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How 9 Gangs And Mafias Actually Work — From The Crips To Hells Angels | How Crime Works Marathon

Insider・122 minutes read

Former gang member Tyrone White shares his experiences in gang activities, including violence, drug dealing, and conflicts with rival gangs, highlighting the impact of gangs in South Central LA from the '80s to the '90s. White's journey from gang involvement to working in law enforcement emphasizes the importance of community-police relations and the need for positive alternatives to prevent youth involvement in criminal activities.

Insights

  • Gang activities involved drive-by shootings, drug dealing, and obtaining firearms like 9-millimeter guns, AK-47s, and TEC-9s from sources including the police force and the military.
  • The Crips, founded to maintain LA's safety, faced internal divisions and rivalries like the one with the Hoover Crips, with gang members needing to prove themselves through fighting to join.
  • Gang members followed specific dress codes, communicated using unique lingo, and adhered to a structured hierarchy with OGs, street soldiers, and little homies.
  • The Crips aimed to amass wealth, establish legitimate businesses, and were influenced globally by gangsta rap, spreading their culture without full comprehension of its violent roots.
  • Leaving a gang required a change in environment, support, and a focus on positive endeavors, as seen with the speaker's transition from gang involvement to a role as a gang advisor and law enforcement officer.
  • Gang dynamics, like those within MS-13 and the Latin Kings, involved strict rules, specific signs, and a religious aspect, with recruitment processes based on loyalty and geographical locations.

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Recent questions

  • How do gangs recruit new members?

    Gangs recruit new members by befriending, testing loyalty, and assessing strengths to build a diverse team with various skills, focusing on qualities like loyalty and contributions to the gang.

  • What are the primary sources of income for gangs?

    Gangs primarily make money through drug sales, operating from trap houses or bandos, which serve as safe spots for gang members and are acquired through various means.

  • How do gangs establish dominance in prison?

    To establish dominance in prison, being recognized as a gang member requires proving oneself with a name and violent actions, forming connections based on street affiliations to gain influence over guards.

  • What led to the narrator's decision to leave the gang life?

    The narrator decided to leave the gang after being shot five times, relinquishing control to his soldiers and cutting ties with the criminal world, emphasizing the importance of breaking free from gang involvement.

  • How did the narrator transition from gang life to law enforcement?

    The individual transitioned from gang life to becoming an NYPD cop due to the FBI crackdown in 1993, encountering former gang members while in uniform and later starting a YouTube channel to share accurate narratives of Chinatown's history and caution against gang involvement.

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Summary

00:00

Former Crip details gang life in LA.

  • Tyrone White, a former 65 Menlo Crip, discusses his involvement in gang activities, including drive-by shootings and drug dealing.
  • The guns commonly used in gang conflicts included 9-millimeter, .45s, Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun pump, AK-47s, and TEC-9s.
  • Guns were obtained from various sources, including the police force and the military, and were sold on the streets like drugs.
  • The years from the early '80s to the mid-'90s saw heightened gang activities and frequent drive-by shootings in South Central LA.
  • The Crips, founded by Raymond Washington and Tookie Williams, aimed to keep their side of LA safe but eventually faced internal divisions and escalating violence.
  • The 65 Menlo Crips had a longstanding rivalry with the Hoover Crips due to their close proximity and shared neighborhoods.
  • Joining a gang involved getting "jumped in" or proving oneself through fighting, showcasing fighting skills and the ability to stand one's ground.
  • The Crips had a specific dress code, including 501 Levi Jeans, K-Swiss shoes, and blue attire, with the color blue being a significant symbol.
  • Gang members communicated using a unique lingo, replacing words starting with "B" with "C," and using hand signs to represent their sets.
  • Gang structure included OGs (Original Gangsters), double OGs, street soldiers, and little homies, each with specific roles and levels of experience in criminal activities.

13:33

Gang Culture: From Crime to Redemption

  • Junior high school homies engage in selling crack, offering $5, $10, and $20 rocks, while big homies deal in larger quantities like ounces and pounds.
  • Drugs are sourced from drug cartels and sometimes even the government, as seen in the case of Freeway Rick, a major Black dope dealer implicated in the Iran-Contra scandal.
  • The Crips aim to amass wealth and establish legitimate businesses like smoke shops or liquor stores.
  • The 1992 LA riots were triggered by the acquittal of four officers in the Rodney King beating case, leading to widespread unrest.
  • The riots saw gangs like Crips, Bloods, and Mexican gangs uniting against the LAPD, fostering a temporary peace treaty.
  • Gangsta rap, particularly by artists like Eazy-E and Snoop Dogg, popularized gang culture, showcasing it globally through music videos.
  • Crips' influence has spread to countries like China and Africa, where the culture is embraced without full comprehension of its violent origins.
  • Personal experiences led to a football scholarship in Oklahoma, followed by work in a juvenile detention center, eventually transitioning to a role as a gang advisor.
  • Transitioning to law enforcement, encounters with police brutality and discrimination highlighted the need for improved community-police relations.
  • Despite past criminal involvement, a focus on family and positive influences led to a shift towards acting and engaging in positive endeavors.

27:43

Latin Kings: Gang Hierarchy, Rules, and Beliefs

  • In gangs like the Latin Kings, members are given names like Paco, which become integral to their identity and actions.
  • New members go through a peewee stage to prove their worth before rising in ranks to positions like Inca, president, vice president, warlord, council, and treasurer.
  • The Latin Kings originated in Chicago to empower the Latin race against oppressive influences, spreading to cities like New York and Miami.
  • Gang members identify themselves through specific signs like throwing up the crown symbol and saying "Amor de rey" as a greeting.
  • The Latin Kings follow a creed of love, honor, respect, obedience, and loyalty, symbolized by a five-pointed crown tattoo.
  • Gang members adhere to strict rules like no touching family members, no homosexuality, and no leaving the gang without following protocol.
  • Meetings in the gang are called mass and held in places like cemeteries, with members contributing money for incarcerated Kings.
  • In prison, Latin Kings and Bloods collaborate under the People's Nation, meeting to discuss operations and recruit new members.
  • The gang's religious aspect ties to linguistic interpretations, with initiation ceremonies called baptisms and meetings resembling mass.
  • The connection between street and prison gang members is maintained through shared ideologies and the need for structure and influence.

40:29

Prison Gangs: Violence, Transformation, and Redemption

  • To establish dominance in prison, being recognized as a Latin King required proving oneself with a name and violent actions.
  • Forming connections within the prison based on street connections was crucial to gaining influence over guards.
  • Understanding the chain of command and organization structure was key to operating at a high level for security.
  • Going to war tactically in prison was a way to gain respect from comrades and correctional officers.
  • A pivotal moment in prison was holding his 2-year-old daughter, which made him reflect on his life choices.
  • His criminal history started at a young age, leading to multiple incarcerations and a near-death experience due to heroin overdose.
  • Mandated by the court, he entered a one-year discipleship program as an alternative to a lengthy prison sentence.
  • After his transformation, he is now focused on rehabilitating and discipling men, sharing his testimony in various settings.
  • His past involvement with MS-13 involved gang violence, initiation rituals, and the use of machetes in gang warfare.
  • The gang dynamics, relationships, and conflicts within MS-13 and with other gangs like 18th Street were complex and often violent.

56:36

Surviving Gang Violence and Deportation: A Journey

  • The speaker was known for standing up for himself among rival gang members, leading to a rise in ranks.
  • In 1991, the speaker was imprisoned and returned to prison at least three times before being deported in 1994.
  • Following a civil war in El Salvador, many deportations occurred, prompting the speaker to consider starting fresh without a criminal record.
  • Upon arrival in El Salvador, the speaker encountered gang-related threats and violence, leading to a state of alertness.
  • The speaker faced death threats from a group called la Sombra Negra and provided grenades to young gang members for protection.
  • The violence in El Salvador, stemming from the war, forced the speaker to flee due to constant threats.
  • The speaker, having been kidnapped in Oaxaca, highlights the dangers faced by migrants coming from South America.
  • The speaker's involvement with Homies Unidos, an organization started by deported gang members, aimed to create programs in Los Angeles.
  • The speaker faced legal issues, including being part of the Rampart scandal and a federal RICO case, impacting the organization's work.
  • Despite challenges, the speaker continues to work with Homies Unidos to reduce gang violence and help former gang members reintegrate into society.

01:12:50

Gang Hierarchy and Recruitment in UK

  • Joining a gang at a young age means being considered a "younger," a street soldier, responsible for tasks like holding items, making deliveries, and being on call.
  • Youngers are instructed not to question orders, to follow directions without hesitation, and to look up to the older gang members who hold power and wealth.
  • Older gang members, while not always in charge, manage the movement of goods, sales on streets, money, and connections to higher-ups, grooming new members and handling conflicts.
  • Gang hierarchy involves a chain of command, with the highest members often being involved in legitimate businesses, funded by the money generated by foot soldiers like youngers selling drugs.
  • Gangs primarily make money through drug sales, operating from trap houses or bandos, which serve as safe spots for gang members and are acquired through various means.
  • Gang wars can erupt over minor incidents, escalating into large-scale conflicts between different groups, often based on postcodes or blocks, driven by greed, power struggles, and the desire for significance.
  • The prevalence of violence in gang conflicts, often fueled by male egos and resulting in stabbings and deaths, with knives being more commonly used than guns due to lax regulations.
  • Gang recruitment involves a process of befriending, testing loyalty, and assessing strengths to build a diverse team with various skills, focusing on qualities like loyalty and contributions to the gang.
  • New gang members are recruited based on geographical locations, with a priority on local recruitment to maintain high numbers and expand operations through county lines, using young people to reach smaller towns and rural areas.
  • Gang dynamics in the UK are influenced by US gang culture, with competition leading to the adoption of rivalries like Bloods versus Crips, reflected in music videos, increased violence, and weapon presence on the streets.

01:24:34

Addressing Gang Violence: Strategies for Prevention and Intervention

  • Gang violence has increased due to social media exposure, influencing vulnerable youth to emulate violent behavior seen in drill songs.
  • Young people, lacking guidance, are at risk of being drawn into gangs, leading to potential collateral damage.
  • Current policing methods, like stop and search, may not effectively address gang violence, potentially perpetuating stereotypes and failing to prevent crime.
  • Offering alternative opportunities, like jobs or mentorship, could deter individuals from criminal activities and reduce gang involvement.
  • Legalizing drugs could disrupt gang activities by introducing competition from pharmaceutical companies, potentially reducing gang violence.
  • Many young people carry knives out of fear for their safety, highlighting the need for reeducation and providing opportunities to prevent violence.
  • Youth centers play a crucial role in providing safe spaces for young people, diverting their focus from gang activities.
  • Schools can either exacerbate or mitigate gang culture, depending on their location and approach to addressing gang-related issues.
  • A community-wide effort is necessary to effectively combat gang violence, requiring collaboration across all societal levels.
  • Leaving a gang is challenging but possible, often requiring a change in environment and seeking support to break free from criminal activities.

01:38:04

"Biker Gang Undercover: Infiltrating Hells Angels"

  • The Hells Angels had a rivalry with the Mongols motorcycle gang, based in California.
  • The 2002 Laughlin River Run in Nevada was a significant biker event where tensions escalated between the Hells Angels and the Mongols.
  • Biker clashes, like the Harrah's Casino riot and the Twin Peaks shooting, occur frequently but often go unnoticed until civilians are involved.
  • In dangerous situations, the narrator intervened to protect innocent civilians without blowing their cover.
  • A Skull Valley charter officer instructed the narrator to shoot Bandidos coming to Las Vegas or face consequences.
  • The narrator, posing as a Hells Angel, was involved in criminal activities to avoid suspicion but was actually working undercover.
  • Hells Angels have strict rules, including not touching their patches, shaking hands without gloves, or interacting with certain women.
  • Hells Angels operate independently in different charters, engaging in various legal and illegal activities for income.
  • The narrator faked a murder of a Mongol to gain acceptance into the Skull Valley Hells Angels, but the membership was not officially confirmed.
  • The narrator's undercover work led to the indictment of 55 Hells Angels, with threats against their life and family escalating, culminating in their house being burned down.

01:54:18

"Mob in New York: Structure and Decline"

  • Explosive devices like bombs were not used by the Mob in New York to avoid drawing attention, unlike in Italy and Sicily where explosives were common.
  • Frankie DeCicco, underboss of the Gambino family, was killed by an explosive device placed under his car.
  • Drug dealing is prohibited in all Five Families, but members are involved in the drug business, turning a blind eye due to the lucrative profits.
  • Cosa Nostra members today frequently break rules, unlike in Carlo Gambino's era where rule-breaking led to death.
  • The Five Families in New York are the Genovese, Gambino, Lucchese, Colombo, and Bonanno families, forming the core of Cosa Nostra in the US.
  • The Commission, inspired by Meyer Lansky, comprised the heads of the Five Families, making decisions and resolving territorial disputes.
  • The structure of the Five Families mirrors a military hierarchy, with associates, made members, captains, and the administration including the boss, underboss, and consigliere.
  • Cosa Nostra translates to "Our Thing," signifying ownership of the Mob's structure by its members.
  • Induction into a family involves becoming an associate first, followed by a ceremony where a pistol and knife are symbolic elements, and an oath is taken.
  • Cosa Nostra's decline is predicted due to increased law enforcement efforts, leading to more arrests and informants within the organization.

02:10:36

Inside the Hong Kong Triad: A Revealing Account

  • The narrator was taken to a restaurant in Hong Kong by acquaintances, where he met a businessman who turned out to be a triad leader.
  • During a ceremony, the narrator and others swore oaths, drank blood wine, and were instructed to obey the main boss, never lie, steal, or take girls from each other.
  • The narrator was assigned to collect protection money from nightclubs, receiving 20 grand monthly from each club.
  • Triad businesses included legal ventures like production companies and bowling alleys, as well as underground activities like money laundering and drug trafficking.
  • The narrator emphasized the triad's control over the movie industry in Hong Kong, with non-compliance resulting in severe consequences.
  • Triad members had nicknames for identification and specific hand signs to denote their positions within the organization.
  • The triad structure included levels such as the top family-controlled tier, generals, soldiers, and blue lanterns, with specific roles like white paper fan and message passers.
  • The narrator decided to leave the gang after being shot five times, relinquishing control to his soldiers and cutting ties with the criminal world.
  • The FBI's crackdown in the '90s led to the arrest of many triad leaders, causing a decline in their influence in the United States.
  • The history of triads originated from the Hung Mun tong, which later split into various triads, with Sun Yee On being one of the largest with around 200,000 members worldwide.

02:27:06

From Gangs to NYPD: A Life Transformed

  • Refusal to join a gang leads to daily payments for protection
  • Classmate suggests seeking help from Clifford Wong, leader of Tung On gang
  • Classmate killed by Flying Dragons, mistaking him for Tung On gang member
  • Clifford Wong insists on joining Tung On gang for protection
  • Officially joins Tung On gang at age 14
  • Later becomes a member of Sun Yee On gang at 22
  • Initiates YouTube channel "Chinatown Gang Stories" to share gangster life experiences
  • Urges new generation to trust only parents, not movies or gang life
  • Warns of two outcomes in gang life: prison or death
  • Transition from gang life to becoming an NYPD cop due to FBI crackdown in 1993

02:42:35

Encounters with Rivals and Gangs in NYPD

  • The individual recounts encountering rivals and former gang members while in uniform, even later being tasked with arresting some of them upon their release from prison. These individuals turned to different criminal activities such as home invasions, robberies, and transportation businesses after avoiding heroin due to federal scrutiny.
  • Reflecting on their time in the NYPD, the individual expresses gratitude for the opportunities it provided but ultimately left due to negative experiences with bullies. They started a YouTube channel, Chinatown Gang Stories, to share accurate narratives of Chinatown's history, cautioning against gang involvement in today's technologically advanced society.
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