Gangs have been a prevalent issue in society for decades, with their activities ranging from drug trafficking, robbery, and violence. In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 10 largest gangs in the world. These gangs are known for their brutal actions and the extent of their influence in various parts of the world.
From the Latin Kings in the United States to the Yakuza in Japan, their impact on society is undeniable. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of the biggest and most feared gangs worldwide. Read on to learn more about their history, activities, and reach.
The Top 5 Largest Gangs in the World: Facts You Need to Know
Gangs are defined as groups of people who share common characteristics and engage in criminal activities either for survival or profit. They operate globally and have continued to be a menace in society, causing violence, promoting drug use, trafficking in persons and even weapons.
While there are a plethora of gangs that have been formed globally, here are the top 10 which are widely known and dreaded:
1.
Mara Salvatrucha MS-13
Mara Salvatrucha MS-13 is a gang that originated from Los Angeles in the 1980s. It was formed by Central American immigrants who were fleeing the civil wars that were happening in their home countries. The group currently operates in many countries, notably in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador, where it is believed to have over 50,000 members.
Most of its members are young men who have been recruited from the streets. They engage in a wide array of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, prostitution, arms trafficking, human trafficking, and money laundering.
2.
Barrio Azteca
Barrio Azteca is a gang that originated from Texas in the 1980s. It was formed by Mexican-American prisoners who were incarcerated in the United States. The group expanded its operations into Mexico, where it has allied itself with the Juarez drug cartel and the Sinaloa drug cartel.
The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, money laundering, and extortion. It is believed to have over 10,000 members, with most of them operating in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
3.
Rollin’ 30s
Rollin’ 30s is a gang that was formed in Los Angeles in the 1970s. It is a subset of the Crips gang, which is one of the most notorious gangs in the United States. The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and gang-related violence.
Rollin’ 30s operate mainly in the United States and have an estimated 2,000 members.
4. Bloods
The Bloods are a gang that was formed in Los Angeles in the 1970s.
It is a rival gang to the Crips gang, and they have been in a long-standing feud that has resulted in numerous deaths over the years.
The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and gang-related violence. The Bloods gang is estimated to have over 20,000 members worldwide.
5. Black Disciples
The Black Disciples is a gang that was formed in Chicago in the 1960s. It was formed by David Barksdale, who was said to be a member of the Black P Stone gang.
The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and gang-related violence.
The Black Disciples are believed to have over 40,000 members, with most of them operating in the United States.
6.
18th Street Gang
The 18th Street Gang is a gang that originated from Los Angeles in the 1960s. The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and racketeering. It is believed to have over 30,000 members worldwide, with most of them operating in the United States, Mexico, and Central America.
Some members of the group are known to have affiliations with the Mexican drug cartels, particularly the Sinaloa drug cartel.
7. Latin Kings
The Latin Kings is a gang that originated from Chicago in the 1940s.
The group operates mainly in the United States but has also established a presence in South America and Europe. The Latin Kings are known for their involvement in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and racketeering.
The group is believed to have over 50,000 members worldwide, with most of them operating in the United States.
8. Aryan Brotherhood
The Aryan Brotherhood is a white supremacist gang that was formed in California in the 1960s. The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and engaging in violent acts.
The Aryan Brotherhood is believed to have over 15,000 members worldwide, with most of them operating in the United States.
9. Gangster Disciples
The Gangster Disciples is a gang that originated from Chicago in the 1960s.
The group is known for its involvement in drug trafficking, arms trafficking, and gang-related violence.
The gang is believed to have over 30,000 members worldwide, with most of them operating in the United States.
10.
La Cosa Nostra
La Cosa Nostra, also known as the Italian Mafia, is one of the oldest and most notorious criminal organizations in the world. The Italian Mafia originated in Italy in the 19th century and later expanded its operations to the United States, where it established a stronghold in New York City.
The group is involved in various criminal activities such as extortion, money laundering, drug trafficking, and murder.
It is believed to have over 3,000 members worldwide, with most of them operating in the United States and Italy.
Gangs continue to be a menace globally, causing violence and promoting criminal activities. It is important for governments to address this problem by providing resources for law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute gang members.
Communities must also be empowered to prevent gang recruitment by creating opportunities for youth, providing education, and vocational training. This will go a long way in preventing the formation of new gangs and breaking the cycle of violence that many communities are currently facing.
What are the 6 types of gangs?
s or less.
Gangs have been around for centuries, and today, they are a growing menace, especially in urban communities. There are many types of gangs, and they differ based on their beliefs, criminal activities, and organizational structures.
In this article, we will explore the 6 different types of gangs.
1. Street Gangs
Street gangs are the most common type of gang.
They are known for their street-level criminal activities, such as selling drugs, robbery, and assault. Street gangs are made up of young people who are looking for a sense of belonging and are often involved in turf wars with other gangs.
2.
Prison Gangs
Prison gangs are organized groups of inmates who operate inside and outside of the prison system. They control illegal activities within the prison, such as drug trafficking and extortion, and sometimes even extend their influence outside of prison walls.
3.
Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs
Outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMGs) are highly organized and operate internationally. They are known for their involvement in drug trafficking, gunrunning, and various other criminal activities. OMGs are often associated with violence and brutality.
4. Hate Groups
Hate groups are organized gangs that spread hate based on race, ethnicity, religion, or sexual orientation. Members of hate groups are known for their use of violence and intimidation to push their agenda.
5. Terrorist Groups
Terrorist groups are organized gangs that use violence and fear to achieve political or ideological objectives. They target innocent civilians and are known for their use of suicide bombers, hijackings, and other acts of violence.
6. Youth Gangs
Youth gangs are typically made up of young people who engage in criminal activities such as vandalism, drug use, and theft. They often form in response to social and economic pressures such as poverty, lack of education, and lack of employment opportunities.
In conclusion, the six types of gangs we have explored are street gangs, prison gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, hate groups, terrorist groups, and youth gangs. Each type has its own unique characteristics and criminal activities. It is important for law enforcement agencies to understand the nature of each gang type to effectively combat gang-related crime.
Conclusion
Discover the top 10 largest gangs in the world with our list. These gangs operate in various countries and cities, engaging in criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, gun smuggling, and more. Stay informed and aware of the dangers these groups pose to society.
