Buzzoca

Red Brigades, Italy

Italy’s Brigate Rosse, or Red Brigades, emerged as a force in the 1970s and 1980s, mixing political ideology with ruthless tactics. Their campaign of kidnappings, assassinations and armed robberies was driven by a far-left agenda aimed at disrupting the Italian state system and provoking a revolutionary response.

The kidnapping and murder of Prime Minister Aldo Moro in 1978 marked the height of their outrage, leaving a scar on the nation’s conscience that would be remembered as the “Years of Lead”.

Hells Angels, USA

Founded at the beginning of the 20th century, the rise of the Hells Angels coincided with America’s fascination with the culture, freedom and rebellion of motorcycling. However, behind the leather jackets and noisy engines, there is a history marked by drug trafficking, violent confrontations and unwavering loyalty to the gang.

The Angels claim that their “club”, although unconventional, is not inherently criminal, pointing to charity events and community involvement as proof.

Triads, China

The Triads, the term used to describe the extensive organized crime network of the Chinese mafia, have a complexity that belies their criminal nature. With headquarters in Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan, their reach is global, engaging in activities ranging from smuggling to murder.

Its operations have adapted over time, moving from traditional vices to more sophisticated crimes, reflecting changes in society and the economy. However, their essence, a commitment to honor among bandits, remains a central part of their identity.

Vice Lords, USA

The Vice Lords are one of Chicago’s oldest and most influential gangs, with roots dating back to a juvenile detention center in the late 1950s. What began as a collective effort to protect their own in a hostile environment has evolved into a sophisticated criminal network, involved in extortion, money laundering and violent crime.

Their notoriety grew, but so did their ambition, as they sought legitimacy through an unlikely donation from the Rockefeller Foundation – a move that briefly masked their criminal endeavors. This public relations attempt did little to deter law enforcement, leading to a federal investigation that exposed the depth of the Vice Lords’ activities.

Aryan Brotherhood, USA

The Aryan Brotherhood represents a dark side of American prison life, where survival and power often depend on gang affiliation. Originating in the tumultuous environment of the US penal system, this gang has cemented its reputation through acts of violence, drug smuggling and the exploitation of inmates.

Despite its infamy, the Aryan Brotherhood has become a subject of fascination in the popular media, portrayed in films and television shows that explore the underbelly of prison culture and white supremacy.

Los Zetas, Mexico

Initially formed by deserted Mexican soldiers, Los Zetas has carved out its own chapter in the history of drug cartels. Their military discipline translated into brutal efficiency, establishing a reign of terror marked by beheadings and executions to maintain their drug trafficking and human smuggling operations.

As the original leaders were captured or killed, the group faced challenges in maintaining its power. However, Los Zetas’ legacy as one of the most ruthless cartels remains undisputed.

Yakuza, Japan

The Yakuza is a pillar of Japan’s underworld, with roots dating back to the 17th century. Adhering to a strict code of conduct and rituals that date back centuries, members of this dangerous gang often sport full body tattoos, a symbol of their lifelong commitment.

The Japanese mafia’s crimes, although they avoid petty theft, include sex trafficking, loan sharking and arms dealing. The Yakuza’s structure is based on clans, with each clan taking a slice of Japan’s criminal pie.

Sinaloa Cartel, Mexico

The Sinaloa Cartel has become synonymous with drug trafficking (cocaine, heroin and methamphetamines) into the United States. Under the leadership of “El Chapo” Guzman, they were voted by the DEA (US Drug Enforcement Administration) as the most active drug trafficking operation, a testament to their reach and organizational capacity.

Despite El Chapo’s imprisonment, the cartel’s influence persists, adapting its operations to the ever-changing landscape of the narcotics trade. Its history is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of organized crime.

Barrio Azteca, USA

Barrio Azteca emerged from the confines of the Texas prison system, becoming a force in the world of drug trafficking. Their loyalty and ruthlessness made them invaluable to the Juarez Cartel.

Their criminal portfolio expanded beyond drug trafficking to include kidnappings, carjackings and hitmen demonstrating their versatility and willingness to maintain fear and respect at all costs.

Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), USA

Mara Salvatrucha, or MS-13, has gained a reputation for brutal violence, a far cry from its original mission of protecting Salvadoran immigrants in Los Angeles.

Today, their activities range from theft to human trafficking, including the heinous crime of child prostitution, marking them out as one of the most feared gangs in the world.

Latin Kings, USA

The Latin Kings began as a force for social change in Chicago, with the aim of combating racial prejudice and improving the living conditions of Latinos. What began with noble intentions evolved into a structured criminal organization.

The narrative of this gang is one of transformation, from a group fighting for the rights of Latinos to a syndicate involved in various criminal activities.

Bloods and Crips, USA

The rivalry between the Bloods and the Crips is more than a gang war; it’s a legend in the history of Los Angeles. Started in 1969, the Crips’ feud with the Bloods defined the city’s criminal landscape, with both gangs vying for supremacy through violence, drug dealing and extortion.

This rivalry, although dangerous, became part of the cultural narrative, influencing the media and music. Despite their criminal activities, the story of the Bloods and the Crips is a complex web of social, economic and racial tensions in the heart of California.

Mungiki, Kenya

Mungiki, translated as “a united people”, presents a divide between fierce cultural preservation and criminal enterprise. Originating in Kenya, this group has attracted young people with the promise of a return to traditional values, while at the same time engaging in extortion, murder and a radical, militant stance against the influence of the West.

The sect’s links with local police and government officials have been a point of contention, with accusations of corruption and collusion. Mungiki’s influence raises questions about the convergence of cultural identity and criminality in Kenya’s social structure.

Medellín Cartel, Colombia

At its peak, the Medellín Cartel, led by the infamous Pablo Escobar, was responsible for an astonishing 85% of the cocaine entering the United States.

Escobar’s audacious efforts to maintain control marked a dark chapter in Colombia’s history, showing the destructive power of drug trafficking.

Sicilian Mafia, Italy

The Sicilian Mafia, also known as La Cosa Nostra, is not just another crime syndicate; it is a well-known legend of this underworld. With its history portrayed in films such as ‘The Godfather’, this mafia has become the face of organized crime around the world.

Violence and clan wars have always been part of La Cosa Nostra’s history, grabbing the headlines with dramatic shoot-outs. In addition to bloodshed, their criminal activities range from extortion and organized crime to smuggling and running illegal prostitution networks.