Famous bandits. The names of Italian mafiosi are the most famous gangsters in the world

Is the mafia a gang, a group, or just a bunch of bandits? Let's try to figure out what exactly this word means.

The concept of “mafia” today refers to any ethnic criminal group, in structure and organization, reminiscent of the ancestor of such communities - the Sicilian criminal “family”, highly organized and having its own code of rules.

Where did this concept come from?

But the origin of the term is hotly debated. There are very original versions, for example the following: “Mafia” is an abbreviation for the words Morte Alla Francia, Italia Anela (“Death to all French; Italy, breathe freely!”) - a cry that was born during the uprising against the French in Sicily at the end 13th century.

According to Gabor Gellert, a journalist from Hungary who closely studied the topic (13 years of work on a book about the mafia), this word should be understood in a more global sense than an alliance of criminals. This is a socio-political-economic phenomenon, the emergence of which is natural in the world of capital. The meaning of the word “mafia” in the dictionaries in which it first appears (1868) is an action meaning insolence, boasting. Mafioso in the same dictionaries is a person who uses brutal violence, or poverty, scum.

There are also Arabic versions of the origin of the word "mafia". There are many consonant words with meanings: protection, refuge, security, chatterbox, gathering place. Alas, researchers have not yet gotten to the truth.

What does the mafia do?

Organized illegal activities are very diverse. Mafia crimes:

• Maintenance of dens.
• Arms trade.
• Drug trafficking.
• Making counterfeit money.
• Gambling, casino maintenance, gambling business.
• Pimping, content of porn sites.
• Buying stolen goods.
• Usury.
• Extortion, racketeering.
• Debt collection.
• Human trafficking, kidnapping.
• Contract killings.
• Smuggling, money laundering.

The sphere of interests of the largest and most influential groups is not limited to criminal activities. Their representatives are engaged in ordinary business (hotels, restaurants, etc.), lobbying, and politics.

Code of Practice

Any mafia, except perhaps the most low-grade ones, is a code of moral rules. For example, the code of honor of the Cosa Nostra organization included rules such as:

• Always be on time for your appointments.
• Do not look at the wives of friends (and a member who has family ties with a traitor or traitor was punished by expulsion from the gang).
• Don't go to bars and clubs.

Below we will look at examples of the most famous criminal communities. Let us immediately clarify that most of the information about such groups is hypotheses based on fragmentary and random information. It is clear that the leaders of such groups do not strive for widespread popularity.

Cosa Nostra

Many people who are familiar with the topic firsthand have a strong association: the mafia is Cosa Nostra. Let's try to figure out what these two words represent. The phrase “Cosa Nostra” in Sicilian means “our business”. This term became widespread and became associated with any Italian mafia or the mafia in general after the publication of the novel " Godfather».

Initially, Cosa Nostra was active in Sicily from the beginning of the 19th century. In one century, that is, by the beginning of the twentieth, it turned into international organization. A little later it strengthened its position in America. It consists of 11 clans (families). It should be clearly distinguished: Cosa Nostra is a mafia of Sicilian origin, regardless of its modern geographical location.

Italian and Italian-American mafia

It makes sense to connect them, because the American mafia is mainly from Italy, or more precisely from Naples, Calabria, and Sicily. Today, the Italian mafia operates in at least 26 US cities.

Five families

An influential group within the American mafia. Its core consists of representatives of five families:

• Bonanno;
• Colombo;
• Gambino;
• Genovese;
• Lucchese.

Of these, the most numerous (although according to some sources it is inferior and influential is the Genovese family. Using its example, you can see what the Italian mafia is. The history of the family as a representative of the mafia began at the beginning of the 20th century.

Initially, it was an alliance of several small Sicilian street gangs that traded in extortion and bootlegging. Gradually, the family expanded its activities, subordinating large parts of the gambling, racketeering and usury markets. A fascinating multi-part film could be made about the changes in family leadership over the course of a millennium.

Groups

As mentioned above, the mafia is a highly organized union. Let's look at examples of groups that, in terms of the scope of their activities, are comparable to

• Camorra and 'Ndrangheta- these are the two largest groups of purely Italian mafia, without any admixture of “Americanism,” although both groups have an extensive network throughout the world. The core of the Camorra is located in Naples and its environs, the “head office” of the 'Ndrangheta is in Calabria. Both are extremely rich, influential, are among the ten richest mafia communities in the world, and consist of clans with powerful family and marriage ties.
• Bamboo Union. Area of ​​influence - Asia, Europe, America. This largest group in Asia, the main backbone is Taiwan. In addition to the fact that it is one of the richest criminal organizations in the world (the main income is from gambling, murder and debt collection), it stands out because it is closely linked to one of the main and influential parties in China (the Kuomintang), although these ties are actively denied.

• Tai Huen Chai, or the Triad. There is the least information about this group on the Russian Internet. The largest and most influential in China. The modern Triad is a huge underground criminal network about which little is known. Presumably the founder of this organization appeared before 200 BC under the name “Shadow of the Lotus” and traded in the slave trade and piracy.
• Tijuana cartel- one of the two oldest and most influential in Mexico. Considering that Mexico is a well-known transit point for the US drug market, it can be said that the Tijuana Cartel is one of the largest drug cartels in the world.
• Yamaguchi-gumi (yamaguchi-gumi)- Japanese mafia. This is not just one of the richest groups in the world. She is a leader in terms of income and number of active members(from 55 to 220 thousand).
• Sinaloa- a cartel operating in Mexico and Central America. The network covers some US cities. “Specialization” is drug sales. The organization is considered a leader in this segment of criminal activity. It has become famous for the particularly brutal nature of internal disputes; shocking footage of severed heads and enemies being dissolved in acid sometimes ends up on the Internet.

in Russia

It is believed that it appeared in the 60s of the last century, although in principle there cannot be a specific starting point. It is noteworthy that the words “Russian mafia” in the West can mean criminal groups not only from Russia, but from any country in the post-Soviet space.

The mafia of union significance began its activities with small criminal groups of Jews who left the USSR in the 70-90s of the 20th century. Today, it makes sense to distinguish between the Russian mafia (its representatives have Russian citizenship and operate on Russian territory) and the mafia with Soviet roots.

The most famous group is the Solntsevskaya Bratva. It is considered one of the most dangerous and cruel in the world. The leader, according to rumors, is Sergei Mikhailov, nicknamed Mikhas.

Famous mafiosi

A well-organized structure, be it a mafia, a group or an alliance, is impossible without the accumulating power of the leader. Of course, most current leaders are shadow leaders. Below we will look at the names that are well-known and have become legends.

• Al Capone is a well-known name, but it is worth noting that it has long and firmly entered history, because this man died back in 1947 at the age of 48. The boss of the Chicago mafia, famous for his ability to build a real criminal empire.
• Pablo Escobar- the most famous Colombian drug lord, one of the most outstanding, if such a word can be applied to a criminal, figures in the criminal world of the 20th century. He not only made money through crimes, but also administered his own justice, which earned him the favor of the poor and young people.
• Kray Brothers- Twins from London, Ronnie and Reggie Kray, have been uncontrollable since childhood. With their fists, aggression and high business skills, they managed to build an entire empire, and managed to successfully combine both shadow business, and legal.

• Mayer Lansky(Belarus) - one of the few figures in the criminal world who lived to the respectable age of 80 (died in 1983). The Jew, originally from Tsarist Russia, was for many years one of the most authoritative people in the United States. Managed the largest shadow gambling syndicate. He became the prototype for the elderly Jewish mafioso Hyman Roth.
• Frank Costello- another outstanding one from the USA, but originally from Italy. Very for a long time was the head of the Genovese family and extremely successful in business. He gravitated towards bloodless types of criminal business, like illegal trade alcohol and gambling. As a matter of principle, he was not involved in drug trafficking, believing that there were plenty of opportunities to make money without it. He also distinguished himself by actively establishing connections between the mafia and politics and was more successful in this than any of the crime bosses.

Of course, these are not all well-known criminal communities. Suffice it to say that many of them have entered not only criminal history, but also the history of cinema, so remarkable is the activity of famous mafiosi from the point of view of analyzing human nature and the reasons for success, albeit in activities disapproved by the majority.

On January 17, 1899, Al Capone, the legendary gangster, who became the prototype for many movie characters. In the 1920s, Capone wielded enormous influence. The US authorities did not manage to put him in prison for a long time. We will tell you about the seven most influential gangsters in history.

The most powerful gangsters in the world

Al Capone

Legendary gangster Al Capone - perhaps famous criminal to date. His fortune was estimated at $1.3 billion. Italian by birth, he acted, like many other Italians, in the United States, in Chicago.

In 1925, at age 26, Capone became head of the Torrio family, starting a family war and becoming the leader of the bootleg alcohol market. Under the guise of the furniture business, Capone was involved in bootlegging, gambling and pimping. On business card bandit it was written: Alfonso Capone, antique furniture dealer.


Known for his intelligence as well as his love of attention, Capone was also famous for his brutality.

The police could not prove Capone's involvement in serious crimes and therefore accused him of tax evasion. In July 1931, he was tried in Federal Court and sentenced to 10 years in prison at the Atlanta Correctional Institution. Capone left prison terminally ill, lost his authority in the criminal world and died a few years later in ignominy.

Carlo Gambino

Another famous gangster om was Carlo Gambino. This Sicilian-born mafioso became the boss of one of the five families of the Italian-American mafia in New York, named in his honor as the Gambino Family.

In 1921, Gambino came to the United States illegally and settled in Brooklyn with the help of his Castellano cousins, who had moved there earlier. Later, Carlo facilitated the move of his brothers overseas. In the United States, Gambino immediately became involved in criminal activities and, at the age of 19, became a member of Cosa Nostra, joining one of the largest crime families in New York, led by Salvatore "Toto" D'Aquillo.

On April 15, 1931, Luciano lured one of the biggest crime bosses in New York, Joe Masseria, to the Nuova Tammaro restaurant on Coney Island, where he was shot. After this, Maranzano proclaimed himself the Boss of Bosses.

In 1938, Carlo Gambino was arrested on charges of failure to pay taxes on liquor sales and on May 23, 1939, was sentenced to 22 months in prison and a $2,500 fine.

Carlo Gambino gained his greatest influence in the late 1960s. However, in the 1970s, he began to experience more frequent health problems. Carlo Gambino died at home in Brooklyn on October 15, 1976 from a heart attack while watching television. At least 2 thousand people attended the funeral, including police officers, judges and politicians.

Lucky Luciano

Sicilian gangster Lucky Luciano is believed to be the mastermind behind the massive post-war expansion of the international heroin trade.

Charlie Luciano's rise to the top of organized crime began as an ordinary gangster. The list of his crimes includes: racketeering, robbery, drug trafficking, organizing underground gambling houses, pimping, smuggling and many other types of criminal activity, thanks to which it was possible to make a fortune and gain authority. At first he was an ordinary member of the Giuseppe Masseria "family", one of the two largest gangster gangs in New York. He received his nickname “Lucky” after he managed to survive one of the showdowns. Men from Maranzano, a rival gang, hung him from a tree and tortured him, hoping to find out the location of the drug stash. Gangsters They decided that he was dead and left him on the road without signs of life. But he survived. He received 55 stitches. He later removes his boss Masseria and strengthens his authority.

Luciano had great organizational skills. He came up with a scheme: a fictitious company as a “roof” for bootlegging. He was one of the first to decide that the mafia should function in the same way as corporations. He organized the "Big Seven" - a super trust of gangsters for the sale of alcohol. Authorities were able to arrest Luciano. He was sentenced to a significant term of up to 50 years. However, he assisted the government in the liquidation operation criminal gangs in Sicily, for which he was released early. In 1962 he was invited to film documentary film about the mafia, but during a meeting with the director he had a heart attack and died on the way to the hospital.

Susumu Ishii

This Japanese criminal was a participant in World War II. Then he became a gangster and sought great success at the head of his gang. The yakuza amassed his fortune of $1.5 billion mainly through loans, banking transactions and real estate fraud. Susumu Ishii enjoyed enormous prestige in Japan. Gangster died in 1991, more than 5 thousand people attended his funeral.

Frank Costello

Frank Costello is an American mafioso of Italian descent. He earned the nickname of the Prime Minister of the Underworld. Already as a child he was involved in criminal activities by his brother Edward. At the age of 13, Costello became a member of a local gang and then changed his name to Frankie. At first he committed petty crimes, and in 1908 and 1912 they tried to prosecute him for robbery, but in both cases he was released due to lack of evidence. Later he meets many leaders of the underworld, including Lucky Luciano and Gambino, and is involved in robbery, loan sharking, extortion, smuggling and illegal gambling. After the introduction of Prohibition, he was actively involved in bootlegging.

After the gang war that ended with the murders of Marranzano and Masseria, Costello focused on the gambling business and soon became one of the biggest money earners in the family. Approximately 25 thousand slot machines were installed throughout New York. Frank Costello is one of two Mafia bosses who used the services of a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst. In the 1940s, Costello began to suffer from fears and insomnia, and he was often in a depressed mood.

In the 1960s, Costello stepped away from leadership of the family, but retained gambling income in Louisiana and Florida, as well as legal businesses. In 1973, he died of a myocardial infarction.

Pablo Escobar

Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria is a Colombian drug lord and terrorist. In 1977, he and three other major traffickers founded the Medellin drug cartel. Escobar's specialty was his ruthlessness. Escobar was the head of this organization, ruling his empire with ostentatious impunity. At its peak, the Medellin cartel controlled about 80% of the world's cocaine market. The annual turnover was estimated at $30 billion, and the personal fortune of the drug lord himself, according to Forbes, was $9 billion in 1989. According to other sources, his fortune reached $25 billion.

In December 1993, Escobar was shot dead by a sniper of the Colombian secret services, which operated with US support.

Amando Carillo Fuentes

Fuentes is a well-known, currently active Mexican criminal, a major drug trafficker, and the head of the Juarez drug cartel. Fuentes gained experience in the drug business while working for Colombians during the cocaine boom (1970s). Fuentes's first successful step in this business was a complete abandonment of cash. He came up with the idea of ​​accepting payment in cocaine, using it to create his own drug distribution network. Fuentes created his own Juarez cartel in Mexico, which began to have significant power - its daily turnover was $30 million. The drug lord's fortune is estimated at $25 billion.

In 2005, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes was arrested. IN at the moment runs the cartel from prison.

9. Albanian mafia

Albania consists of numerous criminal groups. Their rules have remained unchanged since the 15th century... The Albanian mafia is involved in the trade of white slaves, alcohol and tobacco, controls prostitution, car theft and racketeering. She began her “activities” in the 80s of the last century. Widely represented in the USA and Britain. A distinctive feature is the cruelty used in acts of revenge.
8. Serbian mafia


The Serbian mafia has found its place among the leaders, since it operates in dozens of countries around the world and is associated with drug smuggling, contract killings, racketeering, robberies, control of bets and gambling houses. Interpol lists about 350 Serbian citizens, who are often employees and leaders of the largest drug cartels in the world. Serbian gangsters are also known for intellectual heists, often reenacting Hollywood scenarios, as well as quick and clean executions. Currently there are about 30-40 groups operating in Serbia
7. Israeli mafia


These guys work in the field of banditry in many countries, their main activity is drug trafficking and prostitution. Times have changed, and if earlier they were once looked at with reverence because of their ability to provide protection, today it is ruthless killers don't think twice before pulling the trigger. The Russian-Israeli mafia has strengthened its political system The United States is so good that even the vaunted American army is beyond the power to knock them out.
6.Mexican Mafia


The Mexican Mafia is a powerful criminal structure in the United States, with roots in the prison world. Originated in the 50s, it was positioned as the protection of Mexicans in US prisons from other criminals and prison guards. The main activities are extortion and drug trafficking. They are prone to quick reprisals against those they dislike and those who do not pay them the tax they set.
5. Japanese Yakuza

The Japanese mafia proudly traces its origins to impoverished noble samurai, or ronin, as they were called in Japan. Heirs of noble fathers with many children, who sometimes had nothing but a sword, they inherited only the right to carry a sword and even comb their hair like a samurai: shave their forehead and crown, long hair from the back of the head, braid it into a tight braid and stick it on the bluish scalp. Although the Japanese mafia is known throughout the world, everyday life In these cities it is difficult to spot it right away. Meanwhile, the Japanese mafia numbers one hundred and ten thousand people, while the noisy and violent American mafia numbers only twenty thousand. Considering that the population of the United States is approximately twice that of the Japanese, it is not difficult to calculate that for every Japanese there are eleven times as many professional rapists, robbers and murderers as there are Americans. Areas of activity: racketeering, distribution of prohibited pornography from Europe and America, prostitution and illegal emigration.
4. Chinese triads


That rapidly growing China is rapidly becoming a leader global development, they say today all over the world. But there are also negative sides to this process. As China strengthens its leading position in the global economy, Chinese organized crime will rapidly expand its presence in transnational criminal relations. The “Triads” have already started a “third world war” for their competitors! "Riding" migration processes, mafia structures of China and Chinese mafia in other countries they have taken leading positions in organizing human trafficking and organizing illegal migration flows. A Europol report (June 2006) noted that Chinese mafia groups were named leaders in human trafficking in the European Union. Chinese "triads" have supplanted the home-grown mafia in Japan - the yakuza: the Chinese account for about half of all crimes committed by foreigners.
3. Colombian drug cartels


The Colombian mafia is one of the world's largest suppliers of cocaine. All efforts government authorities still remain in vain, since the bandits’ business is more than successful. The Colombian drug mafia has existed since the mid-60s of the last century. The Medellin and Cali cartels quickly became the world's leading cocaine producers.
2. Sicilian and American Cosa Nostra


Members Sicilian mafia(from left to right), Salvatore Lo Bue, Salvatore Lo Cicero, Gaetano Lo Presti, Giuseppe Scaduto, Antonino Spera, Gregorio Agrigento, Luigi Caravello, Mariano Troia, Giovanni Adelfio and Francesco Bonomo In the 13th century. Sicily was constantly plundered not only by Algerian pirates, but also by detachments of French mercenaries who served the Northern Italian dukes and princes. The organized armed struggle of the islanders against the French began in 1282 under the slogan “Morete alla Francia, Italia anela” (“Die, France - sigh, Italy”); From the first letters of the call, the Sicilians composed a battle cry: “Mafia!” Soon, self-defense units turned into units of professional fighters who began to take tribute from peasants for protection from external enemies. In the 19th century mafia that became unified system, even tried to achieve the separation of the island from Italy and proposed an alliance with Giuseppe Garibaldi, but the troops of the Principality of Piedmont defeated her. IN late XIX V. thousands of Sicilians, fleeing poverty and clan wars, moved to America. IN major cities The United States arose Cosa Nostra (“Our Business”) - a network of Sicilian “families” that controlled casinos, smuggling, prostitution, illegal trafficking in alcohol, tobacco and weapons, and also engaged in racketeering. All the "consorteries" of Sicily form a "venerable community", headed by the Capo di tutti Capi, the head of all chapters. Important figures in the mafia structure are also picciotti di ficatu (hired killers), stopalieri (bodyguards), gabellotti (judges) and consiglieri (advisers).
1. Russian mafia


The Russian mafia numbers 500,000 people. Her godfathers control 70% Russian economy, as well as prostitution in Macau and China, drug trafficking in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, money laundering in Cyprus, Israel, Belgium and England, car theft, nuclear material trafficking and prostitution in Germany. With the disappearance of the Iron Curtain, the expansion of Russian crime ceased to be controlled and directed, as it was before the collapse of the USSR. The first wave of “export” of crime from the territory of what was then the USSR took place in the early 70s, when Soviet Jews were allowed to leave for Israel. This wave was not comparable to the second - when the “Iron Curtain” collapsed with the collapse of the USSR. Then the world really appreciated the size of Russian crime, which it called the “Russian mafia.” Russian criminal communities sometimes expressed very specific interests in different countries peace. Thus, in December 1993, the Western press first mentioned that groups were “shaking” Russian hockey players playing in foreign clubs, the so-called “legionnaires”. The mass of materials on this topic in the press in subsequent years indicated that the “sports racket” had become truly industrial scale. According to some reports, now the Russian criminal community operates in 50 countries around the world. According to American professor Louise Shelley, the ROP has taken $150 billion out of the Russian Federation since 1991. According to other sources - 50 billion dollars, but also a lot.

The mysterious underground world of the mafia has always fascinated mere mortals. On the big screen, the gangster style looks incredibly exciting and attractive, and the legendary movie mafiosi seem to us to be real martyrs whose sacrifice was in vain. But how were things in real life? Here are the 15 gangsters who actually existed.

15. Frank Costello

Frank "Prime Minister" Costello was the leader of the formidable Luciano family. He left Italy at the age of four and moved to New York, where he quickly became involved in a life of crime. However, Costello became truly noticeable in 1936, after the arrest of Charles “Lucky” Luciano. Costello quickly rose to become the head of the Luciano crime family, which later became the Genovese family. He received the nickname "Prime Minister" for his competent leadership of the underground world of the mafia and his desire to be known as a political figure rather than a mafia boss. They say that it was he who became the prototype for Vito Corleone from The Godfather. Costello was highly respected among his people, but even he had enemies. In 1957, an attempt was made on his life, and he miraculously survived being shot in the head. Costello died in 1973 as a result of a heart attack. In the history of the Italian-American mafia, he remained known as one of the "nice" bosses.

14. Jack Diamond

Jack "Legs" Diamond was a well-known figure during the Prohibition era in the United States. Diamond, who earned the nickname “Legs” for his constant running away and love of dancing, also became famous for his active gangster activities - he has a huge number of murders and alcohol smuggling operations. His criminal status increased markedly when he ordered the murder of one of his bosses, Nathan Kaplan. Diamond himself was repeatedly assassinated, but each time he miraculously escaped death, for which he received the nickname “The Man Who Cannot Be Killed.” However, in 1931 his luck failed him and he was shot dead by an assassin unknown to this day.

13. John Gotti

John Joseph Gotti Jr., boss of the elusive Gambino family, became one of the most feared men in the Mafia. Gotti grew up in poverty, surrounded by 12 brothers and sisters, and quickly became involved in organized crime - he was an errand boy for local gangster Agnello Dellacroce, who later became his mentor. In 1980, Gotti's 12-year-old son Frank was struck and killed by neighbor and family friend John Favara. Although the death was ruled an accident, Favara received numerous threats and was once beaten with a baseball bat. Several months later, he mysteriously disappeared and his body was never found. Thanks to his almost stereotypical gangster style, Gotti quickly earned the nickname "The Dapper Don." In 1990, the FBI finally managed to catch Gotti, and he was found guilty of murder and racketeering. In 2002, Gotti died in prison from throat cancer.

12. Frank Sinatra

That's right, Mister Blue eyes was once an alleged associate of Sam Giancana and Luca Luciano. Sinatra, who once honestly admitted that “if it weren’t for music, I would most likely have gone into a life of crime,” was not shy about getting his hands dirty, and even openly attended the mafia’s Havana Conference in 1946, to which the press reacted with headlines “SHAME ON SINATRA.” " For double life the singer was followed not only by the media, but also by the FBI, which collected information about him from the very beginning of his career. However, the real problems began with Sinatra's collaboration with future President John F. Kennedy. It was believed that Sinatra used his connections to help the future US leader with his presidential campaign. But Sinatra lost the trust of the Mafia because of his friendship with Kennedy's brother, Bobby, who at the time was busy cracking down on organized crime. Giancana broke off relations with him, and the FBI left Sinatra alone.

11. Mickey Cohen

Meyer Harris "Mickey" Cohen for many years was a real pain in the LAPD's ass. Cohen moved with his family to Los Angeles from New York when he was six. Cohen was once a promising boxer, but gave up the sport and turned to organized crime. He eventually ended up in Chicago, where he began working for Al Capone. After several successful years during the Prohibition era, Cohen was sent back to Los Angeles under the supervision of notorious gangster Bugsy Siegel. The police soon began to notice the violent and hot-tempered gangster. After numerous assassination attempts, Cohen turned his home into a real fortress, surrounding it with an alarm system, floodlights and bulletproof gates. He also hired Hollywood starlet Lana Turner's boyfriend, Johnny Stompanato, as his bodyguard. In 1961, Cohen was sent to Alcatraz for tax evasion, and he became the only prisoner who managed to get out of this prison on bail. Despite numerous assassination attempts, Cohen died in his sleep at the age of 62.

10. Henry Hill

The story of Henry Hill formed the basis of one of the best films about the mafia - “Goodfellas”. It was he who claimed: “For as long as I can remember, I always dreamed of being a gangster.” Born in New York in 1943, Hill came from an honest, hard-working family with no connections or connections to the Mafia. However, having seen enough of the numerous mafiosi in the neighborhood, he early age joined the Lucchese family and quickly "rose up". However, he could never become a full-fledged member of the mafia due to the mixture of Irish and Italian blood. Hill was arrested for beating a gambler who refused to pay him and was sentenced to 10 years in prison. There he realized that life on the outside was practically no different from life in prison, since behind bars he regularly received privileges. But once free, he got serious about drug trafficking, which resulted in him being arrested again, and this time he betrayed the entire organization and helped catch the most powerful mafiosi in the world. Hill entered the witness protection program in 1980, but two years later he exposed himself and the feds ended their cooperation. Despite this, he still managed to live to the age of 69.

9. James Whitey Bulger

Another Alctras veteran, James Bulger earned the nickname "Whitey" for his blond hair. Bulger grew up in Boston and was known as a real bully. He ran away from home more than once, and once even joined the circus. Bulger was first arrested when he was 14, but he did not join organized crime until the late 70s. Bulger was an FBI informant who reported to the police about the activities of the Patriarca family. However, as his own criminal network expanded, the police became increasingly interested in him, causing Bulger to flee Boston and remain on the "Top 10 Most Wanted Fugitive" list for over 15 years. In 2011, he was caught and charged with 19 murders, money laundering, extortion and drug trafficking. After a two-month trial, he was sentenced to two life sentences and five years in prison, and Boston could finally sleep soundly again.

8. Bugsy Siegel

Benjamin "Bugsy" Siegel, who became famous for his criminal empire and exploits in Las Vegas, is one of the most... famous gangsters in the history of the mafia. As a typical young hoodlum from Brooklyn, he met Meer Lansky and formed the gang Murder Inc. - a group of Jewish bandits specializing in contract killings. Their popularity grew, and Siegel gained notoriety as a killer of New York Mafia veterans, having a hand in the demise of prominent mobster Joe "The Boss" Masseria. After many years bootlegging and dodging bullets on the West Coast, Siegel began to earn large sums, as a result of which he became close to the Hollywood elite. However, it was the Flamingo Hotel in Las Vegas that really helped him skyrocket to fame. The Mafia initially allocated $1.5 million to build the hotel, but cost overruns and rising production costs ensued, and Siegel's old friend and new partner decided that he was pocketing some of the money for himself. Siegel was brutally murdered in his own home, riddled with bullets, and Lanxi quickly took control of the Flamingo.

7. Vito Genovese

Vito "Don Vito" Genovese was an Italian-American gangster who achieved enormous influence during the Prohibition era. The "Boss of All Bosses" led the Genovese family, and is best known as the man who brought heroin to the masses. Genovese was born in Italy and moved to New York in 1913. Having established himself in criminal activity, he soon met Lucky Luciano, and it was this alliance that led to the murder of mafia rival Salvatore Maranzano. Genovese fled from the police to his native Italy, where he remained until the end of World War II and even became friends with Benito Mussolini himself. However, upon his return, he immediately returned to power and again became the man whom everyone was so afraid of. But he was eventually caught and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Genovese died of a heart attack at the age of 71.

6. Lucky Luciano

Charles "Lucky" Luciano, who has already been repeatedly mentioned in the adventures of other members of the mafia, became famous, in fact, for creating the modern mafia. Luciano earned his nickname "Lucky (Lucky)" when he survived being stabbed within minutes of death. During his 64 years of life, Lucky managed to achieve a lot, including the murder of two major bosses, the idea of ​​how organized crime should be organized, and, most importantly, the creation of the "Five Families of New York" and a completely new "National Crime Syndicate". For a long time, Lucky lived in luxury, but at some point the police became interested in him, and as a result he was arrested and sentenced to prison. However, he did not lose his power behind bars and continued to manage affairs. At that moment he even had a personal chef. When Lucky was released, he was sent to Italy, but instead settled in Havana. But under US pressure, Cuba still had to send him to Italy, where he died of a heart attack in 1962.

5. Maria Licciardi

Although the mafia is largely a man's world, this does not mean that there is absolutely no place for women in it. Maria Licciardi, born in Italy in 1951, was the head of the Licciardi clan, the Camorra, a crime syndicate operating in Naples. Licciardi, nicknamed "La Madrina (The Godmother)", was and remains a well-known figure in the country due to her family's ties to the Camorra. Licciardi took over leadership of the clan after her two brothers and husband were jailed. She became the first woman to head a powerful organization and, although not everyone liked it, she managed to unite several clans in the city and thereby expand the drug trade market. Licciardi also became famous for her involvement in the sex trade - she used underage girls from neighboring countries and forced them into prostitution. By doing so, she violated the Camorra code, which prohibited making money from sex workers. Licciardi was arrested in 2001 and sent to prison, but she continues to run things from behind bars and apparently has no plans to stop.

4. Frank Nitti

The face of Al Capone's Chicago crime syndicate, Frank "Gun" Nitti eventually became the boss when Capone was sent to prison. Nitti was born in Italy and arrived in the United States when he was just seven. He almost immediately began to get into trouble, which eventually attracted the attention of Al Capone. Thanks to his services during the Prohibition era, Nitti became one of Capone's closest people and a full-fledged member of the Chicago mafia. Despite his nickname, Nitti was more about leading than breaking bones and was often used to develop plans for raids and criminal operations. In 1931, Nitti and Capone were imprisoned for tax evasion, and in prison Nitti suffered severely from claustrophobia - this haunted him until his death. When Nitti was released, he became the new head of the Chicago mafia and survived assassination attempts from competitors and even the police. However, with the threat of imprisonment looming over him, Nitti committed suicide with a shot in the head to escape the claustrophobic prison cell in which he had previously suffered so much.

3. Sam Giancana

Another mobster with a good reputation, Sam "Mooney" Giancana was once one of the most influential gangsters in Chicago. Giancana started out as a driver for Capone's elite, but quickly rose through career ladder and developed connections with politicians, including the Kennedy family. Giancana was even forced to testify during the CIA's planning to assassinate Fidel Castro because he was believed to have key information. Giancano's name also appeared in rumors that the Mafia was involved in the presidential campaign of John F. Kennedy - due to the close relationship between Giancano and the future president. Giancano lived the rest of his life as a fugitive, wanted by both the mafia and the CIA. He was shot in the head while cooking in the basement of his home.

2. Meer Lansky

No less influential than Lucky Luciano, Meer Sukhomlyansky - aka Meer Lansky - was born in Russia. He moved to the United States as a child and grew up on the streets, struggling for money. Not only could Lansky hold his own physically, he also had a sharp mind. An integral part of the formation of American organized crime, he was at one point one of the most powerful men in the United States, if not the world. He led operations in Cuba and several other countries. At some point, despite his success, Lansky became nervous and decided to emigrate to Israel. Although he was deported back to the United States two years later, he avoided prison time and died at the age of 80 from lung cancer.

1. Al Capone

No introduction needed - Alfonso Capone is perhaps the most famous gangster of all time. Capone grew up in a respected and stable family, which is quite rare among mafiosi. However, when he was expelled from school at 14 for hitting a teacher, Capone chose a different path for himself and went into organized crime. Under the influence of gangster Johnny Torrio, Capone gradually began to make himself known. He received a scar that earned him his most famous nickname, "Scarface." Capone did everything from bootlegging to murder, and enjoyed impunity as the police failed to catch him. However, everything came to an end when Capone was linked to the bloody and brutal massacre on Valentine's Day. Then representatives of a rival group were killed in cold blood. The police were unable to pin the murders directly on Capone, but arrested the gangster for tax evasion. He was sentenced to 11 years in prison, but due to serious illness he was released ahead of schedule. The most famous mafioso in the world died of a heart attack in 1947.

On February 26, 1930, mafia boss Tom Rain was killed in New York. This was the beginning of the bloody massacre of American gangsters, called the Castellammarese War. Let's remember the most famous conflicts between gangster groups.

Castellammarese War

Mafia: Italian American mafia.
Where: New York.
When: 1930-1931.
Participating clans: the Castellamarese group led by Salvatore Maranzano vs the Morello gang led by Giuseppe Masseria.
Cause: The Castellammarese War was a conflict between mafia generations. The “Mustache Petes” that made up the Morello gang, having moved to America, remained in Sicily with their thoughts. They were stewing in an old cauldron, having difficulty perceiving the new culture, and often did not even know English. The “Usachi” practiced “power for the sake of power,” in the name of which they were ready to enter into any conflict. Their opponents were “young gangsters” from Castellamarese, most of whom, including Salvatore Maranzano, arrived on New land only in the 1920s. Unlike the “old men,” they did not strive for useless bloodshed, adhering to the principle: “there is enough loot for everyone.” The reason for the war was the murder of Masseria's ally Gaetano Reina, whom Giuseppe suspected of having connections with Maranzano. In response, the Reino clan went over to the side of Castellamarese.
What is famous for: The Castellammarese War became one of the bloodiest mafia conflicts. During it, in addition to ordinary members, nine bosses died, including the leaders - Giuseppe Masseria and Salvatore Maranzano. The latter, despite his victory, was hastily stabbed to death by his own allies at the end of the war. As a result, control of New York passed to five mafia families (Genovese, Colombo, Lucchese, Gambino, Bonanno)
Culture: The war has been popularized more than once in world films: “The Godfather”, “Gangster Wars”, “Miller’s Crossing”.

"The First Mafia War"

Mafia: Sicilian
Where: Palermo
When: 1962-1963
Participating clans: Cosa Nostra clan vs La Barbera brothers
Cause: A descendant of the oldest mafia dynasty of Cosa Nostra, Salvatore Greco, nicknamed “Little Bird,” decided to teach a lesson “ dark horse» Angelo La Barbera, who appeared practically “out of nowhere” and quickly grew up in drug trafficking. The reason for the conflict was the disappearance of a shipment of drugs, for the transportation of which they were responsible. As a result of the chaos, Angelo's brother Salvatore was killed. Allegedly, by order of Ptenchik.
What is famous for: The culmination of the war was the explosion on June 30, 1963 in Chiakulli, which, for unknown reasons, was directed against civilians and representatives law enforcement agencies. This gave rise to waves of anti-mafia protests. Until now, ordinary people “discovered” the mafia for themselves every time, quickly forgetting about their personal squabbles. There was even an opinion that the mafia was not organized crime, but “the traditional Italian opposition.” Three days after the tragedy in Ciaculli, under the scorching rays of the sun, about 100,000 people walked to the church in Palermo for the empty coffins of the victims of the tragedy. Society loudly demanded that the mafia be dealt with.
The subsequent raids by the authorities were a blow to the “men of honor” of Cosa Nostra, from which Sicily never recovered. Representatives of the dynasty were scattered around the world. In subsequent years, mafia crimes practically disappeared in Sicily.
Culture: Several books have been published based on the events, the most famous of which is by Dickie John, Cosa Nostra. The history of the Sicilian mafia."

Irish faction war

Mafia: Irish.
Where: Boston.
When: 1961-1967.
Participating clans: Charleston organized crime group vs Winterhill organized crime group
Cause: In this case, the “bone of contention” was the woman. One of the members of the Charleston gang, George McLaughlin, stole the girlfriend of another gang supporter, Alex “Bo Bo”, for which he was beaten by the Winterhill crime group. Winterhill leader "Buddy" McLean refused to hand over the culprits, and the small incident led to open conflict between Boston's two largest gangs.
What is famous for: The course of events in the Irish faction war has been compared to the Trojan War. As a result of the showdown, the entire organization of the unlucky ladies' man - the Chalston organized crime group - was completely destroyed. Only the instigator of the massacre, George McLaughin, managed to survive.
Culture: Perhaps, it is not the events themselves that have become a world heritage, but one of the participants, Alex “Bo Bo,” today known as the actor Alex Rocco, who became famous in world cinema as the performer of the role of Moe Greene in “The Godfather.”

Osaka War

Mafia: Yakuza
Where: Osaka
When: 1960s
Participating clans: Meiyu Kai (Osaka) vs Yamaguchi gumi (Hyogo)
Cause: Strengthened under its third leader, Kazuo Toaka, the Yamaguchi Gumi group expelled all its competitors from Hyogo Prefecture. Next in line was neighboring Osaka, which was under the control of the largest Meiyu Kai gang. The latter lived off the entertainment business: she extorted money from the owners of local bars and Turkish baths, controlled the drug market, and robbed prostitutes. The war began in one of the institutions subordinate to them with an insult to the famous singer Yoshio Tabata, a friend of Kazuo Toaki.
Known for: In addition to its important economic results, the Osaka War became famous for its samurai character. Japanese katana In the hands of Yamaguchi, the Gumi dealt the final blow to the last refuge of their enemies. Driven into a corner, the Meiyu Kai spread large scarves in front of them, took out knives and with a sharp movement cut off their little fingers. Wrapping them in scarves, they handed over the trophies to the winners. An ancient gangster ritual of admitting guilt and asking for mercy marked the end of the Osaka War. This conflict became Toako's "Austerlitz", his gang took a leading position in the Japanese criminal underground.
Culture: The Yamaguchi Gumi group today publishes its own magazine - “Yamaguchi-gumi Shimpo”

Melbourne Gangster War

Mafia: Irish, Sicilian, Australian, Russian.
Where: Melbourne.
When: 1998-2008.
Participating clans: Moran family (Irish), Carlton family (Sicilian) vs Williams family (Australian)
Cause: Like the Castellamarese War, it was a conflict of generations. Unlike the Moran and Carlton mafia families who came to Australia through immigration, the Williams family rose to prominence on the streets of Melbourne. It all started with the division of profits; Carl Williams and James Moran could not agree on the money received from the sale of amphetamine. Williams was shot in the stomach in one of the city parks, but survived. Soon, at a meeting of the leaders of the Irish, Sicilians and Calabrians, an alliance was concluded against the Williamses.
What is famous for: It was the largest mafia war in Australia, in which all the shadow forces of the country were involved. Gang wars forever destroyed Melbourne's reputation as a calm and quiet city. The “hero” of the events was the already well-known “fat man” Carl Williams, one of the most influential “godfathers” of Australia. He is believed to be involved in at least ten criminal shootings. One of the victims was his main enemy Jace Moran, who was shot right in front of his six-year-old twins. In April 2010, Williams was killed in a "pure gangster" manner in the prison cell where he was serving his sentence. Official reason considered a domestic conflict.
Culture: It is believed that the events formed the basis for the film directed by David Michôd “By the Laws of the Wolf.”

Criminal 90s

Mafia: Russian.
Where: Western Russia, Moscow, St. Petersburg.
When: Late 1980s – 1990s.
Participating clans: Orekhovskaya organized crime group, Kurganskaya organized crime group, Solntsevskaya organized crime group, Volgovskaya organized crime group, Slonovskaya organized crime group, Tambovskaya organized crime group
Cause: All criminal groups in the late 80s - early 90s started the same way: with protection for thimbles, extortion, robbery, robbery, drug sales, smuggling, kidnapping and murder of people. The biographies of their main figures also agree in many ways. As a rule, these are former athletes, people from working circles; there are no intellectuals among them. By the mid-90s, the main “players” of the criminal world were identified, however, there was a constant struggle between them for spheres of influence, but what began in 1994 blocked all previous showdowns. The “cutting off of the heads” of criminal groups began. Otari Kvantrishvili was the first to be shot on April 5, 1994; on September 13, Sergei Timofeev (“Sylvester”) was blown up, who, according to legend, was appointed by Yaponchik “himself” to oversee Russian crime. In total, dozens of “authorities” were killed, strangled, or blown up. Now it is no longer a secret that the special services were behind this process. This “gangster special forces” was headed by the famous Osya - Sergei Butorin. A former warrant officer in a construction battalion who began his “career” with Timofeev, Osya recruited former special forces soldiers into his brigade. The blow to the bandits from the “Moscow clan” of the KGB was dealt as if from within. At first, Butorin removed not his immediate boss Sylvester, but the leaders of other gangs - so the bandits for a long time could not understand what was happening. Butorin’s people not only “removed” other authorities, but also pitted the teams against each other, pushing them to do their “work” themselves. As quickly as Butorin “rose,” just as quickly he “fell.” It was enough to change the leadership of the FSB. Now Axis people have already begun to go to jail. He himself managed to escape to Spain, where he, however, was arrested.
What is famous for: The gang war of the mid-90s was characterized by extreme cruelty and the involvement of a huge number of the population in this process. The gangster and semi-criminal lifestyle, clothing style (leather jackets, crimson jackets), manners, language - all this has become popular among the people and remains relevant for many to this day.
Culture: The showdown of the 90s left a serious mark not only in Russian culture (books, films, TV series) but also in the world. The image of the “Russian mafia”, formed in the 90s, continued its life in European and American culture.

Mexican drug war

Mafia: Mexican.
Where: Mexico.
When: 2006-2011.
Participating clans: Sinaloa Cartel, Golfo Cartel, Juarez Cartel, Templar Cartel, Tijuana Cartel, Los Zetas, Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Acapulco Independent Cartel, La Barredora, Beltran Leyva Cartel, La Familia Cartel.
Cause: The main reason for the Mexican drug wars is obvious by definition: the struggle for control of drug trafficking. Drug cartels in Mexico have intensified since the collapse of the Colombian drug cartels in the 1990s. Today, Mexico is the main supplier of cannabis, cocaine and methamphetamine to the United States, and Mexican drug cartels dominate the wholesale American drug market. Mexican drug cartels are extremely numerous, have developed and well-equipped private armies, which are replenished, among other things, by former members of the Mexican army and police. The militants are equipped with automatic weapons, grenade launchers, modern equipment and communications equipment, and armored cars. Despite the active opposition to the Mexican drug cartels in the United States, the United States remains the main supplier of weapons to this day. The total number of militants of all Mexican drug cartels is about 100 thousand people. From 2006 to 2011, about 50 thousand people died in Mexican drug wars.
What are they famous for: Mexican drug wars are characterized by extreme brutality, high level corruption, blood feud for cartel representatives. This is precisely a family war, which has already become a way of life for its participants. Unfortunately, since industry and legal markets are poorly developed in Mexico, often the only option for Mexicans to improve their well-being is to join a cartel.
Culture: Mexican drug wars are known all over the world, books are written about them, films and TV series are made. The latest is the series BreakingBad, in which main character“gets involved” in Mexican drug affairs.