World’s most feared criminal underworld gangs
A list of the world’s most notorious and feared criminal underworld gangs has been compiled. These dangerous organizations, including the Hells Angels, Aryan Brotherhood, Russian Mob, MS-13, and Triads, are known for their fearsome reputations.
The 8th Street Gang
Its cadre begins in their youth, and the group occasionally seeks out children from schools. However, the 18th Street Gang has gained worldwide recognition as one of the most perilous criminal groups. Their activities include dealing in narcotics, arms, and human trafficking in Southern California, but some members operate in Mexico and Central America as well. The gang traces its origins back to El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala, but it has broadened its base into different cultures under the condition that they adhere to the gang’s rules of respect.
Russian Mob [aka Bratva]
It is believed that there are numerous groups within this criminal organization across the former Soviet Union, with only about 200 of them having any impact beyond its borders. The history of organized crime in Russia dates back to the time of the Tsars, and the activities of the Russian Mob encompass illegal smuggling, organized crime schemes, blackmail, and homicide.
Hells Angels
The Hells Angels are often considered the most well-known motorcycle club and are known for their intense image, yet the story of how they started is up for discussion. Their fame grew significantly in the 1960s and ’70s, thanks to their involvement in drugs, rock music, and the counterculture movement. The club argues that the crimes they are known for, such as murder and involvement in prostitution, do not represent the entire group. They now emphasize their commitment to charity and fundraising as evidence of their efforts to improve their public image.
Vice Lords
The powerful criminal group known as the Almighty Vice Lord Nation, frequently referred to as just “Vice Lords,” assert their status as one of the city’s oldest street gangs. Their origins trace back to a juvenile correctional facility in the 1950s that grew across various neighborhoods through the use of protection schemes, illegal financial activities, and deceit. They also secured funding from the Rockefeller Foundation in 1970. However, their efforts to present a public image of legitimacy were exposed, leading to numerous arrests and incarcerations.
Aryan Brotherhood
This group includes individuals who frequently enter and exit the correctional system, and their impact extends well beyond the confines of prison. A white supremacist organization, they maintain links with different correctional facilities and are infamous for activities such as prostitution among inmates, smuggling of narcotics, and physical violence. They have also been involved in planning killings of individuals outside of prison. The ‘neo-Nazis’ have appeared on television series like Sons of Anarchy and the movie American History X.
Los Zetas
A distinct organization that emerged in Mexico, this time from fleeing soldiers in search of work, eventually joined the Gulf Cartel for employment. However, in 2010, Los Zetas announced their independence. Despite their debut on the global stage being relatively recent, this group has caused considerable controversy. They are notorious for their violent confrontations with competitors through methods like decapitation and execution, and have gained a reputation for engaging in human trafficking, extortion schemes related to protection, drug trafficking, and murder.
Sinaloa Cartel
This infamous Mexican organization is known for its involvement in the illegal activities of money laundering and drug trafficking. Substances such as cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine have successfully made their way into the United States through the Sinaloa Cartel. The Drug Enforcement Administration has labeled this group as the ‘most active operation in smuggling and trafficking drugs into the United States.’ They are in competition with the Tijuana Cartel, resulting in fatal gun battles in Mexico.
Triads
The Triads operate with criminal groups in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan, alongside engaging in illicit activities in the western regions, such as smuggling, counterfeiting, pornography, abductions, and homicides. Presently, their emphasis is on high-profile offenses, and their recruits participate in ceremonies involving 36 vows of loyalty during their initiation.
Yakuza (yah-KOO-zuh)
They are recognized for their activities in Japan, yet also operate globally. Their history can be traced back to the 1600s, during which their rituals reflect this era. Different groups have been involved in activities such as sex trafficking, loan sharking, and smuggling firearms.
Sicilian Mafia [aka La Cosa Nostra]
The Mafia is often considered the most well-known criminal group due to its portrayal in movies like ‘Goodfellas’, ‘Casino’, and the ‘Godfather’ series. While its organization has changed over time, it typically centers around family units. Rivalries between clans and violent conflicts have been a constant part of its history, with high-profile gun battles drawing widespread media attention. The Mafia has been involved in various illegal activities such as blackmailing, running illegal businesses, trafficking goods, and engaging in prostitution.
Mara Salvatrucha [aka MS-13]
Individuals associated with Mara Salvatrucha, also known as MS-13, are infamous for their brutal acts of violence and frequently sport extensive tattoos. Originating from Central America, they were initially active in El Salvador and were initially employed to safeguard Salvadorans living in Los Angeles from rival gangs. Their illegal activities encompass theft and the trafficking of people, as well as the exploitation of children for prostitution.
