colombian drug cartels

As of 2011, it remained the largest producer of cocaine in the world. She had a special influence in the world. However, a strong anti-drug campaign has led to the elimination of many of the most dangerous manufacturers, such as cartels and . These families are known to have hired the most experienced experts in the illicit trade.

Chinese Triad

The triad is a form of secret criminal organizations in China and the Chinese diaspora. Triads have always had common beliefs (belief in the mystical meaning of the number 3, which is where their name comes from). Currently, triads are known primarily as mafia-style criminal organizations found in Taiwan and other Chinese immigration centers, specializing in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

D-Company

This group which is based in India, Pakistan and is led by Dawood Ibrahim. The organization's activities include extortion and terrorist acts. Thus, in 1993, it was responsible for the Bombay bombings, which killed 257 people and injured more than 700. D-Company is said to be financed by billions of dollars from real estate transactions and banking scams.

When I play Pokemon or the multiplayer first-person shooter Overwatch, I can't stop. Let's be honest with each other, you also can't tear yourself away from these games? Just imagine, what if real life Will at least one gang from the game break in? You say fantastic! Perhaps... But what would you do if this turned out to be true? Would you be friends or avoid?
Below we will describe the 16 most dangerous gangs of all time and some cases that we will consider.

16. Nazi low Riders (Nazi rebels)

gang tattoos
There are a huge number of gangs that use symbols, clothing or badges, but the Nazi rebels took it a step further and took it to the next level by getting swastikas - tattoos all over their bodies. This organization is a pretty good friend of the Aryan Nation/Brotherhood, which you will read about below.
They were founded in the 70s; in 1996 they included 28 people. Since then they have grown quite quickly and currently have over 5,000 gang members, including in prison. They often commit acts of racist violence in prison in order to move to the top ranks. William Ritchie did the same, stealing a handcuff key and using it to cut a black prisoner's face and neck.
Rebels often hang around schools, Internet clubs, and fast food joints in order to recruit young, potential gang members. They make money through illegal means, but their top priority is methamphetamine.

15. Mara Salvatrucha (Slang for: "Salvadoran Stray Ant Brigade")


This organization is better known as MS13 and has connections all over the world, including El Salvador, Mexico, Canada and the United States. It was founded in the early 1980s and consisted mainly of refugees from El Salvador and integrated into the Mexican Mafia, working as their hitmen.
MS13 are more dangerous in Central America, where they are most likely to run rackets, attacking bus drivers, kidnapping people, and taking control of urban areas and running drug markets there. This group known for helping carry out executions of the Zetas and Sinaloa from Mexico, as well as helping them with the drug trade.
You can join a gang after a 13-second blow to the groin, which may seem short, but is life-threatening. Leaving a gang can also lead to death. The gang is believed to have about 70,000 members worldwide.

14. Barrio Azteca


Barrio Azteca tattoos
The Barrio Azteca prison gangs began as armed support for the Juarez Cartel, and also help control drug trafficking in Juarez. They are said to have approximately 5,000 gang members in and out of prison throughout Mexico, as well as more than 3,000 prisoners in the United States.
Several crime lords have been linked to the group's criminal activities since it began in 1986 - contract killing, torture, arms trafficking, money laundering and human smuggling.
There have been several prison massacres carried out by Barrio Azteca, including 20 prisoners who died in 2009. Some of them were beaten to death or thrown out of a second-story window (if the fall did not lead to death, they were finished off).
An extravaganza of violence may have occurred in 2000, when several gang members captured a group of teenagers consisting of 16 people and killed them (the age of the guys ranged from 15-20 years). They also made history at another RIOT prison in 2011, killing 17 people and injuring 20 more.

13. Hells Angels


Hells Angels gang member
The most famous motorcycle gang, the Hells Angels, was founded in 1948. Many people joined to help organize charity events, parties and other social events. Over the course of a long history, none of them denied the criminal nature of this group - violence, drug distribution, extortion and other illegal actions. Their leader was convicted of murder, but at the same time they own completely legal tattoo parlors and gyms.
When police in Spain inspected 30 properties of this organization, they found: military-style weapons, ammunition, 1 kg of cocaine, neo-Nazi literature, body armor and $200,000 in cash. A report from Sweden stated that the 12 heads of the Hells Angels (which consist of approximately 170 people) were responsible for 2,800 crimes in their country.

12. United Bamboo or Bamboo Union


United Bamboo gang member
The Bamboo Union began in Taiwan and had 100,000 members. A huge number of gangs do not have specific leaders. Yao Yao Huang Shao Cen is the official boss/ruler of the gang. Since 2007, the gang has not been afraid to get its hands dirty politically - killing journalist Henry Liu in 1984 after he spoke out against the Kuomintang, the ruling party in Taiwan at the time.
In 2013, the gang came to public attention. Chinese hitman Bai Xiao Ye was arrested and convicted of murder, kidnapping, extortion and conspiracy to commit murder. Bai was sent by the Bamboo Union to ensure that Li Wen would pay his $10,000 debt, when he did not, Bai stabbed him 32 times. Prosecutors later concluded that this was how he made his living through contract killings from the Bamboo Union.

11. Mungiki


grouping
One of largest organizations in Kenya, there are 500,000 Mungikans who prefer to do their dirty work with a machete. This group continued to grow as they targeted youth (unemployed and looking for a purpose in life). Each of them is bound by an oath that ends with the words “I will die if I desert or betray a secret.” If you are a traitor, then in any case death is inevitable.
The gang is also known for promoting female circumcision. Of course, the state outlawed it in 2002. But in 2013, gang members burned down an entire city that did not want to pay tribute.

10. Aryan Nation/Brotherhood (Aryan nation/brotherhood)


Aryan Nation/Brotherhood tattoos
The brotherhood began at San Quentin Prison, consisting of 300 people inside the prison and 5,000 outside. The gang was originally created in the 1960s to fight against the Black Guerrilla Family, a gang of blacks. Outside prison, they engaged in extortion, drug trafficking and contract killing. In 2013, two prosecutors were found dead after helping the FBI indict 34 Aryan Brotherhood members.
Prison guards were a regular target for NA members, including one guard who was stabbed to death by Thomas Silverstein with a homemade knife made from a shower key. There is a "Supermax" prison, which houses 500 of the most violent criminals, to which Thomas was sent. The gang's spinoff, the Aryan Brotherhood of Texas, was formed in the 1980s and has about 30,000 members.

9. ALMIGHTY VICE LORD NATION


AVLN was created in 1958, its membership included 35,000 people. They, just like other groups, committed robberies, thefts, violence, and intimidation. They then tried to try something new rather than follow in the footsteps of the all-powerful Steward Lords.
They began to receive public approval (building a recreation area for children). But just like the Hells Angels, they did not stop their criminal activities. Smaller gangs began to join the AVLN and things subsequently became much more dangerous. For example, business owners who did not pay for their protection ended up dead.
Willie Lloyd was the main leader of this movement. He was arrested several times and stopped taking drugs in 2001. Several attempts were made on his life, one of which led to paralysis of the neck and lower body. Traditionally, the AVLN is in alliance with the Bloods against the Crips.

8. Crips


The Crips are famous for their blue color and their rivalry with the Bloods gang. They started back in 1969. Raymond Washington and Stanley Williams had their own gangs, but they decided to unite. Their composition grew and by 1978 already numbered 45 people. Sets opened in Los Angeles.
They received most of their income from the production of drugs, marijuana, and amphetamine.
In 1979, Raymond Washington was shot and killed, only adding to the bitter rivalry. In the 1980s, the Bloods and Crips rose to power through the distribution of illegal substances, and by 1999 it was reported that approximately 30,000 gang members were moving drugs throughout the United States. They were also united by other crimes.

7. Bloods


Bloods members
Perhaps this is the most suitable name for a gang that is known for its rivalry with the Crips. It formed to help provide protection for its members who had grown more violent.
It began in 1972 with the formation of the street gang Piru, which was created by Sylvester Scott and Benson Owens. The smaller communities were in conflict and they convinced them to band together and form the Bloods.
You can join this group only for life. It is forbidden to join other groups (even another set of Bloods). Initiation may vary by recruitment, but those who join are known to receive 3 cigarette burns on their right shoulder upon entry.

6. Latin Kings


grouping
Founded in 1954 in Chicago, the Latin Kings remain the largest and most organized gang in the Latino community. When the former detective was asked about it, he replied, "It's impossible to compare the Latin Kings organization to the Bloods and Crips."
There are two factions of the Latin Kings: the Motherland faction, which operates in 158 cities, 31 states and contains between 20,000 and 35,000 members, and the Bloodline faction, founded in 1986 and operates in 15 cities, 5 countries and includes approximately 7,500 members.
To make it seem more frightening, one of the main sources of income is contract killing, as well as various drug-related operations. If a member of the organization accidentally breaks one of the rules, there are a number of penalties: T.O.S. (Terminate on Sight) or something less severe - a 5-minute beating by 5 people.
25,000 people located in Chicago - Latin Kings. They also have connections in Puerto Rico, Mexico, Italy, Canada, Portugal, Brazil, UK and other famous countries.

5. Sinaloa cartel


El Chapo
This group was led by El Chapo (real name Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera), the most influential drug trafficker in the world. In 2014, Guzman was arrested and more than 450,000 kilograms of cocaine were reported to have entered the United States. This is not the only drug that the Sinaol punitive forces dealt with. They also imported large quantities of opium, heroin, marijuana, and in 2011 an article was published in the Los Angeles Times about the most influential Mexican organized group.
Sinaola Punisher began functioning in 1989 and numbered 500,000 people. This group covers most of Mexico, including 11 countries Latin America(Argentina, Brazil, Colombia), as well as Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Philippines and West Africa. Sinaola Punisher likes to torture people by dissolving bodies in lye vats and beheading them. Most often, videos of murders are posted on the Internet as a warning to other gangs.
Jorge Martin Tores is one of the main money launderers for punitive forces. He was sentenced to 44 months in prison for handling the purchase of planes for El Chapo (one for $300,000 and the other for $890,000). Money from drug trafficking. In addition, Thores bought Maseratis, BMWs, Mercedes, Lamborghinis and other exotic cars for El Chapo and his brother Alfred.

4. Los Zetas


car seizure of criminals
Los Zetas is a criminal organization that came into play in 1999 in Mexico. Consisted of 3,000 gang members who influenced 22 Mexican states, as well as territories in Guatemala and the United States. The Zetas are made up of deserters elite units Mexican army and former Guatemalan military personnel. They committed murders, taking pleasure in torture, and, like the Sinaola gang, they posted videos on the Internet.
In 2011, Mexican authorities discovered 193 bodies that had been brutally tortured by the Los Zetas gang. People were allegedly taken from numerous passenger buses: women were sexually assaulted, and men were forced to fight each other to the death, giving them knives, machetes, and hammers. The winners of the competition joined the gang and were forced to essentially commit suicide, trying to shoot their rivals from the Punisher gang.
This is not the only large-scale attack. In 2011, the Allendale Coahuila massacre occurred in which between 300 and 500 civilians were killed. They were also followed by a prison riot in 2012, in which 44 Gulf Punishers (a rival gang) were killed and 37 Zetas escaped. They were also involved in a shootout that killed 4 people and wounded 15 people (many of them innocent victims).

3. 14K Triad (TRIAD 14)


Van Quoc – Koi and tattoo
The 14K Triad is one of the largest gangs in the world. Located in Hong Kong. This group consists of about 25,000 people. Their most visible role is in drug trafficking. Here are some examples: In 2012, Hong Kong Customs noted that there had been a jump from 30 kg of cocaine in 2011 to 600 kg in 2012.
One of the main people associated with the launch of the operation was Wang Quoc Koi (better known as Broken Tooth Koi). He headed the Macau branch of 14K. Wang was not afraid of violence, eliminating his former boss in order to move up the stairs. He also participated in the launch successful business– casino. At one point, more than $6 million was accumulated per month.
To make the Triad appear more dangerous, they began working with the Sinaloa Punisher gang. In 2014, the triad (along with the executioners) was linked to the shipment of methamphetamine from China, which was valued at $10 billion.

2. Solntsevskaya lads


Founded in the 1970s, the Brotherhood currently numbers around 5,000 people, but they certainly make their presence known around the world. If there is a crime, they do it, but most of their profits come from cocaine sales and human trafficking. Known for being associated with Colombian drug gangs to help transport cocaine.
Their income is also associated with involvement in the stock market and credit card fraud. There is a connection between Semyon Magelevich and the mafia. Mogilevich is known to the FBI as the world's most dangerous gangster with links to contract killings, extortion, and international arms and drug trafficking. In 2014, Solntesvkaya Bratva was declared as the most profitable gang in the world by Forbes with an income of $8.5 billion.

1. Yakuza (Yakuza)


yakuza
This list includes gangs around the world, but it wouldn't be complete without talking about the Japanese Yakuza gang. It was founded back in the 17th century and currently has more than 100,000 members. There are 3 yakuza syndicates, the largest being the Yamaguchi family - the Gumi, which numbers 55,000 people. In 2014, Forbes reported that the organization's revenue was $6.6 billion.
When joining the Yakuza, you are required to sever all family ties, as you must be completely loyal to your boss. If you commit any crime that requires forgiveness from your boss, you must cut off the end of the finger of your left hand. They have a theory that without part of the finger, the hand is weak to hold a weapon, thus making you more dependent on the group.
The tattoos that often adorn gang members are often done using the irezumi style, which requires an enormous amount of time, sometimes taking years to complete. The Yakuza, like some other groups, traffics people. They usually go to poor areas and persuade women to come with them, and then force them into prostitution.
Japan's justice minister resigned in 2012 after it became clear he had ties to the gang. In 2004 in Japan, and in 2007 in the UK, the book “Yakuza Moon: Memoirs of a Gangster’s Daughter” was published, written by Shoko Tendo, the daughter of a real-life mafia boss. In addition, many non-fiction books and criminological studies are devoted to the topic of the yakuza.

There are many criminal groups in the world, which, due to their high organization and large numbers, have come to be called the mafia. This post will introduce you to the most powerful and brutal mafias in the world.

Sicilian mafia

Valid in Sicily from early XIX century, turning at the beginning of the 20th century into international organization. Initially, the organization was engaged in protecting the owners of orange plantations and nobles who owned large plots of land, mainly from themselves. These were the beginnings of racketeering. Later, Cosa Nostra expanded its area of ​​activity, becoming a criminal group in all respects. Since the 20th century, banditry has become the main activity of Cosa Nostra.

Russian Mafia

This is officially the most feared organized crime group. Former FBI special agents call the Russian mafia "the most dangerous people on Earth." In the West, the term “Russian mafia” can mean any criminal organization, both Russian itself and from other states of the post-Soviet space, or from the immigration environment in non-CIS countries. Some get hierarchical tattoos, often use military tactics and carry out contract killings.

Mexican Mafia (La eMe)

This gang is an ally of the Aryan Brotherhood from the southern coast of the United States. Known for her active involvement in the drug trade. Gang members are easily identified by a special tattoo in the form of a black hand located on the chest.

The Mexican Mafia was created in the late 50s by members of a Mexican street gang incarcerated in Deuel Prison, located in Trici, California. The gang was founded by thirteen Mexican-Americans from East Los Angeles, several of whom were members of the Marawila gang. They called themselves Mexicanemi, which translates from the Nahuatl language as “the one who walks with God in the heart.”

The Yakuza are organized crime syndicates in Japan, similar to the triad in other Asian countries or the Western mafia. Nevertheless, social organization and the work characteristics of the Yakuza are very different from other criminal groups: they even have their own office buildings, and their actions are often and completely openly written in the press.

One of the iconic images of the Yakuza is their intricate, colorful tattoos all over their bodies. The Yakuza use a traditional method of manually injecting ink under the skin, known as irezumi, as a form of proof of bravery as the method is quite painful.

Chinese Triad

The triad is a form of secret criminal organizations in China and the Chinese diaspora. Triads have always had common beliefs (belief in the mystical meaning of the number 3, which is where their name comes from). Currently, triads are known primarily as mafia-style criminal organizations common in Taiwan, the United States and other Chinese immigration centers, specializing in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.

"Triad" is one of the most patriotic mafias. During international events, militants guarantee the safety of foreigners, and during the SARS outbreak they even announced a $1 million bonus to a doctor who finds a cure for this disease.

Hell's Angels (USA)

One of the world's largest motorcycle clubs, with its chapters (branches) all over the world. It is included, along with Outlaws MC, Pagans MC and Bandidos MC, in the so-called “Big Four” outlaw clubs and is the most famous among them. Law enforcement A number of countries call the club a “motorcycle gang” and accuse them of drug trafficking, racketeering, trafficking in stolen goods, violence, murder, etc.

According to the legend posted on the official website of the motorcycle club, during the Second World War, the American Air Force had the 303rd heavy bomber squadron called “Hell’s Angels”. After the end of the war and the disbandment of the unit, the pilots were left without work. They believe that their homeland betrayed them and left them to their fate. They had no choice but to go against their “cruel country, get on motorcycles, join motorcycle clubs and rebel.”

Mara Salvatrucha

This mafia is involved in many types of criminal businesses, including trafficking in drugs, weapons and people; robberies, racketeering, contract killings, kidnappings for ransom, pimping, car thefts, money laundering and fraud.

Many street vendors and small shops located in the Mara Salvatrucha territories pay the gang up to half of their income for the opportunity to work. Many Salvadorans living in the United States are also forced to pay MS-13; if they refuse, the bandits will mutilate or kill their relatives in their homeland.

Montreal Mafia Rizzuto

The Rizzuto are a crime family that is primarily based in Montreal but operates in the provinces of Quebec and Ontario. They once merged with families in New York, which ultimately led to the mafia wars in Montreal in the late 70s. Rizzuto owns hundreds of millions of dollars worth of real estate in different countries. They own hotels, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, construction, food, service and trading companies. In Italy they own companies producing furniture and Italian delicacies.

Mungiki (Kenya)

This is a Kenyan political-religious group, banned since 2002, reviving traditional African religion. Originated in the wake of the Mau Mau uprising. Gained fame due to massacres and clashes with the police.

Mungiki considers itself a religious group that advocates for the preservation of traditional "African way of worship, culture and way of life." Its adherents pray, turning their faces towards Mount Kenya. They also practice vows and sacrifices.

Roman Puzo Mario " Godfather"and the film trilogy of the same name have become cult works for many generations. From television screens and the pages of novels, a world of brutal murders, drug cartels and gangsters, ruled by powerful and influential “Dons,” entered our homes forever. Vito Corleone is just an image created by the author's imagination. But is everything in the novel fiction?

Gangsters really existed - that's a fact. And many American cities still preserve the memory of them and their deeds. Behind the fictional “Dons” there are real events and facts.

Many stories in magazines, books and on TV are based on events that once took place and people who wandered the most dangerous streets of American cities. Streets filled with murder, smuggled alcohol, fierce competition, in which the most intelligent and cunning people of their time participated. All this is part of the dirty and cruel world gangsters. Are you ready to plunge into the exciting fates of dozens of the most powerful, successful and incredibly cruel gangsters in the world? So, let's go!

Reginald "Reggie" Kray and Ronald "Rony" Kray were twin brothers who lived and worked in London. During the 50s and 60s, the Kray brothers created the gang "The Firm", a name similar to the names of countless gangs of the time and intended to demonstrate the influence and reputation of the gang. These people were involved in arson, murder, blackmail and armed robbery.

The Kray brothers opened night club in London (a rather unusual occupation for gangsters of that time), which was often visited by many film and show business stars, including Judy Garland and Frank Sinatra. Frank Sinatra definitely gravitated towards the gangster circle of the time and maintained friendly relations with many.

Rotating in such a society, the Kray brothers eventually became famous themselves. They have appeared on TV shows many times, something that no other gangster on our list seems to have done. It would seem that they could have achieved incredible success, but the end of the Kray brothers was sad... In 1968, they were sentenced to life imprisonment. In addition, Reggie was diagnosed with cancer. He was released from prison 8 weeks before his death. His brother Rony was sent to Broadmoor Hospital for treatment of schizophrenia, where he died a few years later.

Gangster nicknames: Doctor, Patron, Don Pablo, Senor

Pablo Escobar is a gangster who lived relatively recently. Also known as the "King of Cocaine", Escobar led the Medellin Cartel. He was an incredibly powerful drug king who ruled a vast empire between the 1970s and 1980s of the 20th century. This continued until the end of 1993, when he was shot and killed. There is still no exact information whether it was suicide or whether he was killed by the police. The story of his death remains a mystery. A few years before his death, he was recognized as one of the fittest criminals in the world. According to Forbes magazine, his fortune was estimated at $3 billion.

Gangster Nickname: Frank "First Minister" Costello

In Italy, the boy was born under the name Francesco Castiglia. At the age of 4, his family moved to New York. He grew up on the tough streets of New York during the very difficult years of the economic crisis. Later, through a series of events, he would become one of the most famous gangsters of all time. Frank Costello, the name he later adopted, was childhood friends with fellow gangster Charlie Luciano. Subsequently, Costello earned a reputation in the gangster world and made a large fortune through smuggling alcohol, gambling, participating in several major New York gangs: the Morello gang, the Lower East Side gang and joint affairs with the Luciano family.

Gambino was a real gangster, flesh and blood. He was born into one of the Sicilian mafia families. Therefore, it is not surprising that he began to take part in “family” affairs with early age. At the age of 19, he already became a full member of the gang, which was very unusual: such young members had never been accepted into the family. At the same time he moved to New York.

After a short, relatively “quiet” life in New York, Gambino became involved in the murder of Albert Anastasia, the Don of one of the most famous Luciano gangster families. Thus, in 1957, Gambino himself became a Don. In the gangster world, reputation and ego played a very big role. And since Gambino had both, the famous family decided to change their last name to Gambino. Gambino successfully ruled the family for another 22 years before his death.

Gangster nickname: "Accountant"

Mayer Lansky is one of the few famous gangsters born outside the United States, England or Italy. He was born Mayer Sukhovlyansky in Belarus and moved to New York with his family at the age of 9. Lansky started out in the Bugs and Meyer Mob and the National Crime Syndicate.

Lansky's forte is finance and gambling. He built a huge gambling empire, which spread its branches all over the world. He also managed to involve Swiss banks in his dirty deals. Lansky is known for his incredible intelligence and is recognized as the most cunning and resourceful gangster of all time. This is evidenced by the fact that Lanksy did not spend a single day behind bars. And this was commonplace for most gangsters.

Gangster nickname: Bugsy

Benjamin Schiegel, born and raised in Brooklyn, New York, earned his nickname "Bugsy" thanks to his unpredictable nature. He was very powerful and was involved with Mayer Lansky's Murder Incorporated gang and also worked with the Luciano family. His specialization: trade in illegal alcohol and contract killings. However, he left a memory of himself that is associated not only with his criminal acts.

Flamingo is one of the very first casinos built in Las Vegas and Schiegel invested money in its construction. Thanks to this, he had many famous friends and acquaintances: singer Frank Sinatra, actors Clark Gable and Gary Grant. He was certainly a man with two different sides his nature: a gangster and at the same time a man from high society. But nevertheless, his sworn enemies got to him and he was killed in 1947. His death remains mysterious to this day, and his life is a gripping detective story.

Gangster nickname: "Gentleman John", "Hare"

You may remember John Dillinger from his role as Johnny Depp in the 2009 film Public Enemies. And if John Dillinger turned out to be famous enough for a Hollywood star to undertake to play his role, then he is certainly quite suitable for our list. The active phase of Dillinger's life occurred in Great Depression in USA. He was known as a gangster and bank robber. His life was very short - he was shot dead at the age of 31. He has two escapes from prison, as well as an affair with his own stepmother. It seems this man knew absolutely nothing about morality...

Gangster nickname: "Lucky"

Charles Luciano is considered the father of organized crime and therefore he fully deserves his place on this list. At the young age of 10, Charles and his family move from Sicily to New York's Lower East Side. It was thanks to him that the entire New York mafia was divided into 5 famous families. Naturally, after organizing the entire mafia in a similar way, Luciano headed one of the families - the Luciano family.

Charles Luciano was an incredibly powerful man. He is so influential that during World War II, the US Navy turned to him for advice. Despite the fact that Luciano was in prison at that moment... For his useful tips and help he was subsequently released. But he was deported to Italy, where he spent the rest of his life.

Gangster nickname: Scarface

Without a shadow of a doubt, Al Capone is one of the most famous gangsters in the world. He embarked on a criminal path at the age of 14, attacking a teacher at school - of course, even then this was a very alarming omen. He later joined the New York gang Five Points. His main activities were illegal trade in alcohol, brothels, and contract killings.

At the end of his life, Al Capone was in Alcatraz prison, but was released 8 years before his death. Towards the end of his life he suffered from illness. He was a very smart and tough man who managed to achieve enormous power during his life.

Jesse James was one of the world's first famous gangsters. He lived during the Wild West and participated in the American Revolutionary War. He later became a member of the James-Younger gang. James participated in bank robberies, stagecoaches and train attacks, which made him a legend during his lifetime.