The most powerful mafioso in the world. "Five Families" - Sicilian Mafia in New York
In tenth place are Jamaicans in Britain who moved to England in the 50s. This ethnic group controls a good share of the arms and drug trade. This mafia does not try to infiltrate government structures, therefore it is not as strong as the others. British police are hesitant to classify Yardie gangs as organized crime because they have no real structure or central leadership.
9. Albanian mafia
Albania consists of numerous criminal groups. Their rules have remained unchanged since the 15th century... The Albanian mafia is involved in the trade of white slaves, alcohol and tobacco, controls prostitution, car theft and racketeering. She began her “activities” in the 80s of the last century. Widely represented in the USA and Britain. Distinctive feature is the cruelty used in acts of revenge.
8. Serbian mafia
The Serbian mafia has found its place among the leaders, since it operates in dozens of countries around the world and is associated with drug smuggling, contract killings, racketeering, robberies, control of bets and gambling houses. Interpol lists about 350 Serbian citizens, who are often employees and leaders of the largest drug cartels in the world. Serbian gangsters are also known for intellectual heists, often reenacting Hollywood scenarios, as well as quick and clean executions. Currently there are about 30-40 groups operating in Serbia.
7. Israeli mafia
These guys work in the field of banditry in many countries, their main activity is drug trafficking and prostitution. Times have changed, and if previously they were once looked upon with awe because of their ability to protect, today they are ruthless killers who do not think twice before pulling the trigger. The Russian-Israeli mafia has strengthened its political system The United States is so good that even the vaunted American army is beyond the power to knock them out.
6.Mexican Mafia
The Mexican Mafia is a powerful criminal structure in the United States, with roots in the prison world. Originated in the 50s, it was positioned as the protection of Mexicans in US prisons from other criminals and prison guards. The main activities are extortion and drug trafficking. They are prone to quick reprisals against those they dislike and those who do not pay them the tax they set.
5. Japanese Yakuza
The Japanese mafia proudly traces its origins to impoverished samurai nobles, or ronin, as they were called in Japan. Heirs of noble fathers with many children, who sometimes had nothing but a sword, they inherited only the right to carry a sword and even comb their hair like a samurai: shave their forehead and crown, long hair from the back of the head, braid it into a tight braid and stick it on the bluish scalp. Although the Japanese mafia is known throughout the world, Everyday life In these cities it is difficult to spot it right away. Meanwhile, the Japanese mafia numbers one hundred and ten thousand people, while the noisy and violent American mafia numbers only twenty thousand. Considering that the population of the United States is approximately twice that of the Japanese, it is not difficult to calculate that for every Japanese there are eleven times as many professional rapists, robbers and murderers as there are Americans. Areas of activity: racketeering, distribution of prohibited pornography from Europe and America, prostitution and illegal emigration.
4. Chinese triads
That rapidly growing China is rapidly becoming a leader global development, they say today all over the world. But there is also negative sides this process. As China strengthens its leading position in global economy Chinese organized crime will rapidly expand its presence in transnational criminal relations. The “Triads” have already started a “third world war” for their competitors! Having “ridden” the migration processes, the mafia structures of China and the Chinese mafia in other countries have seized leading positions in organizing human trafficking and establishing flows of illegal migration. A Europol report (June 2006) noted that Chinese mafia groups named leaders in human trafficking in countries European Union. Chinese “triads” have supplanted the home-grown mafia in Japan - the yakuza: the Chinese account for about half of all crimes committed by foreigners.
3. Colombian drug cartels
The Colombian mafia is one of the world's largest suppliers of cocaine. All efforts government authorities still remain in vain, since the bandits’ business is more than successful. The Colombian drug mafia has existed since the mid-60s of the last century. The Medellin and Cali cartels quickly became the world's leading cocaine producers.
2. Sicilian and American Cosa Nostra
Members of the Sicilian mafia (from left to right), Salvatore Lo Bue, Salvatore Lo Cicero, Gaetano Lo Presti, Giuseppe Scaduto, Antonino Spera, Gregorio Agrigento, Luigi Caravello, Mariano Troia, Giovanni Adelfio and Francesco Bonomo In the 13th century. Sicily was constantly plundered not only by Algerian pirates, but also by detachments of French mercenaries who served the Northern Italian dukes and princes. The organized armed struggle of the islanders against the French began in 1282 under the slogan “Morete alla Francia, Italia anela” (“Die, France - sigh, Italy”); From the first letters of the call, the Sicilians composed a battle cry: “Mafia!” Soon, self-defense units turned into units of professional fighters who began to take tribute from peasants for protection from external enemies. In the 19th century The mafia, which had become a unified system, even tried to achieve the separation of the island from Italy and proposed an alliance with Giuseppe Garibaldi, but the troops of the Principality of Piedmont defeated it. IN late XIX V. thousands of Sicilians, fleeing poverty and clan wars, moved to America. IN major cities The United States arose Cosa Nostra (“Our Cause”) - a network of Sicilian “families” that controlled casinos, smuggling, prostitution, illicit trafficking in alcohol, tobacco and weapons, and also engaged in racketeering. All the "consorteries" of Sicily form a "venerable community", headed by the Capo di tutti Capi, the head of all chapters. Important figures in the mafia structure are also picciotti di ficatu (hitmen), stopalieri (bodyguards), gabellotti (judges) and consiglieri (advisers).
1. Russian mafia
The Russian mafia numbers 500,000 people. Her godfathers control 70% Russian economy, as well as prostitution in Macau and China, drug trafficking in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, money laundering in Cyprus, Israel, Belgium and England, car theft, trafficking nuclear materials and prostitution in Germany. With the disappearance of the Iron Curtain, the expansion of Russian crime ceased to be controlled and directed, as it was before the collapse of the USSR. The first wave of “export” of crime from the territory of what was then the USSR took place in the early 70s, when Soviet Jews were allowed to leave for Israel. This wave was not comparable to the second - when the USSR collapsed with the collapse " iron curtain" Then the world really appreciated the size of Russian crime, which it called the “Russian mafia.” Russian criminal communities sometimes expressed very specific interests in different countries peace. Thus, in December 1993, the Western press first mentioned that groups were “shaking” Russian hockey players playing in foreign clubs, the so-called “legionnaires”. The mass of materials on this topic in the press in subsequent years indicated that the “sports racket” had acquired truly industrial proportions. According to some reports, the Russian criminal community now operates in 50 countries around the world. According to American professor Louise Shelley, the ROP has taken $150 billion out of the Russian Federation since 1991. According to other sources - 50 billion dollars, but also a lot.
There are many criminal groups in the world, which, due to their high organization and large numbers, have come to be called the mafia. With the most powerful and brutal mafias this post will introduce you to 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 criminal group in every way. 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 the ground". In the West, the term “Russian mafia” can mean any criminal organizations, both Russian and from other countries post-Soviet space, or from the immigration environment in foreign 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 with south coast USA. 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 street gang Mexicans imprisoned in the Deuel prison, located in the city of Trici, California. The founders of the gang were 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 way the yakuza work is very different from other criminal groups: they even have their own office buildings, and their actions are often and completely openly written about 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 agencies in 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
Rizzuto - crime family, which is primarily based in Montreal but covers 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.
Albania consists of numerous criminal groups. Their rules have remained unchanged since the 15th century... The Albanian mafia is involved in the trade of white slaves, alcohol and tobacco, controls prostitution, car theft and racketeering. She began her “activities” in the 80s of the last century. Widely represented in the USA and Britain. A distinctive feature is the cruelty used in acts of revenge.
8. Serbian mafia 
The Serbian mafia has found its place among the leaders, since it operates in dozens of countries around the world and is associated with drug smuggling, contract killings, racketeering, robberies, control of bets and gambling houses. Interpol lists about 350 Serbian citizens, who are often employees and leaders of the largest drug cartels in the world. Serbian gangsters are also known for intellectual heists, often reenacting Hollywood scenarios, as well as quick and clean executions. Currently there are about 30-40 groups operating in Serbia
7. Israeli mafia 
These guys work in the field of banditry in many countries, their main activity is drug trafficking and prostitution. Times have changed, and if previously they were once looked upon with awe because of their ability to protect, today they are ruthless killers who do not think twice before pulling the trigger. The Russian-Israeli mafia has entrenched itself in the US political system so well that even the vaunted American army is unable to knock them out.
6.Mexican Mafia 
The Mexican Mafia is a powerful criminal structure in the United States, with roots in the prison world. Originated in the 50s, it was positioned as the protection of Mexicans in US prisons from other criminals and prison guards. The main activities are extortion and drug trafficking. They are prone to quick reprisals against those they dislike and those who do not pay them the tax they set.
5. Japanese Yakuza 
The Japanese mafia proudly traces its origins to impoverished samurai nobles, or ronin, as they were called in Japan. Heirs of noble fathers with many children, who sometimes had nothing but a sword, they inherited only the right to wear a sword and even comb their hair like a samurai: shave their forehead and crown, braid long hair from the back of their head into a tight braid and stick it on their bluish scalp. Although the Japanese mafia is known throughout the world, it is difficult to immediately spot it in the everyday life of these cities. Meanwhile, the Japanese mafia numbers one hundred and ten thousand people, while the noisy and violent American mafia numbers only twenty thousand. Considering that the population of the United States is approximately twice that of the Japanese, it is not difficult to calculate that for every Japanese there are eleven times as many professional rapists, robbers and murderers as there are Americans. Areas of activity: racketeering, distribution of prohibited pornography from Europe and America, prostitution and illegal emigration.
4. Chinese triads 
The fact that rapidly growing China is rapidly becoming a leader in global development is being talked about all over the world today. But there are also negative sides to this process. As China strengthens its leading position in the global economy, Chinese organized crime will rapidly expand its presence in transnational criminal relations. The “Triads” have already started a “third world war” for their competitors! Having “ridden” the migration processes, the mafia structures of China and the Chinese mafia in other countries have seized leading positions in organizing human trafficking and establishing flows of illegal migration. A Europol report (June 2006) noted that Chinese mafia groups were named leaders in human trafficking in the countries of the European Union. Chinese "triads" have supplanted the home-grown mafia in Japan - the yakuza: the Chinese account for about half of all crimes committed by foreigners.
3. Colombian drug cartels 
The Colombian mafia is one of the world's largest suppliers of cocaine. All efforts of the government authorities still remain in vain, since the bandits’ business is more than successful. The Colombian drug mafia has existed since the mid-60s of the last century. The Medellin and Cali cartels quickly became the world's leading cocaine producers.
2. Sicilian and American Cosa Nostra 
Members of the Sicilian mafia (from left to right), Salvatore Lo Bue, Salvatore Lo Cicero, Gaetano Lo Presti, Giuseppe Scaduto, Antonino Spera, Gregorio Agrigento, Luigi Caravello, Mariano Troia, Giovanni Adelfio and Francesco Bonomo In the 13th century. Sicily was constantly plundered not only by Algerian pirates, but also by detachments of French mercenaries who served the Northern Italian dukes and princes. The organized armed struggle of the islanders against the French began in 1282 under the slogan “Morete alla Francia, Italia anela” (“Die, France - sigh, Italy”); From the first letters of the call, the Sicilians composed a battle cry: “Mafia!” Soon, self-defense units turned into units of professional fighters who began to take tribute from peasants for protection from external enemies. In the 19th century The mafia, which had become a unified system, even tried to achieve the separation of the island from Italy and proposed an alliance with Giuseppe Garibaldi, but the troops of the Principality of Piedmont defeated it. At the end of the 19th century. thousands of Sicilians, fleeing poverty and clan wars, moved to America. In major cities of the United States, Cosa Nostra (“Our Cause”) arose - a network of Sicilian “families” that controlled casinos, smuggling, prostitution, illegal trafficking in alcohol, tobacco and weapons, and also engaged in racketeering. All the "consorteries" of Sicily form a "venerable community", headed by the Capo di tutti Capi, the head of all chapters. Important figures in the mafia structure are also picciotti di ficatu (hitmen), stopalieri (bodyguards), gabellotti (judges) and consiglieri (advisers).
1. Russian mafia 
The Russian mafia numbers 500,000 people. Its godfathers control 70% of the Russian economy, as well as prostitution in Macau and China, drug trafficking in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, money laundering in Cyprus, Israel, Belgium and England, car theft, nuclear material trafficking and prostitution in Germany. With the disappearance of the Iron Curtain, the expansion of Russian crime ceased to be controlled and directed, as it was before the collapse of the USSR. The first wave of “export” of crime from the territory of what was then the USSR took place in the early 70s, when Soviet Jews were allowed to leave for Israel. This wave was not comparable to the second - when the “Iron Curtain” collapsed with the collapse of the USSR. Then the world really appreciated the size of Russian crime, which it called the “Russian mafia.” Russian criminal communities sometimes expressed very specific interests in different countries of the world. Thus, in December 1993, the Western press first mentioned that groups were “shaking” Russian hockey players playing in foreign clubs, the so-called “legionnaires”. The mass of materials on this topic in the press in subsequent years indicated that the “sports racket” had acquired truly industrial proportions. According to some reports, the Russian criminal community now operates in 50 countries around the world. According to American professor Louise Shelley, the ROP has taken $150 billion out of the Russian Federation since 1991. According to other sources - 50 billion dollars, but also a lot.
List of the most powerful and powerful mafias in the world.
In tenth place are Jamaicans in Britain who moved to England in the 50s. This ethnic group controls a good share of the arms and drug trade. This mafia does not try to infiltrate government structures, therefore it is not as strong as the others. British police are hesitant to classify Yardie gangs as organized crime because they have no real structure or central leadership
9. Albanian mafia
Albania consists of numerous criminal groups. Their rules have remained unchanged since the 15th century... The Albanian mafia is involved in the trade of white slaves, alcohol and tobacco, controls prostitution, car theft and racketeering. She began her “activities” in the 80s of the last century. Widely represented in the USA and Britain. A distinctive feature is the cruelty used in acts of revenge.
8. Serbian mafia
The Serbian mafia has found its place among the leaders, since it operates in dozens of countries around the world and is associated with drug smuggling, contract killings, racketeering, robberies, control of bets and gambling houses. Interpol lists about 350 Serbian citizens, who are often employees and leaders of the largest drug cartels in the world. Serbian gangsters are also known for intellectual heists, often reenacting Hollywood scenarios, as well as quick and clean executions. Currently there are about 30-40 groups operating in Serbia
7. Israeli mafia
These guys work in the field of banditry in many countries, their main activity is drug trafficking and prostitution. Times have changed, and if previously they were once looked upon with awe because of their ability to protect, today they are ruthless killers who do not think twice before pulling the trigger. The Russian-Israeli mafia has entrenched itself in the US political system so well that even the vaunted American army is unable to knock them out.
6.Mexican Mafia
The Mexican Mafia is a powerful criminal structure in the United States, with roots in the prison world. Originated in the 50s, it was positioned as the protection of Mexicans in US prisons from other criminals and prison guards. The main activities are extortion and drug trafficking. They are prone to quick reprisals against those they dislike and those who do not pay them the tax they set.
5. Japanese Yakuza
The Japanese mafia proudly traces its origins to impoverished samurai nobles, or ronin, as they were called in Japan. Heirs of noble fathers with many children, who sometimes had nothing but a sword, they inherited only the right to wear a sword and even comb their hair like a samurai: shave their forehead and crown, braid long hair from the back of their head into a tight braid and stick it on their bluish scalp. Although the Japanese mafia is known throughout the world, it is difficult to immediately spot it in the everyday life of these cities. Meanwhile, the Japanese mafia numbers one hundred and ten thousand people, while the noisy and violent American mafia numbers only twenty thousand. Considering that the population of the United States is approximately twice that of the Japanese, it is not difficult to calculate that for every Japanese there are eleven times as many professional rapists, robbers and murderers as there are Americans. Areas of activity: racketeering, distribution of prohibited pornography from Europe and America, prostitution and illegal emigration.
4. Chinese triads
The fact that rapidly growing China is rapidly becoming a leader in global development is being talked about all over the world today. But there are also negative sides to this process. As China strengthens its leading position in the global economy, Chinese organized crime will rapidly expand its presence in transnational criminal relations. The “Triads” have already started a “third world war” for their competitors! Having “ridden” the migration processes, the mafia structures of China and the Chinese mafia in other countries have seized leading positions in organizing human trafficking and establishing flows of illegal migration. A Europol report (June 2006) noted that Chinese mafia groups were named leaders in human trafficking in the countries of the European Union. Chinese "triads" have supplanted the home-grown mafia in Japan - the yakuza: the Chinese account for about half of all crimes committed by foreigners.
3. Colombian drug cartels
The Colombian mafia is one of the world's largest suppliers of cocaine. All efforts of the government authorities still remain in vain, since the bandits’ business is more than successful. The Colombian drug mafia has existed since the mid-60s of the last century. The Medellin and Cali cartels quickly became the world's leading cocaine producers.
2. Sicilian and American Cosa Nostra
Members of the Sicilian mafia (from left to right), Salvatore Lo Bue, Salvatore Lo Cicero, Gaetano Lo Presti, Giuseppe Scaduto, Antonino Spera, Gregorio Agrigento, Luigi Caravello, Mariano Troia, Giovanni Adelfio and Francesco Bonomo In the 13th century. Sicily was constantly plundered not only by Algerian pirates, but also by detachments of French mercenaries who served the Northern Italian dukes and princes. The organized armed struggle of the islanders against the French began in 1282 under the slogan “Morete alla Francia, Italia anela” (“Die, France - sigh, Italy”); From the first letters of the call, the Sicilians composed a battle cry: “Mafia!” Soon, self-defense units turned into units of professional fighters who began to take tribute from peasants for protection from external enemies. In the 19th century The mafia, which had become a unified system, even tried to achieve the separation of the island from Italy and proposed an alliance with Giuseppe Garibaldi, but the troops of the Principality of Piedmont defeated it. At the end of the 19th century. thousands of Sicilians, fleeing poverty and clan wars, moved to America. In major cities of the United States, Cosa Nostra (“Our Cause”) arose - a network of Sicilian “families” that controlled casinos, smuggling, prostitution, illegal trafficking in alcohol, tobacco and weapons, and also engaged in racketeering. All the "consorteries" of Sicily form a "venerable community", headed by the Capo di tutti Capi, the head of all chapters. Important figures in the mafia structure are also picciotti di ficatu (hitmen), stopalieri (bodyguards), gabellotti (judges) and consiglieri (advisers).
1. Russian mafia
The Russian mafia numbers 500,000 people. Its godfathers control 70% of the Russian economy, as well as prostitution in Macau and China, drug trafficking in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, money laundering in Cyprus, Israel, Belgium and England, car theft, nuclear material trafficking and prostitution in Germany. With the disappearance of the Iron Curtain, the expansion of Russian crime ceased to be controlled and directed, as it was before the collapse of the USSR. The first wave of “export” of crime from the territory of what was then the USSR took place in the early 70s, when Soviet Jews were allowed to leave for Israel. This wave was not comparable to the second - when the “Iron Curtain” collapsed with the collapse of the USSR. Then the world really appreciated the size of Russian crime, which it called the “Russian mafia.” Russian criminal communities sometimes expressed very specific interests in different countries of the world. Thus, in December 1993, the Western press first mentioned that groups were “shaking” Russian hockey players playing in foreign clubs, the so-called “legionnaires”. The mass of materials on this topic in the press in subsequent years indicated that the “sports racket” had acquired truly industrial proportions. According to some reports, the Russian criminal community now operates in 50 countries around the world. According to American professor Louise Shelley, the ROP has taken $150 billion out of the Russian Federation since 1991. According to other sources - 50 billion dollars, but also a lot.
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
It has been active in Sicily since the beginning of the 19th century, becoming an international organization at the beginning of the 20th century. 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.
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. She gained notoriety in connection with 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.
