New York City is known for its diversity, culture, and opportunities, but also for its crime and violence. The city has been plagued by various gangs and criminal organizations for decades, some of which have roots in other countries and continents. These gangs are involved in drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, murder, and other illegal activities, and often clash with each other and the law enforcement. Here are seven of the most dangerous gangs that are taking over New York:

1. MS-13

MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is a transnational gang that originated in Los Angeles in the 1980s, but has since spread to many parts of the US, Central America, and Canada. The gang is composed mostly of immigrants or descendants from El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras, and is notorious for its brutality, savagery, and use of machetes as weapons. MS-13 has an estimated 10,000 members in the US, and operates in several areas of New York, such as Long Island, Queens, and the Bronx. The gang is involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, prostitution, kidnapping, and murder, and has been designated as a terrorist organization by the US government.

2. Bloods

The Bloods are one of the most well-known and widespread street gangs in the US, with an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 members nationwide. The gang was formed in Los Angeles in the 1970s as a rival to the Crips, and has since expanded to many other states and cities, including New York.

The Bloods are identified by their red clothing, bandanas, and tattoos, and use the five-pointed star and the number 5 as their symbols. The gang is divided into several subgroups or “sets”, some of which are allied and some of which are enemies. The Bloods are involved in drug trafficking, robbery, assault, and murder, and often feud with the Crips and other gangs.

3. Crips

The Crips are another prominent and notorious street gang in the US, with an estimated 30,000 to 35,000 members nationwide. The gang was formed in Los Angeles in the late 1960s and early 1970s, and has since spread to many other states and cities, including New York.

The Crips are identified by their blue clothing, bandanas, and tattoos, and use the six-pointed star and the number 6 as their symbols. The gang is also divided into several subgroups or “sets”, some of which are allied and some of which are enemies. The Crips are involved in drug trafficking, robbery, assault, and murder, and often feud with the Bloods and other gangs.

4. Latin Kings

The Latin Kings are the largest and oldest Hispanic street gang in the US, with an estimated 25,000 to 30,000 members nationwide. The gang was formed in Chicago in the 1940s, and has since spread to many other states and cities, including New York. The Latin Kings are identified by their black and gold clothing, beads, and tattoos, and use the five-pointed crown and the lion as their symbols.

The gang is organized into a hierarchical structure, with a national leader and regional chapters. The Latin Kings are involved in drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, and murder, and often clash with other Hispanic gangs, such as MS-13 and the Trinitarios.

5. Trinitarios

The Trinitarios are a Dominican street gang that originated in New York in the 1980s, and has since expanded to other states and countries, such as New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Spain. The gang is composed mostly of immigrants or descendants from the Dominican Republic, and is named after the three founding fathers of the country.

The Trinitarios are identified by their green clothing, bandanas, and tattoos, and use the three-pointed machete and the number 3 as their symbols. The gang is involved in drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, and murder, and often clash with other Hispanic gangs, such as MS-13 and the Latin Kings.

6. Hells Angels

The Hells Angels are the most famous and infamous motorcycle club in the world, with an estimated 2,500 members in 27 countries. The club was formed in California in the 1940s, and has since spread to many other states and cities, including New York.

The Hells Angels are identified by their leather jackets, patches, and tattoos, and use the winged skull and the number 81 as their symbols. The club is organized into a hierarchical structure, with a national president and regional chapters. The Hells Angels are involved in drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, and murder, and often clash with other motorcycle clubs, such as the Mongols and the Outlaws.

7. Gambino Crime Family

The Gambino Crime Family is one of the five major Mafia families that dominate organized crime in New York and the US. The family was formed in the 1930s, and has since been led by several notorious bosses, such as Carlo Gambino, Paul Castellano, John Gotti, and Peter Gotti. The family is identified by their suits, ties, and rings, and use the Maltese cross and the number 23 as their symbols.

The family is organized into a hierarchical structure, with a boss, underboss, consigliere, captains, and soldiers. The family is involved in drug trafficking, gambling, extortion, racketeering, and murder, and often clash with other Mafia families, such as the Genovese, the Lucchese, the Bonanno, and the Colombo.

Conclusion

These are just some of the most dangerous gangs that are taking over New York, but there are many more that pose a threat to the safety and security of the city and its residents. These gangs are not only a problem for the law enforcement, but also for the society, as they contribute to the social and economic issues that plague the city. The fight against these gangs is not an easy one, but it is a necessary one, if New York wants to remain the city that never sleeps.