In the dark corners of the world, there exist organizations renowned for their mystery and power.
These organizations have a long history, spanning over three centuries, with influence spread across the globe.
Their total membership exceeds 300,000, a massive force that instills both fear and curiosity:
Who exactly are these organizations? Have you ever heard of them? How have they managed to remain steadfast through the course of time?
Which criminal organizations are among the world's top ten?
1. The Italian Mafia: Europe’s Shadowy Power
The Mafia originated in the southern Italian island of Sicily.
Initially, the Mafia was formed by local farmers as a self-defense group to resist external enemies.
However, over time, this organization gradually evolved into a massive entity that controls the underground economy.
Since the late 19th century, the Mafia has been built on family ties, constructing a global criminal network.
Not only do they hold significant influence within Italy, but through activities like illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking, they also impact the global economy.
By colluding with political circles, the Mafia has infiltrated international politics, becoming a crucial part of transnational crime networks.
Despite repeated crackdowns by governments, the Mafia continues to operate in the shadows thanks to its strong organizational structure and anti-surveillance capabilities, making it nearly impossible to eliminate entirely.
Their existence is not just a crime issue, but also reflects the intertwining of power, corruption, and violence.
2. The Yamaguchi-gumi: Asia’s Dark Empire
The Yamaguchi-gumi is the largest and most tightly-knit criminal organization in Japan.
Since its establishment in Kansai in 1915, the Yamaguchi-gumi has grown to become one of the most influential criminal organizations globally.
Its organizational structure is complex, with numerous members spread across Japan and the world.
The Yamaguchi-gumi is active not only in traditional criminal areas such as gambling, drug trafficking, and human trafficking but has also infiltrated Japan’s entertainment industry and legitimate economic activities.
Members of the Yamaguchi-gumi take pride in their loyalty to the organization and the Bushido spirit, and this culture has allowed the Yamaguchi-gumi to maintain cohesion and survival even in the face of government crackdowns.
Despite multiple actions taken by the Japanese government and police to suppress the Yamaguchi-gumi, the massive organization continues to exert influence globally.
3. Chinese Triads: The Dark Force in Global Chinese Communities
Among Chinese criminal organizations, the Sun Yee On, Wo Shing Wo, and 14K are the most influential.
Sun Yee On's history can be traced back to the Qing Dynasty, originally formed as a secret society aimed at overthrowing the Qing and restoring the Ming Dynasty, later evolving into a vast criminal syndicate.
The 14K was established in Hong Kong in 1949 and quickly expanded to global Chinese communities, primarily engaging in drug trafficking, smuggling, and gambling.
Meanwhile, the Wo Shing Wo refers to a collection of gangs named with the character "Wo," originating from mainland Chinese immigrants who fled to Hong Kong and formed mutual aid organizations.
These gangs are not only active in mainland China and Hong Kong but have also established widespread criminal networks within global Chinese communities.
4. Mexican Cartels: The Drug Empire of the Americas
Mexico’s drug cartels, with the most famous being the cartels, control the world's largest drug market.
Through long-term conflict with the Mexican government and military, these cartels have plunged Mexico into violence and social unrest.
5. Russian Brotherhood: The Overlords of Eastern Europe’s Black Market
Russia’s "Brotherhood" is a criminal group based in Moscow, consisting mostly of former Soviet military and intelligence members, renowned for their formidable combat strength and dominance over the black market.
6. Colombia's FARC: Latin America’s Armed Force
The FARC in Colombia is a left-wing anti-government armed group, infamous for kidnappings, extortion, and terrorist attacks.
At one point, they controlled vast areas of Colombia and were involved in drug trafficking and other criminal activities.
7. Mumbai's Dada: The Black Force of India
The Dada gang in Mumbai, India, has long controlled the local drug trade and gambling market, engaging in decades of conflict with the government.
8. Brazil's First Capital Command: South America's Violent Group
Brazil's First Capital Command gang controls Rio de Janeiro’s favelas and is known for its violent activities, frequently clashing with the government.
9. South Africa's 272: Africa’s Prison Empire
South Africa’s "272" gang is the most notorious criminal organization in Africa, controlling the prison system with brutal punishments and violent rule.
10. America’s Crips and Bloods: The Rival Gangs of U.S. Streets
The Crips and Bloods gangs in Los Angeles, USA, are famous for their long-standing rivalry. Their conflict is a classic case in the history of American gang violence.
The existence of global criminal organizations is not merely a problem of violent crime; it reflects complex social, economic, and political issues.
In the face of these organizations, society needs to deeply examine their social roots and seek effective solutions to truly address the problem of organized crime worldwide.
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