Wealth of Criminal Masters in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul'

While the series 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul' focus more on individual characters rather than the wider drug syndicate, the wealth of certain characters, particularly Don Eladio, Juan Bolsa, Hector Salamanca, and Gus Fring, is an important aspect to consider. The series is vague about the specific wealth of these characters, but several hints and plot points provide valuable insights.

Gus Fring: An Estimate of His Wealth

Gus Fring is a prime example of a wealthy criminal mastermind. His evident wealth is underlined by several key factors:

He has a substantial security force to protect himself and his assets. Fring finances the construction of an underground lab by himself independently of the cartel, indicating a significant financial backing. He also pays for the medical treatment of Hector Salamanca, which seems to have been ongoing for months, suggesting a considerable financial outlay.

It can be reasonably presumed that Gus Fring's wealth is on par with Don Eladio, the head of the major drug smuggling operation, and perhaps slightly ahead.

Hector Salamanca and Juan Bolsa: Wealth in a Supporting Role

Hector Salamanca and Juan Bolsa, while having a supporting role, are underbosses and significant figures in the criminal syndicate. Their wealth is estimated to be close to that of Gus Fring:

Juan Bolsa, as an underboss, is part of the criminal syndicate and would be on par with Gus Fring. His wealth is likely in the range of several million dollars. Hector Salamanca, despite his disability, also commands respect and resources. The fact that Gus Fring funds his medical treatment for months indicates that he is a significant player in the criminal hierarchy.

Don Eladio: The Top of the Hierarchy

Don Eladio, as the head of the major drug smuggling operation, is undoubtedly the wealthiest character in the series:

Don Eladio is the leader of a drug trafficking operation that spans several hundred men across Mexico and Central America. The operation involves the shipment of high-value drugs like cocaine and methamphetamine to the United States, particularly through Albuquerque, New Mexico. He receives money from the bulk sales to wholesalers in both Mexico and the United States and collects tribute from the cartel's members, including individuals like Hector Salamanca and Gus Fring.

Based on these roles and responsibilities, it is reasonable to assume that Don Eladio is a billionaire or very close to it. The series leaves some ambiguity regarding his exact wealth, but the necessary scenes and plot points suggest that his wealth surpasses that of other major characters, solidifying his position at the top of the criminal hierarchy.

Conclusion

The wealth of Don Eladio, Gus Fring, Hector Salamanca, and Juan Bolsa in 'Breaking Bad' and 'Better Call Saul' is a key factor in understanding their influence and power within the criminal syndicate. While the series does not delve deeply into the financial specifics, the provided clues and the characters' roles give a clear indication of the scale of their wealth.