The 25 Most Dangerous Mafias and Crime Families in History

Some criminal empires don’t just break the rules—they write their own. From whispered names in dark alleys to global headlines that shake governments, these organizations aren’t your average street gangs. They’re built on blood oaths, family ties, and fortunes that rival Fortune 500s. Power, fear, and silence are their currency, and their stories stretch far beyond Hollywood fiction. What makes them so enduring—and so terrifying—isn’t just what they do, but how deeply they’ve managed to embed themselves in the fabric of society. Here’s a look at the most dangerous mafias the world has ever known.

The Sicilian Mafia

Also known as Cosa Nostra, the Sicilian Mafia is one of the world’s most infamous criminal organizations. It originated in Sicily in the late 1800s and operates under a strict hierarchy and code of silence called “omertà.” Members are sworn to secrecy and loyalty, with disloyalty often punished by death.

With an estimated 5,000 members, the group primarily operates in southern Italy, including Sicily, Calabria, and Campania. It’s heavily involved in drug trafficking, extortion, gambling, and money laundering. Over the decades, the mafia has also been tied to political corruption and contract killings. Despite numerous crackdowns, it remains deeply rooted in Italian organized crime.

The Camorra

Rooted in Naples and the Campania region, the Camorra is one of Italy’s oldest and most violent mafia organizations. It dates back to the early 19th century, when it started as small street gangs involved in theft and smuggling. Since then, it has grown into a major criminal enterprise with around 7,000 members.

The group is divided into many independent clans, each controlling its own territory. While these clans act autonomously, they often collaborate on large-scale operations. The Camorra’s primary activities include drug and arms trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. Its decentralized structure makes it incredibly difficult for law enforcement to dismantle.

The ‘Ndrangheta

The ‘Ndrangheta, based in the Calabria region of southern Italy, has quietly become one of the most powerful criminal groups in the world. With an estimated 6,000 members, the organization operates globally, especially in Europe and Latin America, thanks to its control of the cocaine trade.

Founded in the 19th century, the ‘Ndrangheta began with rural crimes like extortion and kidnapping. Today, it’s involved in everything from drug trafficking to arms smuggling and money laundering. Like other Italian mafias, it enforces a strict code of silence. Its decentralized structure—built on tight-knit family clans—helps it remain hidden and hard to infiltrate.

The Gambino Family

One of the most well-known American mafia families, the Gambino Family rose to prominence in New York during the mid-20th century. Named after boss Carlo Gambino, the group became a dominant force in U.S. organized crime, with deep ties to extortion, drug trafficking, and contract killings.

The family follows a traditional mafia structure, led by a boss and supported by capos and soldiers. Loyalty and secrecy are essential, enforced by the mafia’s infamous “omertà.” The murder of boss Paul Castellano in 1985, orchestrated by John Gotti, marked a violent shift in leadership. Gotti’s high-profile reign made the family both feared and famous.