TOP 5 most dangerous gangs in the world that exist today (5 photos)

There are criminal gangs in the modern world whose activities cause serious concerns among law enforcement agencies and society. Let's look at five of the most dangerous gangs operating today. Yes, it's hard to even imagine that something like this is possible in the modern world... Disclaimer: this information is for informational purposes only. Gangs and gangs are bad.

Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13)

Mara Salvatrucha, known by its abbreviated name MS-13, was founded in the 1980s in Los Angeles among Salvadoran immigrants. The group was initially created to protect its members from other street gangs. However, over time, it turned into one of the most violent and influential criminal organizations. After deporting many of its members from the United States, MS-13 began to take root in Central American countries such as El Salvador, Honduras, and Guatemala.

MS-13 is known for its extreme violence, often displayed in open attacks on opponents, law enforcement, or even civilians. The gang's insignia includes distinctive facial and body tattoos, and its members follow strict internal rules. MS-13's main sources of income are drug trafficking, arms smuggling, extortion, and human trafficking. The gang also controls territory by charging "protection" fees to local businesses.

MS-13's reputation is so bloody that even other criminal groups avoid conflict with them. The United States has recognized MS-13 as a transnational criminal organization, allowing it to take harsher measures against its members. However, despite the efforts of law enforcement, Mara Salvatrucha remains one of the most dangerous gangs in the world.





Sinaloa Cartel

Founded in the late 1980s in Mexico, the Sinaloa Cartel is the largest and most powerful drug cartel in the world. Its roots go back to the state of Sinaloa, where the history of producing illegal substances such as marijuana and heroin began. The main leader of the cartel for many years was Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, who became famous for his prison escapes and unprecedented cunning in managing the drug business.

The Sinaloa Cartel covers almost the entire world with its activities. They produce and distribute cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl. The cartel's specialty is its ability to establish complex logistics chains to deliver illegal substances to the United States, Europe and even Asia. The cartel's annual income is estimated at billions of dollars.

They are also known for their methods of fighting competitors. Murders, kidnappings, bribes to officials are the cartel's standard arsenal. Despite the arrest and extradition of El Chapo to the United States, the organization has retained its power due to the presence of several leaders and a strict hierarchy. Sinaloa is considered a symbol of the Mexican drug war and remains one of the main challenges for international law enforcement agencies.



Aryan Brotherhood

The Aryan Brotherhood (AB) was formed in 1964 in San Quentin, California, to protect white inmates from attacks by other gangs. It has since grown into one of the most violent and influential prison gangs in the United States.

AB members adhere to a strict racial ideology based on white supremacy. Despite their racist beliefs, they often form alliances with other gangs for commercial gain. Their main sources of income are drug trafficking, extortion, contract killings, and contraband inside prisons.

Despite the fact that the Aryan Brotherhood members make up less than 1% of the entire US prison population, they are responsible for 20-25% of all violent crimes in prisons. The group is known for its strict code of honor: betrayal is punishable by death. The outside world is not immune to their influence either, as AB is active outside the prison walls.





Los Zetas

Los Zetas is a Mexican drug cartel that is known for its military discipline and brutality. It was founded in the late 1990s by former elite soldiers of the Mexican army. The Zetas were originally the armed wing of the Golfo Cartel, but later broke away and began operating independently.

Los Zetas are known for their use of professional military tactics and technology. They are known for their ability to organize large-scale operations, including drug smuggling, kidnapping, extortion, and contract killings. Their activities extend to Mexico, Central America, and the United States.

The Los Zetas cartel has a complex hierarchy, with each level responsible for a specific type of activity. Their brutality is known throughout the world: public executions, mass murders, and intimidation have become their calling card. This makes Los Zetas one of the most dangerous and brutal drug cartels in history.



Yakuza

The Yakuza is a legendary Japanese organized crime group with a history spanning several centuries. It traces its roots back to the Edo period, when groups of small traders and artisans organized themselves to protect themselves and control certain territories. Over time, these groups transformed into powerful family clans, the largest of which today is the Yamaguchi-gumi.

The modern yakuza is known for its duality. On the one hand, it is engaged in illegal activities such as extortion, gambling, human trafficking, control over construction projects, and the distribution of illegal substances. On the other hand, the yakuza sometimes acts as a kind of social institution, helping victims of natural disasters, organizing charity events, and even maintaining order in their territories.

Yakuza members are easily recognizable by the tattoos that cover most of their bodies and rituals such as amputating a finger phalanx in case of violation of the code of honor. Despite efforts by Japanese authorities to reduce the gang's numbers, its influence remains significant, especially in the construction industry and the real estate market.