The Top Mobsters in History: Who Were the Most Successful Organized Crime Leaders?

In a world where organized crime syndicates continue to thrive, it's interesting to look back at some of the most successful mobsters and criminals from history. These individuals, despite their shady pasts, achieved notable success and fortune in their criminal enterprises. Here, we explore the lives and legacies of some of the most influential figures in organized crime.

The most successful mobsters and criminals in history

While some names on this list might be more familiar than others, each of these criminals had a significant impact on the world through their involvement in organized crime. From Joseph P. Kennedy to Pablo Escobar, each of these figures boasts a unique and often controversial legacy in the criminal underworld.

Joseph P. Kennedy

Joseph P. Kennedy was one of the most powerful and influential mobsters of his time, but his criminal success remains controversial. Renowned for his shrewd business acumen, Kennedy was a key player in the bootlegging and illegal liquor trade during prohibition. His influence extended into the political world, as two of his sons, John and Robert Kennedy, would become iconic figures in American politics, with Robert even serving as the US Attorney General.

Fred Trump and Donald Trump

Fred Trump, the father of the controversial real estate magnate Donald Trump, was himself a criminal figure who made a fortune through his involvement in fraud and real estate scams. While Donald Trump's presidency is often seen as a sign of his success, it was his father who provided the financial foundation. Without Fred Trump's support, it is unlikely that Donald would have achieved the same level of political success.

Al Capone

Al Capone, also known as "Scarface," was one of the most notorious organized crime figures of the 1920s. He amassed vast wealth during the prohibition era, using his criminal activities to bribe law enforcement and corrupt political officials. Estimates put his net worth at over 18.6 billion in today's money, making him one of the richest criminals of his time.

Meyer Lansky

Meyer Lansky was a key figure in the criminal underworld, one of the founders of the Murder Inc. gang along with Charles "Lucky" Luciano and "Bugsy" Siegel. His influence extended into the gambling industry, where he helped to establish a network of legal casinos. Lansky managed to turn his criminal activities into a legitimate business, with estimates suggesting his wealth reached 8.6 billion in today's money.

Pablo Escobar

Pablo Escobar was the kingpin of the Medellin Cartel, a drug trafficking organization that operated in Colombia during the 1970s and 1980s. Escobar was said to be worth a staggering 25 billion, making him the seventh-richest man in the world. His control over cartel operations and his influence over local politics and law enforcement allowed him to become one of the most powerful and successful criminals of his time.

Amado Carrillo Fuentes

Amado Carrillo Fuentes was another key player in the drug trafficking world, sometimes referred to as the "Lord of the Skies." He had his own private fleet of planes and controlled drug trafficking routes for the Colombian Medellin cartel. Estimated worth: around 25 billion, making him a major player in the organized crime world.

Joaquin Guzman Loera (El Chapo)

Joaquin Guzman Loera (El Chapo) is a Mexican drug lord known for his vast wealth and influence. He is estimated to have a net worth of 14 billion, making him one of the most powerful drug traffickers of recent times. El Chapo's ability to control drug trafficking operations and his influence over local and national governments has made him a formidable criminal figure.

Carlos Lehder

Carlos Lehder was not only a drug lord but also a convicted murderer. He was incredibly wealthy and owned his own private island in the Bahamas and offered to pay off Colombia's national debt. Lehder's net worth was estimated to be around 2.7 billion, making him a major player in the drug trafficking world.

Griselda Blanco

Griselda Blanco was known as the "Black Widow" and "Cocaine Queen of Miami." She was a highly successful drug lord who made 80 million dollars a month during the 1970s and 1980s. Her estimated net worth was around 2 billion, which is quite impressive, considering the era in which she operated.

Donald Trump (as Don the Con)

Donald Trump is often included in discussions of mobsters and criminals, but he is more accurately categorized as a con man and real estate mogul who rode on the coattails of his father's criminal success. Trump's success in the real estate market is often attributed to his father's financial support. While he is not especially skillful, his commercial success is undeniable, and he once rode to the White House, making his father's criminal legacy a part of his own political success.

Dishonorable Mentions

Many other figures from the criminal underworld are not mentioned due to lack of verified information or lesser-known status. Some of the notable names include Lucky Luciano, Sammy Gravano, and others, all of whom had varying degrees of success and notoriety in their criminal activities.

Keywords:
- Mobsters
- Organized Crime
- Criminal Success Stories