The evolution of gangs is quite a fascinating topic. Their allure lies in their secretive nature, influences and outbreaks of violence. From the notorious drug empires across the world and the complex inmate power structures, gangs have significantly influenced modern crime.
The most infamous gangs have driven the power by a desire for power, money and status in socio-economic terms. We’ll discuss a detailed look at the 10 most infamous gangs in history:
Table of Contents
10) Hell’s Angels:
Source: Wikipedia
The Hell’s Angels was founded by the Veterans of World War II in 1948. It is a world-renowned organization with a notorious rich history and reputation for criminal activity, defiance and rebellion. They have a widespread connection in over 30 countries, attracting the attention of the media, law enforcement and agencies. Their involvement in organized crimes includes:
- Drug Trafficking.
- Violence.
- Extortion.
Which had led them to numerous arrests and convictions. Despite being a criminal gang, they strictly follow the rules of loyalty, respect, discipline and strict initiation. All the members that join the gang, have to adhere to the strict rules of the club. The club has been featured as a context in books, documentaries and movies in pop culture.
9) The Purple Gang:
Source: Wikipedia
The Purple Gang was a notorious group of criminal gangs founded by the Bernstein brothers – Abe, Joe, Izzy and Raymond along with their member Eddie Fletcher. They are based in Detroit. Their involvement in illegal activities includes:
- Bootlegging.
- Bribery.
- Violation.
- Smuggling.
They usually target local businesses, like restaurants and shops, to gain money in exchange for “protection” of individuals from violence, intimidation, threats and harassment.
They were the most feared criminal organizations of their time as their tactics were brutal and dangerous. The victims live in fear of being caught in the crossfire and the wrath, hence they pay huge sums of money to avoid the consequences. The Purple Gang was also involved in smuggling large quantities of alcohol into the area and selling it illegally to the public, violating the rules.
Their reign of terror came to an end in the late 1930s when law enforcement put strict restrictions and convicted many criminals involved in unlawful activities.
8) Sinaloa Cartel:
Source: CNBC
The Sinaloa Cartel was a powerful organization in the world of crimes. It was founded by the drug lord, Joaquin Guzman. Under his leadership, the Cartel rose to a significant power in the late 1900s.
What makes it so powerful is that he keeps the entire process of drug trafficking under control. From growing, fermenting, and transportation to selling them. The Cartel gang was a dealer of significant drugs:
- Cocaine.
- Marijuana.
- Ecstasy/Molly (Methamphetamine).
Along with this, they managed to keep themselves engaged in many illegal activities like black money, human trafficking etc. Despite many attempts from law enforcement and agencies, The gang was successful in managing to run the operation and to survive.
7) Mungiki Sect:
Source: Aljazeera
The Mungiki Sect, a Kenyan group that emerged in the 1980s as a religious movement among the Kikuyu community that had advocated for its rights and freedom to practice their traditions. However, they slowly expanded the movement and indulged themselves in a feared criminal organization. It was engaged in mass destruction, killings, political atrocities and beheadings in the slums of Nairobi.
The history couldn’t determine yet who was the real leader behind this gang, but according to some extracts Maina Njenga, a theology student was a prominent leader who later chose to revert to Christianity. Despite repeated attempts from Kenyan law enforcement, The Mungiki sect still operates but with reduced influence. Their dual roles in religious fervor and criminal activities have perplexed history what their motive is?
6) Mongols Motorcycle Club:
Source: Wikipedia
The Mongols Motorcycle Club was founded by Louis Costello in 1969. The club had a total of 10 members, most of them were Vietnamese. The club was formed in Montebello, California. They were named so due to their distinctive Mongol warrior logo, symbolizing their ruthless image in context to Genghis Khan. They have been linked to many crimes like:
- Murders.
- Drug Trafficking.
- Extortion.
Despite multiple attempts and arrests of many suspected members, the Mongols continue to operate in organized crimes across the world maintaining their biker culture.
5) The Aryan Brotherhood:
Source: Wikipedia
The Aryan Brotherhood is the most feared criminal organization. It was founded in the 1960s by the Californian prisons. Since then, they have spread their influence across the States. Their symbol is “Swastika”, symbolizing the Nazi Party. They’re loyal to their gang and have an organized campaign to operate behind bars with their leaders “Shot-callers”. These shot callers dictate and order the gang’s activities. Within the prison system, their violence and ruthless conduct make them the most feared in the prison underworld.
4) Gangster Disciples:
Source: Wikipedia
The Gangster Disciples was founded in the late 1960s by two gangsters, Larry Hoover and David Barksdale on Chicago’s south side. It is a notorious gang that is spread across the US, Chicago, Detroit and Atlanta. Their criminal organization withholds the military hierarchy that is involved in violent crimes such as drug trafficking and extortion. The gang after the incarceration of its leader, still operates maintaining the violence.
3) Barrio Azteca:
Source: Policemag
The Barrio Azteca was a ruthless gang originating from Mexico and the US. They originated in the Texas Prison System in the 1980s and now, evolved as an internationally recognized criminal gang.
The mind-boggling partnership between the members of the gang has led them to evolve as successful traders of drugs and narcotics across the US-Mexican border with significant ease.
Their heinous criminal activities are diverse:
- Human Trafficking: Exploiting the immigrants.
- Extortion.
- Illegal Bribery.
- Torture and Mutilation.
Despite efforts of law enforcement to stop these criminals, they pursue to continue the operations across the US.
2) Medellin Cartel:
Source: Wikipedia
The Medellin Cartel was led by the famous Pablo Escobar in the 1980s. Pablo’s reign depicted a true picture of Scarface dominating in global cocaine trade. He was one of the world’s wealthiest individuals earning him the title of “The King of Cocaine”. However, his truth can not bypass the truth of being responsible for thousands of killings. His mafia was known for his cruelty and assaults including bombarding, torture and assassination attempts.
The nexus of the Cartel was multi-nationale widespread with networks of lieutenants and enforcers. The violent organization came to an end with the death of Escobar in 1993. However, the legacy remains immortal in world history today with epic tales of Escobar’s brutality.
1) ’Ndrangheta Mafia:
Source: Dailyfriend.co.za
Yhe’Ndrangheta Mafia was a secretive strong criminal organisation that originated in Calabria, Italy.
It is the world’s most powerful criminal alliance. The success behind this Mafia is its strict code of silence and conduct known as “omertà”. The members of this mafia are sworn to life, bounded by the laws that ensure the loyalty of each member. For the members who betray the mafia, they are faced with severe consequences. The alliance is involved in many heinous crimes:
- Arms smuggling.
- Money laundering.
- Extortion.
- Drug trafficking.
They can adapt and evolve in any circumstances. Their nexus is widespread, involved in global cocaine trading with over 10,000 members across the world. The law enforcement agencies are of no use in front of this alliance, as they have many strong strategies to protect their organization and illegal activity.
