Top 20 Facts About Infamous Gangs

#20: 13-Second Beat-In

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Also known as Mara Salvatrucha, MS-13 is a notorious transnational gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s. One of the rituals that has contributed to the gang's fearsome reputation is its initiation process for new members, known as the "13-second beat-in." This brutal rite of passage requires the prospective member to withstand a violent beating by multiple gang members for exactly 13 seconds. This initiation ritual not only serves as a test of the recruit's toughness and resilience but also symbolizes their commitment to the gang. The number 13 is significant to MS-13, reflecting their identification with the letter M, the 13th letter of the alphabet, and their loyalty to the Mexican Mafia.

The Mafia, particularly the Sicilian Mafia, had a significant historical involvement in the citrus trade in Sicily during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Mafia's origins and rise to power in Sicily can actually be significantly traced back to its control over the lucrative lemon and orange groves in the region. During this time, Sicily was one of the world's leading producers of citrus fruits, which were in high demand, especially for their use in preventing scurvy. The Mafia exploited this opportunity by offering erstwhile protection services to citrus growers and exporters against theft and extortion. Through these practices, the Mafia effectively controlled the market, dictating prices, managing distribution, and using violence and intimidation to eliminate competition or coerce cooperation.

#18: Origin Story

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The name "Hells Angels'' originated in the late 1940s for the infamous motorcycle club and organized crime syndicate. It was formed by World War II veterans who sought the thrill and camaraderie they experienced as pilots and servicemen. The name itself is believed to have been inspired by fighter squadrons and bomber units from the war, notably the "Hell's Angels'' squadron of the American Volunteer Group (AVG) in the Flying Tigers, and possibly the 303rd Bombardment Group of the United States Army Air Forces, which had a B-17 bomber named "Hell's Angels." These military units were renowned for their daring and skill, characteristics the motorcycle club's founders sought to emulate.

#17: Corporate Structure

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The Gangster Disciples, a street gang founded in Chicago, Illinois, is known for a structured and hierarchical corporate-like organization. This structure was designed to maintain discipline, manage operations, and facilitate communication across the gang's various factions. At the top of the hierarchy is the Board of Directors, led by a Chairman, who oversees the entire gang's activities. Below the Board are Governors and Assistant Governors who manage the gang's operations in specific territories or states. The structure further includes Street Enforcers, who are responsible for maintaining discipline and overseeing street-level operations, including enforcing gang rules. This organization enables the Gangster Disciples to operate efficiently, coordinating criminal activities and managing conflicts within their ranks, much like a corporate entity with a clear chain of command.

#16: Former Commandos

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The Mexican cartel known as Los Zetas was initially formed by a small group of elite commandos from the Mexican Army's Special Forces, who deserted in the late 1990s to work as the armed wing for the Gulf Cartel. Their military training gave them a distinct advantage, allowing them to employ tactics and operational strategies far more sophisticated and brutal than those used by traditional criminal groups at the time. This transformation marked a significant shift in the dynamics of Mexico's gang landscape, as Los Zetas leveraged their expertise in intelligence and combat to assert control, expand their territory, and diversify into various criminal activities.

The Bloods, one of America's most notorious street gangs, included a brutal initiation ritual known as "Blood In, Blood Out." This process symbolizes a lifelong commitment, underscoring the gang's demand for unwavering loyalty and readiness to engage in violence. Prospective members must prove their allegiance through a violent act, often involving the shedding of blood, typically targeting rival gang members. This act of violence, "Blood In," serves as a rite of passage, cementing the recruit's place within the gang's ranks. Conversely, "Blood Out" represents the grim reality that exiting the gang often has fatal consequences, highlighting the permanence of the commitment once made.

The Primeiro Comando da Capital, Brazil's largest criminal organization, holds a unique ideological stance. While primarily involved in violent crime, the PCC also espouses a quasi-Marxist ideology. The group aims to improve conditions for prisoners and challenge the perceived injustices within the Brazilian penal system. This ideology has led to the implementation of their own rules and regulations within prisons, effectively exerting control over inmate populations and influencing prison conditions. The PCC's blend of criminal activities and ideological aspirations presents a complex and multifaceted challenge for law enforcement agencies in Brazil, as they navigate the group's influence both inside and outside of prison walls.

#13: Logo Battle

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The Mongols Motorcycle Club has been engaged in a long legal battle with the U.S. government over the rights to their logo. The core of the legal battle revolves around the U.S. government's attempts to seize control of the trademarked logo of the Mongols, which features a Genghis Khan figure riding a motorcycle. The government's argument has been that by stripping the motorcycle club of its logo, they could effectively dismantle the gang's identity. This effort is based on the premise that the logo is an integral part of the identity and operations of the Mongols MC, which has been associated with various criminal activities. In 2023 a California appeals court panel ruled that the government could not legally seize the logo.

The Chinese Triads trace their origins back to the 17th century as a resistance movement against the Qing dynasty, which was established by the Manchus in 1644. Initially, these secret societies were formed with the aim of restoring the Ming dynasty, which the Triads viewed as the legitimate rulers of China. The name "Triad" itself symbolizes the philosophical concept of the union of heaven, earth, and humanity, reflecting the group's initial ideological underpinnings. Over time, however, the focus of the Triads shifted away from political rebellion towards organized crime. Today, they are known for their involvement in various illegal activities worldwide, including money laundering, and extortion.

#11: Medieval Menace

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The Knights Templar gang was a cartel operating primarily in the Mexican state of Michoacán. It adopted the name and symbolism of the medieval Knights Templar, integrating pseudo-religious elements into its operations. The cartel adopted the name and symbolism of the medieval Knights Templar, which included wearing attire with Templar symbols during ceremonies and creating a code of conduct that purportedly emphasized honor, justice, and helping the poor. This stood in stark contrast to their actual activities of extortion, kidnapping, and territorial control. The Knights Templar Cartel has been significantly weakened due to concerted efforts by Mexican authorities and vigilante groups known as "autodefensas" that rose up against them.

In the world of outlaw motorcycle clubs, a "patch over" is a significant event that involves one club taking over another club, either absorbing its members, territory, or both. It expands influence and control by integrating members of a smaller or rival club. The term "patch over" comes from the practice of former members of the absorbed club removing their old club's patches from their vests or jackets and replacing them with the new club’s patches, symbolizing their new allegiance. It may happen through mutual agreement, where a smaller club seeks protection or prestige, or it could be the result of tensions and conflicts that lead to the smaller club being subsumed.

Also known as Barrio 18, the 18th Street gang also traces its origins back to the 1960s in Los Angeles. A distinctive feature of this gang is its multigenerational membership, which has played a crucial role in its growth, resilience, and influence both within the United States and internationally, particularly in Central America. The 18th Street gang's recruitment often begins at a young age, creating a cycle where gang membership spans across generations within families. It's not uncommon for children, siblings, and relatives of existing members to be brought into the gang, creating deep-rooted familial ties that contribute to the gang's cohesion and loyalty. In many areas, the 18th Street gang has become deeply entrenched in the communities they operate within, further facilitating multigenerational involvement.

#8: Norse Mythology

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Peckerwood gangs, particularly in California and the Southern states, are known for their white supremacist beliefs and subculture. One of the distinctive features of these gangs is their appropriation of Norse mythology and symbols. This use of Norse mythology is not unique to Peckerwoods but is also prevalent among various other racist and neo-Nazi groups. The attraction to Norse mythology and its symbols stems from a misconstrued association with white European ancestry, strength, and warrior culture. These religions are co-opted by supremacists despite the broader non-racist pagan community's efforts to distance themselves from these interpretations. Scholars and practitioners of Norse pagan religions have consistently spoken out against the co-opting of these symbols for racist ideologies.

Elaborate confidence tricks executed by a dugo-dugo gang in the Philippines target unsuspecting victims. In these schemes, perpetrators typically pose as relatives or acquaintances in distress - fabricating urgent situations such as accidents, medical emergencies, or legal troubles. Exploiting the victim's concern and compassion — Dugo translates to “blood” — they persuade them to provide financial assistance or valuable items as purported aid. These scams often involve sophisticated deception tactics, including scripted phone calls, fake documents, and emotional manipulation, designed to convince the victim of the authenticity of the emergency. Once the victim hands over money or assets, the perpetrators vanish, leaving the victim defrauded and humiliated.

It’s not just tattoos. The Yakuza's finger-cutting ritual, known as "yubitsume," is a deeply ingrained tradition within the Japanese organized crime syndicate. When a member commits a serious offense or fails in their duties, they may be required to atone for their actions by severing a portion of their own little finger. This act serves as both a symbolic gesture of apology and a practical demonstration of loyalty, as the loss of a digit can hinder a member's ability to wield a sword or handle weapons effectively. Yubitsume is performed with a sharp blade and typically involves removing the portion of the finger from the first joint. The severed digit is then presented to the Yakuza boss as a sign of contrition and a pledge to uphold the organization's code of conduct.

An international jewel thief network, the Pink Panthers are renowned for their elaborate heists, marked by meticulous planning and audacious execution. Their operations often involve sophisticated techniques, such as diversionary tactics using smoke bombs or exploiting vulnerabilities in security systems. What sets them apart is their ability to strike swiftly and vanish without a trace, leaving authorities baffled. Notorious for their high-value targets and daring escapades, the Pink Panthers have become legendary in the world of organized crime, inspiring fascination and awe among law enforcement agencies and the public alike. Their ability to strike swiftly and disappear without a trace has made them a formidable challenge for law enforcement agencies worldwide.

#4: The Russian Thieves' Code

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Known as "Vor v Zakone" (Thief in Law), this code is a strict set of rules governing behavior within the Russian criminal underworld. Established within the Soviet prison system, it dictates codes of conduct, hierarchy, and interactions with law enforcement. To attain the status of "Vor," or thief, one must adhere to these principles, which include principles of honor, loyalty, and discretion. Breaking the code often carries severe consequences, including expulsion from the criminal fraternity or even death. The Thieves' Code has endured for decades, shaping the culture and operations of Russian organized crime groups, and continues to influence criminal activities both domestically and internationally.

#3: Country Control

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Not as well-known internationally, Jopok, or members of South Korea’s organized crime groups, wield significant influence in various sectors of Korean society. Originating in the post-war era, these criminal organizations have established intricate networks involved in illicit activities such as loan sharking, gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking. Despite their criminal enterprises, the Jopok maintain a veneer of legitimacy through their connections to influential figures in politics, business, and law enforcement. Their ability to infiltrate and corrupt institutions has perpetuated their influence, allowing them to operate with relative impunity. While law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on their activities, the Jopok's deep-rooted presence in South Korean society poses a persistent challenge.

In a bustling market nestled within the narrow streets of Naples, Italy, the influence of the Camorra, a notorious criminal organization, extends even to the realm of fashion. The scene is vibrant yet tinged with the shadow of illicit activities. Stalls are brimming with counterfeit luxury goods, from designer handbags to high-end watches, all bearing the hallmark of famous brands but at a fraction of the price. These fakes, crafted with surprising attention to detail, attract a diverse crowd of bargain hunters and unsuspecting tourists alike. The Camorra's involvement in the production and distribution of these counterfeit items is an open secret, with the proceeds fueling their expansive criminal network.

In Japan’s Yakuza, the koi fish tattoo holds profound symbolic significance, embodying qualities of courage, perseverance, and the ability to overcome obstacles. This imagery is deeply rooted in Japanese folklore, where the koi is celebrated for its determination to swim upstream against strong currents, symbolizing a powerful and resilient spirit. For Yakuza members, the koi fish tattoo is not just an artistic expression but a representation of their own life's struggles and triumphs. It signifies their commitment to the Yakuza's stringent code of conduct and their relentless pursuit of success, regardless of the challenges they face. The koi fish tattoo is a powerful symbol of ostensible strength, ambition, and unwavering resolve. Are there other lesser-known gang facts or rituals that should have made this list? Let us know in the comments.