Top 10 Gangsters In The World Alive: The Dark Underworld Unveiled

When we think of gangsters, images of power, danger, and criminal empires often come to mind. The world of organized crime is shrouded in mystery, with figures who wield immense influence in the shadows. Among these notorious individuals are the top 10 gangsters in the world who are still alive today, operating in various regions across the globe. Their stories are a mix of brutality, cunning, and resilience, making them some of the most feared and respected figures in the criminal underworld.

The existence of these gangsters is a testament to the resilience of organized crime networks. Despite law enforcement efforts, these individuals continue to thrive in their illegal enterprises, controlling drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, and more. Understanding their rise to power and the mechanisms behind their operations provides insight into the complexities of modern-day crime.

This article delves deep into the lives of the top 10 gangsters in the world alive today. From their origins to their current status, we will explore their criminal activities, the networks they lead, and the impact they have on global security. Let’s uncover the stories of these powerful figures and the dark world they inhabit.

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Table of Contents

• Biography of Key Figures
• 1. Dámaso López Núñez
• 2. Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán
• 3. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes
• 4. Vito Roberto Rastelli
• 5. Ousmane Barry
• 6. Salvatore "Toto" Riina
• 7. Zhang Yungang
• 8. Alexander Petrov
• 9. Carlos Lehder
• 10. Griselda Blanco
• Conclusion and Call to Action

Biography of Key Figures

Before diving into the details of each gangster, it is essential to understand the background of these individuals. Below is a summary of the key figures discussed in this article:

Biographical Data

Name	Country	Known For	Years Active
Dámaso López Núñez	Mexico	Drug Trafficking	2000s-Present
Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán	Mexico	Sinaloa Cartel Leader	1980s-Present
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes	Mexico	CJNG Founder	2010s-Present
Vito Roberto Rastelli	Italy	Mafia Boss	1970s-Present
Ousmane Barry	Guinea	West African Drug Trade	2000s-Present
Salvatore "Toto" Riina	Italy	Cosa Nostra Leader	1980s-Present
Zhang Yungang	China	Triad Leader	2000s-Present
Alexander Petrov	Russia	Vory v Zakone Member	1990s-Present
Carlos Lehder	Colombia	Medellín Cartel Co-Founder	1970s-Present
Griselda Blanco	Colombia	Cartel de los Extraditables	1970s-Present

1. Dámaso López Núñez: The Rise of a Mexican Kingpin

Dámaso López Núñez, also known as "El Licenciado," is one of the most prominent figures in the Mexican drug trade. As a former high-ranking member of the Sinaloa Cartel, López Núñez played a pivotal role in its operations. His expertise in logistics and distribution earned him a reputation as a master strategist.

Key Achievements and Criminal Activities

• Controlled vast drug trafficking networks in Central and South America.
• Worked closely with other cartels to expand the cartel's influence.
• Engaged in violent confrontations with rival gangs.

Despite his arrest in 2018, López Núñez remains a powerful figure in the world of organized crime. His influence continues to be felt in the drug trade, highlighting the resilience of criminal organizations.

2. Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán: The Most Infamous Gangster Alive

Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán is arguably the most infamous gangster alive today. The leader of the Sinaloa Cartel, Guzmán has been at the center of global attention due to his daring escape attempts and massive drug empire. His story is one of resilience and cunning, as he repeatedly evaded capture for years.

Impact on Global Drug Trade

• Established one of the largest drug trafficking networks in history.
• Revolutionized drug smuggling techniques, including the use of tunnels.
• Faced numerous trials but remains a symbol of power in the cartel world.

Guzmán's legacy continues to inspire both fear and admiration in the criminal underworld. His story serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of organized crime.

3. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes: The New Face of the CJNG

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," is the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Under his leadership, the CJNG has become one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico, rivaling the Sinaloa Cartel in influence and reach.

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Leadership Style and Tactics

• Employs a brutal approach to eliminate rivals.
• Expands cartel operations into new territories, including the United States.
• Utilizes advanced technology to stay ahead of law enforcement.

Oseguera Cervantes' rise to power demonstrates the adaptability of modern cartels in the face of increasing law enforcement pressure.

4. Vito Roberto Rastelli: The Italian Mafia's Enduring Power

Vito Roberto Rastelli is a prominent figure in the Italian Mafia, known for his involvement in the Cosa Nostra. As a member of the Bonanno crime family, Rastelli played a crucial role in maintaining the Mafia's influence in Italy and the United States.

Connections and Influence

• Established strong ties with other crime families in the U.S.
• Facilitated drug trafficking and money laundering operations.
• Continued to exert influence even while incarcerated.

Rastelli's story highlights the enduring power of the Italian Mafia, despite decades of law enforcement efforts to dismantle its operations.

5. Ousmane Barry: The West African Drug Lord

Ousmane Barry is a key player in the West African drug trade, operating primarily in Guinea. His involvement in the cocaine trade has made him one of the most sought-after figures by international law enforcement agencies.

Role in West African Drug Trade

• Facilitates the movement of drugs from South America to Europe.
• Established a network of corrupt officials to protect his operations.
• Continues to evade capture despite numerous attempts.

Barry's operations illustrate the growing role of West Africa in the global drug trade, highlighting the need for international cooperation to combat this issue.

6. Salvatore "Toto" Riina: The Godfather of Cosa Nostra

Salvatore "Toto" Riina is a legendary figure in the Italian Mafia, known as the "Godfather" of Cosa Nostra. Despite being imprisoned for decades, Riina's influence remains significant in the criminal underworld.

Legacy and Influence

• Masterminded the assassination of high-profile officials.
• Established a network of loyal followers who continue his work.
• Symbolizes the enduring power of the Mafia in Italy.

Riina's story is a reminder of the deep-rooted nature of organized crime in certain regions, making it difficult to eradicate entirely.

7. Zhang Yungang: The Chinese Triad Leader

Zhang Yungang is a prominent figure in the Chinese Triad, known for his involvement in various criminal activities, including human trafficking and drug smuggling. His rise to power reflects the growing influence of Chinese organized crime on the global stage.

Criminal Activities and Networks

• Controls significant portions of the Asian drug trade.
• Engages in human smuggling operations across Asia.
• Maintains connections with other criminal organizations worldwide.

Yungang's operations highlight the global reach of Chinese organized crime and the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating it.

8. Alexander Petrov: The Russian Vory v Zakone

Alexander Petrov is a member of the Vory v Zakone, a powerful criminal organization in Russia. Known for their strict code of conduct, the Vory v Zakone operate in various countries, engaging in a wide range of criminal activities.

Code of Conduct and Operations

• Follows a strict set of rules that govern their behavior.
• Engages in money laundering, extortion, and drug trafficking.
• Establishes connections with other criminal organizations.

Petrov's involvement in the Vory v Zakone demonstrates the resilience of traditional criminal organizations in the modern world.

9. Carlos Lehder: The Medellín Cartel's Visionary

Carlos Lehder was one of the founding members of the Medellín Cartel, responsible for revolutionizing drug trafficking techniques. Despite being imprisoned, Lehder's influence continues to be felt in the drug trade.

Innovations in Drug Trafficking

• Introduced the use of private planes for drug smuggling.
• Established a network of safe houses across the Americas.
• Continued to inspire future generations of drug traffickers.

Lehder's innovations in drug trafficking set the stage for modern-day cartels, making him a key figure in the history of organized crime.

10. Griselda Blanco: The Godmother of Cocaine

Griselda Blanco, known as the "Godmother of Cocaine," was a key figure in the Medellín Cartel. Her brutal tactics and strategic mind made her one of the most feared individuals in the drug