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20 Most Famous Mafia Families

*Originally publish by Brian in April 2023 and Updated by Felix in March 2024

Pray, lend me your ear, for I shall recount the tale of the rise and dominance of Gang families and the fame they achieved in the annals of crime. These groups of ruffians, known for their fierce loyalty and clandestine dealings, held sway over the underworld with a firm hand. Their origins can be traced back to the early 1900s, with Italian immigrants as their founding members. With time, they grew in strength and numbers, gaining significant power during Prohibition, when the sale and distribution of alcohol were illegal in the United States.

Through their illicit activities, such as gambling, loan sharking, and labor racketeering, they amassed great wealth and influence, becoming a force to be reckoned with in the criminal underworld. They operated through a hierarchical structure, with bosses at the top and soldiers at the bottom, taking an oath of loyalty, called an omertà, to protect the group’s secrets and members.

The names of these families became synonymous with organized crime and were feared by many. One of the most infamous bosses of the American Mafia was Al Capone, who ruled over Chicago in the 1920s. He became a legend in his own time, a symbol of the power and ruthlessness of the gangster lifestyle.

Their notoriety was further cemented in popular culture through books, movies, and TV shows, including “The Godfather” trilogy and “The Sopranos.” Despite the FBI’s efforts, the Mafia continues to operate today, albeit in a diminished capacity compared to its heyday in the mid-20th century. Yet, their legacy lives on, their stories of power, betrayal, and violence forever etched in the pages of history.

1. The Sicilian Mafia

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The Sicilian Mafia, also known as Cosa Nostra, is a powerful and notorious organized crime group that originated in Sicily, Italy, in the late 19th century. The group’s complex hierarchy and code of conduct emphasize loyalty to the organization above all else. It is estimated that the Sicilian Mafia has around 5,000 members, most of which operate in Italy, particularly in the southern regions of Sicily, Calabria, and Campania.

The Mafia’s primary source of income comes from illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and gambling. The group has also been involved in political corruption, assassinations, and other violent crimes. One of the most famous aspects of the Sicilian Mafia is its “omertà” code of silence, which requires members never to reveal anything about the organization or its activities under threat of death.

2. The Camorra

The Camorra is a powerful Italian mafia organization based in Naples and the surrounding Campania region. The group is involved in various illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and arms trafficking. The Camorra is one of Italy’s oldest and most powerful criminal organizations and is estimated to have around 7,000 members.

The origins of the Camorra can be traced back to the early 19th century when it was established as a network of gangs involved in street-level crimes such as theft and smuggling. Over time, the organization grew in size and sophistication, expanding its reach and influence throughout the Campania region and beyond.

The Camorra is organized into various clans or families, each with its own territory and hierarchy. These clans operate in a decentralized manner, with a great deal of autonomy and independence. However, they also collaborate and cooperate on illegal activities, such as drug trafficking and extortion.

Read On: 10 Most Famous Mafia Gangsters Of All Time

3. The ‘Ndrangheta

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The ‘Ndrangheta is a powerful criminal organization based in Calabria, a region in southern Italy. It is considered one of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful criminal groups, with an estimated 6,000 members operating in Italy and worldwide.

The ‘Ndrangheta was founded in the late 19th century as a rural-based criminal organization involved in extortion and kidnapping. Over time, it has grown in size and sophistication, expanding its reach and influence to become one of the world’s most powerful organized crime groups.

The ‘Ndrangheta is organized into several clans, each with its own hierarchy and territories. These clans operate in a decentralized manner, but they also collaborate on various illegal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and arms trafficking. The group has a code of silence similar to the Sicilian Mafia’s omertà, which requires members never to reveal anything about the organization or its activities.

4. The Gambino Family

The Gambino Family is one of the five major mafia families that dominate organized crime activities in New York City. It is named after its founder, Carlo Gambino, who rose to power in the 1950s and 1960s. The Gambino Family is one of the most influential mafia families in the United States, with a history of involvement in illegal activities such as extortion, money laundering, drug trafficking, and murder.

The Gambino Family has a complex hierarchy, with a boss at the top and various captains and soldiers who carry out the organization’s activities. Family members are known for their strict adherence to the “omertà” code of silence, which requires them never to reveal anything about the organization or its activities under threat of death.

The Gambino Family has been involved in several high-profile crimes over the years, including the 1985 murder of Paul Castellano, the previous boss of the family, and the subsequent rise to power of John Gotti. Gotti, who became the boss of the Gambino Family in 1985, was known for his flamboyant personality and media presence. He was eventually convicted of various crimes and sentenced to life in prison.

5. The Genovese Family

The Genovese Family is one of the five major mafia families that dominate organized crime activities in New York City. It is named after its founder, Vito Genovese, who rose to power in the 1930s and 1940s. The Genovese Family is considered one of the most powerful and longest-established organized crime groups in the United States, with its origins tracing back to the early 20th century.

The Genovese Family has a complex hierarchy, with a boss at the top and various captains and soldiers who carry out the organization’s activities. The family is known for its strict adherence to the “omertà” code of silence, which requires members never to reveal anything about the organization or its activities.

Over the years, the Genovese Family has been involved in various illegal activities such as extortion, loan sharking, drug trafficking, and murder. The family is known for its business-like approach to organized crime and its ability to maintain strong connections with other criminal organizations worldwide.

Read Also On 20 Most Ruthless Gangsters Of All Time

6. The Lucchese Family

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The Lucchese Family is one of the five major mafia families that dominate organized crime activities in New York City. It is named after its founder, Gaetano “Tommy” Lucchese, who rose to power in the 1930s and 1940s. The Lucchese Family is known for its involvement in illegal activities such as gambling, loansharking, and drug trafficking.

The Lucchese Family has a complex hierarchy, with a boss at the top and various captains and soldiers who carry out the organization’s activities. Family members are known for their strict adherence to the “omertà” code of silence, which requires them never to reveal anything about the organization or its activities under threat of death.

Over the years, the Lucchese Family has been involved in various high-profile crimes, such as the Lufthansa heist in 1978, one of the largest cash robberies in history. The family was also involved in drug trafficking and was heavily involved in the heroin trade in the 1970s and 1980s.

7. The Colombo Family

The Colombo Family is one of the five major mafia families that dominate organized crime activities in New York City. It was founded in the early 1920s by Joseph Profaci and was originally known as the Profaci crime family. The family was renamed the Colombo Family in honor of its third boss, Joseph Colombo, in the 1960s.

The Colombo Family has a complex hierarchy, with a boss at the top and various captains and soldiers who carry out the organization’s activities. The family has been involved in illegal activities, such as loan sharking, extortion, and gambling. However, unlike other mafia families, the Colombo Family has not been heavily involved in drug trafficking.

Visit: 10 Notorious Jewish-American Gangsters You Didn’t Know About

8. The Bonanno Family

The Bonanno Family is one of the five major mafia families that dominate organized crime activities in New York City. It was founded in the early 20th century by Salvatore Bonanno and has been involved in various illegal activities such as extortion, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

The Bonanno Family has a complex hierarchy, with a boss at the top and various captains and soldiers who carry out the organization’s activities. Family members are known for their strict adherence to the “omertà” code of silence, which requires them never to reveal anything about the organization or its activities under threat of death.

Over the years, the Bonanno Family has been involved in numerous high-profile crimes, such as the infamous “Pizza Connection” case in the 1980s, which involved the trafficking of large quantities of heroin from Sicily to the United States through pizza parlors. The family has also been involved in labor racketeering, controlling unions, and intimidating union officials.

9. The Patriarca Family

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The Patriarca Family is a mafia organization that operates primarily in New England, with its base of operations located in the Providence, Rhode Island, area. The organization is named after its founder, Raymond Patriarca, who was the boss of the family from the 1950s until he died in 1984.

The Patriarca Family has been involved in various illegal activities such as gambling, loan sharking, and extortion. The family has also been involved in labor racketeering, controlling unions and intimidating union officials. In addition, the Patriarca Family has been involved in drug trafficking and was responsible for a large-scale marijuana smuggling operation in the 1980s.

The organization has a complex hierarchy, with a boss at the top and various captains and soldiers who carry out the organization’s activities. Family members are known for their strict adherence to the “omertà” code of silence, which requires them never to reveal anything about the organization or its activities under threat of death.

10. The Chicago Outfit

The Chicago Outfit is a notorious organized crime syndicate in the Chicago, Illinois, area for over a century. The organization has been involved in criminal activities such as bootlegging, gambling, prostitution, loan sharking, and drug trafficking.

The Chicago Outfit has a long and violent history, dating back to the early 1900s when it was known as the Chicago Mafia. The organization was initially involved in bootlegging during the Prohibition era, which made many of its members extremely wealthy. During this time, the outfit was led by notorious gangsters such as Al Capone, known for his ruthless tactics and ability to evade law enforcement.

Since its early days, the Chicago Outfit has maintained its power and influence through a complex organizational structure that includes bosses, underbosses, and numerous soldiers and associates. Members of the organization are known for their strict adherence to the code of silence, or “omertà,” which requires them never to reveal anything about the outfit or its activities under threat of death.

Read On 10 Things To Know About The American Mafia

11. Columbus Crime Family

The Colombo Crime Family, one of New York’s “Five Families,” traces its roots to the early twentieth century, founded by Joseph Profaci.

Known for its involvement in racketeering, extortion, and labor union corruption, the Colombo family gained infamy for its internal strife, including the bloody Colombo Wars in the 1960s and 1970s.

High-profile crimes include the assassination attempt on Joseph Colombo in 1971, leading to his paralysis, and the murder of NYPD officer Ralph Dols in 1997. Despite setbacks from law enforcement, the family remains a formidable force in organized crime, operating primarily in the New York City area.

12. Buffalo Crime Family

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With roots in Prohibition-era bootlegging, the Buffalo Crime Family arose as a powerful force in the shadow of Buffalo’s industrial landscape.

The Magaddino family was established in the early 1900s by Stefano Magaddino and left their mark on a variety of illegal businesses, including labor racketeering and gaming dens. Magaddino’s astute leadership created a close-knit group that was skilled at eluding the attention of the police. However, their fame reached its zenith at the 1957 Apalachin Meeting, an abortive attempt at Mafia summitry.

The Buffalo Crime Family persevered in the face of obstacles, leaving a lasting impression on upstate New York’s criminal scene for many years to come.

13. Detroit Partnership

The Detroit Partnership Mafia Family, an organized crime powerhouse with roots in the turbulent Prohibition era, sprang from the sprawling urban areas of the Motor City.

It was founded by people such as Gaspar Milazzo and Angelo Meli, and it flourished under the brutal guidance of “The Purple Gang.” Known for its command over labor unions and its supremacy in the drug trade, the family exercised authority with an iron grip, frequently causing a path of violence in its wake.

The Detroit Partnership persevered despite crackdowns and internal conflict, demonstrating its fortitude in the face of difficulty and securing its position in the annals of American organized crime history.

14. DeCavalcante Crime Family

Nestled in the shadows of New Jersey’s urban landscape, the DeCavalcante Crime Family, often dubbed “The Jersey Mob,” epitomizes the clandestine world of organized crime.

Emerging in the early twentieth century under the leadership of Giovanni DeCavalcante, the family cemented its influence through a diverse portfolio of illicit activities, from gambling and loan sharking to labor racketeering.

Unlike their counterparts in New York, the DeCavalcantes maintained a low-key profile, operating discreetly to avoid law enforcement scrutiny. Despite internal conflicts and betrayals, the family’s legacy endures, leaving an indelible mark on the underworld of the Garden State.

15. Sacra Corona Unita

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Meet one of Europe’s toughest mafia families. Hailing from the sun-soaked region of Puglia, Italy, the Sacra Corona Unita (SCU) Mafia Family emerges as a lesser-known yet potent force in the criminal underworld.

The SCU amalgamates remnants of traditional Italian Mafia clans with a focus on drug trafficking, extortion, and arms smuggling. Formerly disorganized factions coalesce under the SCU banner, leveraging their strategic location for international trade routes.

Despite law enforcement crackdowns, the SCU remains resilient, its members adept at navigating both regional and global networks. Their crimes, from drug distribution to violent turf wars, underscore their tenacious grip on power.

16. Yakuza

Mafia families couldn’t get less tough when we go to the East. Originating in the labyrinthine streets of Japan, the Yakuza stands as a formidable presence in the realm of organized crime.

Dating back centuries, their roots intertwine with the country’s feudal past, evolving into a modern-day syndicate characterized by intricate codes of conduct and unwavering loyalty.

The Yakuza’s influence extends far beyond Japan’s borders, with operations spanning illicit activities such as gambling, extortion, and drug trafficking. Despite periodic government crackdowns, their intricate network and deep-seated connections persist, shaping not only the criminal landscape but also influencing aspects of Japanese society.

The Yakuza’s enigmatic allure continues to fascinate, shrouded in a veil of secrecy and tradition.

17. Triads

The Triads are a mysterious power in organized crime, tucked away in the busy streets of China. These covert organizations, originating from the Qing Dynasty, developed into powerful international syndicates.

Beyond illegal activities like drug trafficking, extortion, and people smuggling, their influence is in both legal and illegal spheres. The members of the Triads are devoted to one another because of its intricate rituals and hierarchical structure, which are ingrained in tradition.

Their covert operations continue despite law enforcement’s constant crackdowns, their power and influence transcending national boundaries and leaving a lasting impression on the underworld scene.

18. Cali Cartel

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This is a name that causes chills down people spine across the streets of Columbia; Cali Cartel. Emerging from the lush valleys of Colombia, the Cali Cartel ascended as a dominant force in the illicit drug trade.

Founded by Gilberto and Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela, alongside José SantacruzLondoño and Hélmer Herrera, the cartel wielded unprecedented power, specializing in the production and distribution of cocaine. Operating with calculated precision, they established a sophisticated network that spanned continents, evading law enforcement and rival cartels alike.

Despite their immense wealth and influence, the Cali Cartel faced relentless pressure from authorities, culminating in the dismantling of their empire through a series of high-profile arrests and extraditions in the mid-1990s.

19. Albanian Mafia

From the rugged mountains of Albania to the bustling streets of global metropolises, the Albanian Mafia commands a shadowy empire built on tradition, loyalty, and ruthlessness.

Born from a history of resilience and struggle, this clandestine brotherhood transcends borders, its influence stretching across Europe and beyond. Led by elusive figures shrouded in mystery, the Albanian Mafia orchestrates a myriad of illicit enterprises, from drug trafficking and human smuggling to arms dealing and extortion.

Their code of silence, enforced by fear and retribution, binds members tighter than blood, fostering an impenetrable network that eludes the grasp of law enforcement.

In the underworld’s dance of power, the Albanian Mafia moves with stealth and cunning, a formidable force whose legend echoes through the corridors of crime.

20. Armenian Mafia

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In the ancient cradle of civilization, amidst the rugged terrain of Armenia, a clandestine brotherhood emerged to carve its mark upon the modern underworld—the Armenian Mafia. This enigmatic syndicate boasts a legacy steeped in tradition and tenacity. From the bustling streets of Los Angeles to the bustling markets of Moscow, their influence knows no bounds.

Masters of secrecy and strategy, they navigate the treacherous currents of global crime, their operations veiled in mystery and intrigue. In the grand tapestry of organized crime, the Armenian Mafia weaves its threads with finesse and fortitude, a silent powerhouse whose presence echoes through the annals of history.

In my time, reading about organized crime, I have learned that while the mafia may seem glamorous in movies, the reality is much darker. These criminal organizations have left a trail of violence and corruption wherever they operate. Though their power has declined, the legacy of groups like the Five Families endures. We must remain vigilant against their criminal activities.