The Most Famous Crime Family, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the crime family you think is the most famous!
Updated on May 6, 2024 06:59
Understanding the most notorious crime families offers a glimpse into a hidden side of history, shaped by underground dealings and the quest for power. It sheds light on how certain families rose to prominence, influencing both illegal and legitimate spheres. Such knowledge serves as a critical resource for educational and informative purposes, helping to demystify complex networks.
On this site, you have the opportunity to voice your opinion by voting for who you think are the most influential crime families. Each vote contributes to a live ranking, reflecting current public perception and interest. By participating, you help create a dynamic snapshot of crime family notoriety, enriching your understanding and that of others interested in the topic.
Which Is the Most Famous Crime Family?
-
155votesAlso known as La Cosa Nostra, the Italian-American Mafia is perhaps the most well-known crime family in the world. With its origins dating back to the late 19th century, the Mafia has been involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including extortion, murder, and drug trafficking.
-
228votesColombia's drug cartels have become notorious for their ruthless tactics and vast wealth. They have been responsible for the production and distribution of huge quantities of cocaine, which has fueled violence and corruption throughout the region.The Colombian Cartels refers to a notorious collection of drug trafficking organizations based in Colombia. Known for their vast influence and operations, the cartels have played a significant role in the global narcotics trade. They have been involved in the production, transportation, and distribution of illegal drugs, primarily cocaine. The Colombian Cartels rose to prominence during the late 20th century, making them one of the most infamous crime families in history.
- Territory: Primarily operates within Colombia
- Controlled Trade: Cocaine production, transportation, and distribution
- Infamous Leaders: Pablo Escobar, Gilberto RodrÃguez Orejuela, Carlos Lehder
- Violence: Known for carrying out ruthless acts of violence and killings
- Corruption: Infiltration of government agencies and corruption of officials
-
325votesAlso known as Bratva, the Russian Mafia has a long history of involvement in organized crime. Its members have been linked to everything from drug trafficking to human trafficking, and they are known for their brutal tactics and willingness to use violence to achieve their goals.
-
414votes
Chnosos · CC BY-SA 3.0The Yakuza is Japan's most prominent organized crime syndicate, with its roots dating back to the Edo period. Its members are involved in a variety of illegal activities, including prostitution, gambling, and drug trafficking.The Japanese Yakuza is a prominent organized crime syndicate in Japan that has a rich history dating back several centuries. It is known for its hierarchical structure, strict code of conduct, and involvement in various criminal activities.- Organizational Structure: The Yakuza operates through a hierarchy system with a clear division of ranks and responsibilities.
- Membership: The Yakuza recruits members primarily from lower socioeconomic backgrounds and maintains a strong sense of brotherhood and loyalty.
- Tattoos: Many Yakuza members adorn intricate full-body tattoos, which serve as symbols of their membership and commitment to the organization.
- Illegal Activities: The Yakuza is involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, prostitution, extortion, gambling, and fraud.
- Code of Conduct: The Yakuza follows a strict code of conduct known as 'ninkyo', which emphasizes loyalty, honor, and respect.
-
516votesThe Triads are a Chinese criminal organization that has been around for centuries. They are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and smuggling.The Chinese Triads, also known as the Chinese underground societies or simply Triads, are organized crime syndicates originating from China. They have expanded internationally and have a presence in various countries across the world. The Triads have a long and complex history, dating back to the 17th century.
- Membership structure: The Triads have a hierarchical membership structure, with different ranks and roles.
- Secret rituals: They have their own set of secret rituals and initiation ceremonies.
- Criminal activities: The Triads are involved in various criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, prostitution, and more.
- Distinctive symbols: They often use distinctive symbols and signs to identify themselves, such as dragon tattoos or finger gestures.
- Code of loyalty and honor: Triad members are bound by a strict code of loyalty and honor, emphasizing trust, brotherhood, and the importance of family.
-
67votesMexico's drug cartels have become notorious for their brutal tactics and vast wealth. They are responsible for the production and distribution of huge quantities of cocaine and other drugs, and they have been linked to a wide range of violent crimes.The Mexican Cartels, also known as drug cartels, are criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking and other illicit activities in Mexico. These powerful criminal groups have gained wide recognition for their violent operations and influence on the drug trade in the region.
- Founding: Mexican cartels emerged in the late 20th century.
- Drug Trafficking: They are primarily involved in smuggling and distributing illegal drugs, particularly cocaine, marijuana, crystal methamphetamine, and heroin.
- Violence: Mexican cartels are known for their extreme violence, including territorial disputes, assassinations, kidnappings, and mass killings.
- Structure: Cartels are organized hierarchically, with a leader known as the 'capo' or 'jefe' at the top, followed by lieutenants, soldiers, and associates.
- Alliances: Cartels form alliances, collaborate, or engage in conflicts with each other, leading to ongoing disputes and violence.
-
710votesThe Irish Mob is a collection of organized crime groups that are based in the United States. They have been involved in a variety of criminal activities, including extortion, gambling, and drug trafficking.
-
817votesThe Sicilian Mafia is one of Italy's most powerful crime organizations. Its members have been linked to a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and murder.The Sicilian Mafia, also known as Cosa Nostra, is one of the most notorious and influential organized crime syndicates in the world. It originated in Sicily, Italy, and gradually expanded its operations globally through the migration of Sicilian immigrants. The Mafia became known for its involvement in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, racketeering, and murder. Its hierarchical structure and code of silence, known as omertà , have made it challenging for law enforcement to dismantle the organization.
- Origins: The Mafia emerged in the late 19th century in Sicily, Italy.
- Expansion: Mafia operations extended to the United States, Canada, Australia, and other countries through immigration.
- Hierarchy: The Mafia is structured as a hierarchical organization, with various ranks such as boss, underboss, and caporegime.
- Omertà : The code of omertà dictates that members must maintain silence and loyalty to the organization under all circumstances.
- Territorial Control: The Mafia controls specific territories through the establishment of families or clans.
-
97votesThe Albanian Mafia is a relatively new organized crime group that has emerged in the United States and Europe. They are involved in a variety of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, and prostitution.The Albanian Mafia is a criminal organization composed of Albanian nationals and ethnic Albanian members operating in various parts of the world. It has gained notoriety for engaging in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, extortion, money laundering, and contract killing. The Albanian Mafia is known for its secretive nature and hierarchical structure, with a strong emphasis on family loyalty and blood ties.
- Origins: Emergence in the late 20th century
- Main activities: Drug trafficking, human trafficking, arms smuggling, extortion, money laundering, contract killing
- Hierarchy: Strong hierarchical structure with a focus on family loyalty
- Geographical reach: Operating in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia
- Influence: Involvement in global drug trade and organized crime networks
-
107votesThe Israeli Mafia is a collection of organized crime groups that are based in Israel and have a global presence. They are involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms trafficking.The Israeli Mafia is a prominent organized crime group that originated in Israel and has spread its influence globally. It operates in various criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, contract killings, and cybercrime. The Israeli Mafia is known for its complex hierarchical structure and reputation for violence and ruthlessness.
- Global Influence: Operates internationally and has established connections with numerous criminal organizations.
- Drug Trafficking: Engages in large-scale drug trafficking operations, smuggling narcotics across borders.
- Extortion: Utilizes coercion and blackmail to extract money and favors from individuals and businesses.
- Money Laundering: Involved in money laundering schemes, obscuring the origins of criminal proceeds.
- Contract Killings: Offers assassination services to clients, eliminating targets for a price.
Missing your favorite crime family?
Graphs
Discussion
Ranking factors for famous crime family
-
Notoriety and infamyHow notorious and well-known is the crime family? Have they been involved in high-profile crimes that have received significant media attention?
-
LongevityHow long has the crime family been in existence? Have they been able to maintain their power and influence over a significant period of time?
-
Criminal activityWhat types of crimes are they known for committing? Are they involved in organized crime, drug trafficking, extortion, or other illegal activities?
-
Geographical reachWhere is the crime family based, and how extensive is their criminal network? Do they operate in multiple regions or countries?
-
Pop culture impactHave they been depicted in popular movies, TV shows, or literature? Have they become part of the cultural lexicon?
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most famous crime family. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or crime family is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 2509 views
- 182 votes
- 10 ranked items
Movers & Shakers
Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each crime family once every 24 hours. The rank of each crime family is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
More information on most famous crime family
The concept of organized crime has been a part of society for centuries, with various crime families gaining notoriety throughout history. These families are often associated with illegal activities such as gambling, extortion, and drug trafficking. One of the most famous crime families in modern times is the Italian-American Mafia, also known as La Cosa Nostra. The Mafia has been the subject of numerous books, films, and television shows, and its influence on popular culture cannot be denied. However, the Mafia is just one of many crime families that have operated throughout history, with other notable examples including the Yakuza in Japan and the Triads in China. Despite their reputation for violence and criminality, crime families continue to fascinate and intrigue people around the world.
Explore other rankings
Check out some of the other recommended rankings on StrawPoll and make your voice heard.
