Gangsters controlled the underworld for centuries, engaging in everything from drug dealing and extortion to organized crime and political domination. They built gigantic criminal business empires that spanned multiple nations and, in the process, were some of the most feared human beings to have ever lived.
The following are the top 10 world’s most notorious gangsters.
1. Al Capone (United States)
Al Capone, or “Scarface,” was the most infamous gangster of all time. He ruled Chicago’s underworld during Prohibition and amassed millions from bootlegging, gambling, and robbery.
- Country: United States
- Famous For: Organized crime, bootlegging, murder
- Famous Quote: “You can go a long way with a smile. You can go a lot farther with a smile and a gun.”
2. Pablo Escobar (Colombia)
Pablo Escobar, the “King of Cocaine,” led the Medellín Cartel, which dominated as much as 80% of the international cocaine trade throughout the 1980s. He amassed one of the largest criminal fortunes ever, worth $30 billion.
- Country: Colombia
- Notorious for: Drug business, terrorism, killings
- Quote: “Plata o plomo” (Take a bribe or die – silver or lead)
3. Dawood Ibrahim (India)
Dawood Ibrahim is India’s most wanted crime syndicate D-Company don and underworld kingpin. He is believed to have orchestrated the 1993 Mumbai bombings and has been linked to drug trafficking, extortion, and arms smuggling.
- Country: India (working secretly in Pakistan, intelligence officials believe)
- Known For: Terrorism, drug trafficking, organized crime
- Status: One of Interpol’s most-wanted criminals
4. Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán (Mexico)
El Chapo headed the Sinaloa Cartel, a very infamous Mexican drug cartel. He is best known for smuggling enormous amounts of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine to America through the border.
- Country: Mexico
- Known For: Money laundering, drug trafficking, violence in cartels
- Current Status: Convicted and serving a life term in America
5. Meyer Lansky (United States)
Meyer Lansky was among the most notorious American Mafia members, running illegal casinos and money laundering operations worldwide. He was one of the biggest players in organized crime within the United States.
- Country: United States
- Known For: Gambling, money laundering, organized crime
- Status: Never convicted of felonies despite being a key member of the Mafia
6. Charles “Lucky” Luciano (United States)
Lucky Luciano established the modern Mafia syndicate in America and built a powerful criminal empire. He was a key figure in the development of organized crime in New York City.
- Country: United States
- Known For: Bootlegging, extortion, illegal narcotics
- Current Status: Sent back to Italy in 1946, passed away in 1962
7. Frank Lucas (United States)
Frank Lucas was America’s biggest heroin vendor in the 1960s and 1970s. He constructed an enormous drug empire by selling Southeast Asian heroin.
- Country: United States
- Known For: Organized crime, illegal drug trade
- Status: Was arrested numerous times, then subsequently cooperated with the police
8. Griselda Blanco (Colombia)
Griselda Blanco, also called either the “Black Widow” or “The Godmother of Cocaine,” was one of the most infamous drug lords, ruling a massive drug empire during the 1970s and 1980s.
- Country: Colombia
- Known For: Contract killings, narcotics trade
- Status: Was assassinated in 2012
9. John Dillinger (United States)
John Dillinger was a famous American Great Depression-era bank robber, and his gang terrorized the Midwest region.
- Country: United States
- Known For: Police gunfights, bank robberies
- Status: Killed during an FBI shootout in 1934
10. Alimzhan Tokhtakhunov (Russia)
Alimzhan Tokhtakhunov, whose nickname is “Taiwanchik,” is a Russian gangster who has been indicted on charges of money laundering, illicit gaming, and organized crime. He has also been accused of rigging sporting events.
- Country: Russia
- Well Known For: Organized crime, money laundering
- Sought By: United States and Interpol
FAQs
Who is the world’s most famous gangster today?
Dawood Ibrahim and Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán are among the most notorious gangsters, though El Chapo is behind bars today.
Who was the richest gangster?
Pablo Escobar was one of the richest criminals, with an estimated wealth of $30 billion at the peak of his power.
Who was the worst female gangster?
Griselda Blanco, also known as the “Black Widow,” was one of the worst female gangsters.
What was Al Capone’s worst crime?
Al Capone personally committed many murders, including the infamous 1929 St. Valentine’s Day Massacre.
Do gangsters like these still exist today?
Yes, organized crime still exists today, with modern-day cartels and crime syndicates operating across numerous countries.