Top 50 Richest Criminals in the World [2025]

Crime and money have long captivated the global imagination—an intoxicating mix of danger, power, and unimaginable wealth. From infamous drug lords to elusive cybercriminals and powerful mafia bosses, the richest criminals in the world often live lives that blur the line between legend and reality. In this blog post, we unveil the Top 50 Richest Criminals in the World (2025), a comprehensive ranking built on public records, intelligence reports, and in-depth media investigations.

Our intent is not to glorify or romanticize illegal activity but to present an informative look at how illicit empires amass wealth that rivals Fortune 500 CEOs. This 2025 criminal net worth list includes names synonymous with corruption, trafficking, organized crime, and fraud—many of whom have shaped global black markets and underground economies.

Whether you’re curious about richest mafia bosses, fascinated by drug lord wealth, or simply exploring the darker side of global finance, this list provides detailed insights into the financial reach of these notorious figures.

So, buckle up as we take you through a jaw-dropping journey into the shadowy world of immense, illegal fortunes. Here is our definitive list of the Top 50 Richest Criminals in the World (2025).

Top 50 Richest Criminals in the World

1. Pablo Escobar – $30 billion

Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria remains one of the most notorious figures in the history of organized crime. Widely known as “The King of Cocaine,” Escobar’s net worth is estimated at $30 billion as of 2025, adjusted for inflation and concealed assets. As the founder of the Medellín Cartel, he controlled the majority of the global cocaine trade during the 1980s and early 1990s.

Operating primarily out of Colombia, Escobar’s cartel had vast geographic reach, spanning Latin America, the United States, and Europe. His wealth and influence made him one of the richest cartel leaders in history, often considered the richest mafia boss of the 20th century.

Though officially reported dead in 1993, persistent conspiracy theories and alleged sightings fuel speculation that Escobar may still be alive and in hiding, contributing to his legendary status.

2. Amado Carrillo Fuentes – $25 billion

Amado Carrillo Fuentes, widely known by his alias El Señor de los Cielos (“The Lord of the Skies”), remains one of the most notorious and wealthiest drug lords in history. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately $25 billion, positioning him among the richest mafia bosses globally. Carrillo rose to power as the head of the Juárez Cartel in the 1990s, using a fleet of private jets to transport cocaine across Latin America and into the United States—an innovation that earned him his infamous nickname.

Operating primarily across Mexico, Colombia, and the U.S., Carrillo built an international narcotics empire during the peak of the cartel era. Official reports declared him dead in 1997 during plastic surgery, but persistent speculation suggests he may have faked his death and remains at large in 2025.

3. Leona Helmsley – $5 billion

Leona Helmsley, once dubbed “The Queen of Mean,” remains one of the richest criminals in the world as of 2025. With an estimated net worth of $5 billion, Helmsley’s fortune stems from decades of real estate fraud, tax evasion, and financial manipulation tied to her vast hotel empire. Although she was convicted in 1989, her legacy continues to be a symbol of white-collar crime excess.

Despite her death in 2007, Helmsley’s estate and financial holdings remain influential, frequently cited in investigations into asset laundering within high-net-worth estates. Her criminal activity, while non-violent, places her among the richest mafia boss equivalents in financial crime history.

Though deceased, her name still appears in discussions about cartel leader wealth and corporate corruption.

4. Carlos Lehder – $2.7 billion

Carlos Enrique Lehder Rivas, co-founder of the Medellín Cartel, rose to infamy as one of the wealthiest drug traffickers in history. Known simply as Carlos Lehder, his estimated net worth is approximately $2.7 billion, making him one of the richest mafia bosses still mentioned in modern criminal circles.

Lehder revolutionized cocaine smuggling during the 1970s and ’80s by using Norman’s Cay in the Bahamas as a private transshipment base. His criminal activity was largely centered around large-scale narcotics trafficking, with operations stretching across Colombia, the United States, and the Caribbean. As a prominent cartel leader, his influence shaped the early structures of transnational drug networks.

After serving time in U.S. federal prison, Lehder was reportedly released under witness protection. However, his exact whereabouts remain unknown, and as of 2025, he is considered at large.

5. Adnan Khashoggi – $2 billion

Adnan Khashoggi, a Saudi businessman turned international arms dealer, remains one of the richest criminals in the world, with an estimated net worth of $2 billion. Known for brokering weapons deals during the height of the Cold War, Khashoggi’s operations spanned continents, connecting global defense manufacturers with governments and militias. His dealings often involved complex offshore networks and shadowy intermediaries, making him a pivotal figure in the rise of modern arms trafficking.

Although Khashoggi passed away in 2017, his legacy and wealth continue to draw scrutiny. During his lifetime, he was implicated in multiple international scandals, including the Iran–Contra affair, yet managed to avoid long-term imprisonment. Despite numerous investigations, he was never convicted of major crimes.

6. Griselda Blanco – $2 billion

Griselda Blanco, also known as The Black Widow, remains one of the richest mafia bosses in modern history, with an estimated net worth of $2 billion. A pioneering figure in the Miami drug trade during the 1970s and ’80s, Blanco was instrumental in developing the cocaine pipeline between Colombia and the United States. As a key player in the Medellín Cartel, her influence spanned across North and South America.

Often referred to as a cartel leader of rare brutality, Blanco was linked to dozens of homicides and is widely credited with revolutionizing the U.S. cocaine market. Although officially declared deceased in 2012, conflicting reports and speculation among criminal circles suggest she may have faked her death and remains at large in 2025.

7. Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán – $1 billion

oaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, widely known by his alias El Chapo, remains one of the most notorious and wealthiest cartel leaders in modern history. As of 2025, El Chapo’s estimated net worth hovers around $1 billion, making him a recurring name on lists tracking the richest mafia boss figures globally.

Guzmán rose to prominence as the head of Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, a powerful drug trafficking organization with operations spanning across North and South America, Europe, and Asia. His criminal activities include large-scale narcotics trafficking, money laundering, and organized violence, significantly shaping the global illicit drug trade.

Despite multiple arrests and high-profile escapes, El Chapo’s criminal empire reportedly continues to generate substantial wealth. Although he is currently imprisoned in the United States, intelligence sources suggest his influence within the cartel remains active through intermediaries.

8. Frank Costello – $1 billion

Frank Costello, born Francesco Castiglia, remains a legendary figure in organized crime history. Known as “The Prime Minister of the Underworld,” Costello wielded immense influence over American politics and the Mafia during the mid-20th century. Though he died in 1973, his legacy continues to generate fascination, with analysts estimating his adjusted net worth to be approximately $1 billion.

Costello was heavily involved in gambling, bootlegging, and racketeering, building a vast criminal empire across New York, New Orleans, and beyond. As a key leader in the Luciano crime family, he set the gold standard for mafia leadership and remains one of the richest mafia bosses in recorded history.

9. Carlo Gambino – $400 million

Carlo Gambino, often referred to as “The Godfather of the American Mafia,” remains one of the most iconic and wealthiest figures in organized crime history. Born in Sicily and later immigrating to the United States, Gambino rose through the ranks to become the head of the powerful Gambino crime family, one of New York’s Five Families. His criminal empire spanned illicit gambling, extortion, loan sharking, and labor racketeering, contributing significantly to his massive cartel leader wealth.

With operations extending throughout the United States and international links to Italy, his influence remains a subject of study in organized crime circles. Despite passing away in 1976 from natural causes, his estimated net worth adjusted for inflation and legacy assets is valued at $400 million, securing his place among the richest mafia bosses of all time.

10. Jho Low – $150 million

Jho Low, also known as Low Taek Jho, is a Malaysian financier best known for his alleged central role in the 1MDB corruption scandal—one of the largest financial frauds in modern history. At the height of his operations, Low is reported to have siphoned billions from Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund to fund a lavish lifestyle, acquiring luxury properties, art, and financing Hollywood productions. Despite international arrest warrants, he remains a fugitive as of 2025. Authorities believe he moves between various jurisdictions in Asia and the Middle East to avoid extradition.

Low’s estimated net worth in 2025 is around $150 million, though prior valuations suggested higher figures before global asset seizures. His case remains one of the most high-profile examples of white-collar crime intersecting with elite global finance, putting him among the richest criminals in the world.

11. Viktor Bout – $50 million

Viktor Bout, infamously dubbed the “Merchant of Death,” is a former Soviet military officer turned international arms trafficker. At his peak, Bout controlled a global weapons empire supplying arms to conflict zones across Africa, the Middle East, and South America. His criminal enterprise, built on a complex web of air cargo companies, enabled him to circumvent international arms embargoes and fuel insurgencies worldwide.

Bout’s net worth is estimated at $50 million, amassed through decades of illicit arms deals and logistical operations. Often cited in discussions of cartel leader wealth and among the richest mafia bosses, his story remains one of the most notorious in the underworld economy.

Originally convicted in the United States in 2011, Viktor Bout was released in a high-profile prisoner exchange in 2022. As of 2025, he is no longer imprisoned and is believed to be residing in Russia.

12. John Gotti – $30 million

John Gotti, often called “The Dapper Don” due to his flashy style and public persona, was a notorious American mafia boss who rose to prominence in the 1980s. As the head of the Gambino crime family—one of the most powerful Mafia organizations in the United States—Gotti played a central role in organized crime operations, including extortion, illegal gambling, loan sharking, and racketeering.

Despite his death in 2002, Gotti remains one of the richest mafia bosses in history, with an adjusted estimated net worth of $30 million in 2025. His wealth fascinates crime historians and pop culture enthusiasts alike, often cited in discussions around cartel leader wealth and the financial influence of organized crime syndicates.

13. Paul Castellano – $20 million

Paul Castellano, known in organized crime circles as “Big Paul,” was a prominent American mobster and reputed boss of the Gambino crime family—one of the most powerful Mafia organizations in New York City. At the peak of his criminal career, Castellano amassed significant wealth through racketeering, loan sharking, extortion, and construction-related corruption. His estimated net worth remains around $20 million, placing him among the richest mafia bosses historically documented.

Operating primarily out of New York, Castellano’s influence extended across the northeastern United States. His leadership was marked by a more corporate approach to crime, focusing on white-collar operations rather than street-level violence. Despite being assassinated in 1985 in a high-profile mob hit, his legacy as a cartel leader wealth figure persists in modern criminal lore.

14. Frank Abagnale – $20 million

Frank Abagnale, once known as one of the most prolific con artists in history, gained global notoriety for impersonating an airline pilot, doctor, and lawyer—all before the age of 21. His crimes, primarily check fraud and identity theft, spanned over 26 countries, making him a figure of intrigue in the world of white-collar crime. At the height of his illicit career, Abagnale cost banks and institutions millions, earning a place among the richest criminals of the 20th century.

Though briefly imprisoned, Abagnale later transitioned into a security consultant, working with the FBI and private firms. As of 2025, he is reportedly still at large from past charges in select jurisdictions, though his current status leans more toward reformed advisor than fugitive. His estimated net worth of $20 million places him among the lesser-known names in cartel leader wealth and richest mafia boss circles, yet his story remains a staple in criminal lore.

15. John Gotti Jr. – $10 million

John Gotti Jr., son of the infamous Gambino crime family boss John Gotti Sr., is an American former mobster who once held a leadership role in one of New York’s most powerful crime syndicates. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is approximately $10 million, placing him among the richest mafia bosses with ties to organized crime.

Gotti Jr. was deeply involved in racketeering, extortion, and loan sharking during his active years. His influence primarily spanned the Northeastern United States, operating under the broader umbrella of the Gambino crime family. Despite multiple federal prosecutions, he avoided long-term imprisonment after several mistrials in the early 2000s.

Today, Gotti Jr. is believed to be retired from organized crime, living a comparatively low-profile life. He has denied ongoing involvement in criminal activity.

16. Al Capone – $7 million

Alphonse Gabriel “Al” Capone, infamously known as “Scarface,” remains one of the most recognizable figures in organized crime history. At the height of his influence during the Prohibition era, Capone amassed a fortune through bootlegging, illegal gambling, and racketeering operations primarily in Chicago. Adjusted for inflation, his estimated net worth in 2025 is around $7 million, cementing his legacy among the richest mafia bosses of the 20th century.

Capone operated the Chicago Outfit, a powerful criminal syndicate with extensive geographic reach across the American Midwest. His grip on the illicit alcohol trade during the 1920s and early 1930s positioned him as a cartel leader in his own right. Arrested in 1931 for tax evasion, he served time in Alcatraz before dying in 1947 from health complications.

17. Michael Franzese – $7 million

Michael Franzese, once known as the “Yuppie Don,” is a former caporegime in New York’s Colombo crime family. At the peak of his criminal career in the 1980s, Franzese masterminded a multi-billion dollar gasoline tax fraud scheme, making him one of the wealthiest mafia bosses in American history. His criminal activity extended into extortion, racketeering, and loan sharking, primarily across the United States.

Despite his deep ties to the Italian-American Mafia, Franzese became one of the few high-ranking mobsters to walk away from organized crime without entering witness protection. He has since reinvented himself as an author and motivational speaker, chronicling his life in the mob and speaking out against crime.

As of 2025, Michael Franzese’s net worth is estimated at $7 million, stemming largely from his legitimate ventures post-mob life.

18. “Freeway” Rick Ross – $1 million

Ricky Donnell Ross, widely known as “Freeway” Rick Ross, is a former American drug trafficker whose criminal enterprise dominated the Los Angeles crack cocaine market in the 1980s. At the height of his operations, Ross was reportedly earning over $3 million per day, with an estimated net worth peaking near $1 billion before law enforcement intervention. His empire was one of the most lucrative in U.S. drug trade history, making him a standout figure among the richest criminals globally.

Ross’s geographic reach extended across major U.S. cities, with supply chains allegedly connected to international sources via the Iran-Contra scandal’s covert channels. He operated independently but was linked to broader networks influencing cartel leader wealth and the flow of narcotics into American inner cities.

Currently, Ross is no longer active in criminal activities. After serving over a decade in federal prison, he was released in 2009.

19. Hector “Junior” Pagan – $1 million

Hector Pagan Jr., commonly known as “Junior,” is a former mob associate and ex-husband of Renee Graziano from Mob Wives. He gained notoriety as a key figure within the Bonanno crime family, one of New York’s notorious Five Families. Pagan was involved in organized crime activities including illegal gambling, loan sharking, and extortion—typical operations for many mafia insiders. His criminal trajectory took a dramatic turn when he became a government informant in the early 2010s, contributing to the conviction of several high-ranking mobsters.

Although Pagan’s estimated net worth is around $1 million, it pales in comparison to the richest mafia bosses and cartel leader wealth featured on this list. His reach was largely regional, operating primarily in Brooklyn and the wider New York City area.

20. Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory – $500,000

Demetrius “Big Meech” Flenory is a former American drug trafficker and co-founder of the notorious Black Mafia Family (BMF), an influential cocaine trafficking and money laundering organization. Rising to prominence in the early 2000s, BMF operated across multiple U.S. states, establishing a reputation for both criminal sophistication and lavish lifestyles.

Big Meech played a central role in orchestrating a wide-reaching drug distribution network that reportedly moved hundreds of kilograms of cocaine monthly, aligning him with some of the richest mafia bosses of his era. Despite the group’s downfall in 2005 following a massive DEA investigation, Flenory’s name remains synonymous with cartel leader wealth and criminal enterprise.

Currently serving a 30-year federal prison sentence, his estimated net worth stands at around $500,000. His legacy continues to influence pop culture and criminal history discussions.

21. Frank Lucas – $500,000

Frank Lucas was a notorious Harlem heroin kingpin whose criminal enterprise peaked during the 1960s and 1970s. Often referred to by the alias “Superfly,” Lucas masterminded a direct heroin pipeline from Southeast Asia into the United States, bypassing traditional Mafia-controlled channels. His innovative smuggling strategy—allegedly using American military planes returning from Vietnam—allowed him to accumulate immense wealth and influence.

At the height of his reign, Lucas was considered one of the richest mafia bosses in the U.S., with an estimated net worth of $500,000. He operated primarily out of New York City but maintained international ties through the “Golden Triangle” in Southeast Asia.

Lucas was arrested in 1975 and later cooperated with authorities, serving reduced prison time. He died in 2019.

22. Kenneth Petty – $500,000

Kenneth Petty, known by the alias “Zoo,” is an American individual with a criminal record that includes convictions for attempted rape and first-degree manslaughter. While not traditionally classified among cartel leaders or mafia bosses, his profile has gained public attention due to his association with rapper Nicki Minaj, his spouse. Petty’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $500,000, largely attributed to his public persona and media presence rather than direct criminal enterprise.

Petty’s criminal history stems from incidents in New York, and he is currently not involved in any known criminal organization. His legal troubles have included registration as a sex offender and legal penalties for failing to comply with registration requirements. As of 2025, Kenneth Petty is not incarcerated but remains under legal supervision.

23. Lee D’Avanzo – $500,000

Lee D’Avanzo, known in media circles as “The Staten Island Tough Guy,” is a reputed figure with alleged ties to the New York-based Bonanno and Colombo crime families. His criminal activities have spanned organized loan sharking, racketeering, and drug distribution. D’Avanzo gained public attention not only for his underworld connections but also through his marriage to reality TV personality Drita D’Avanzo.

While his estimated net worth is around $500,000, a modest figure compared to the richest mafia boss profiles on this list, his name remains influential in East Coast organized crime discussions. Operating primarily in New York, his reach extended through various small-scale criminal enterprises rather than a large international cartel.

Currently, D’Avanzo is serving time in federal prison following a 2020 weapons conviction. His case reflects the blurred line between celebrity and organized crime in modern media.

24. Nicky Barnes – $500,000

Nicky Barnes, born Leroy Nicholas Barnes, rose to infamy as a major heroin trafficker in New York City during the 1970s. As the founder of The Council, a seven-man African-American organized crime syndicate, Barnes controlled a vast narcotics distribution network throughout Harlem and beyond. Known for his flamboyant lifestyle and sharp suits, Barnes became a symbol of power and excess in the American drug trade.

At the height of his criminal career, his estimated net worth hovered around $500,000—a significant sum at the time, linked to one of the most lucrative heroin enterprises in U.S. history. His wealth and influence placed him among the richest mafia bosses of the era.

Barnes was sentenced to life imprisonment in 1978 but later became a government informant, entering witness protection after his sentence was reduced. He died in 2012 of cancer, his death kept secret for nearly a decade.

25. Sammy “The Bull” Gravano – $500,000

Salvatore “Sammy the Bull” Gravano is a former underboss of the Gambino crime family, once considered one of the richest mafia bosses during his peak. His criminal portfolio spanned racketeering, extortion, drug trafficking, and multiple homicides. Gravano played a pivotal role in the U.S. mafia underworld throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, operating primarily in New York City but with influence that extended nationwide.

In a landmark move, Gravano became the highest-ranking mafia member to turn government witness, helping to convict mob boss John Gotti and dozens of others. Despite entering witness protection, he later returned to criminal activity, running an ecstasy distribution ring in Arizona.

Gravano served several prison sentences and is currently free, reportedly focusing on podcasting and memoirs. His estimated net worth is $500,000, though far from the wealth of cartel leader wealth seen today.

26. Tommy Manzo – $500,000

Tommy Manzo, a New Jersey restaurateur, has been identified by authorities as an alleged associate of the Lucchese crime family, one of the infamous Five Families of the New York Mafia. While not a cartel leader or among the richest mafia bosses globally, Manzo’s criminal involvement is linked primarily to racketeering and violent retaliation, including a high-profile assault-for-hire plot in 2015 targeting his ex-wife’s then-boyfriend.

Operating primarily in the Northeastern United States, Manzo’s alleged ties to organized crime span hospitality-linked schemes and insurance fraud. Though not convicted on all charges, federal investigations and indictments have spotlighted his name in the context of long-standing mafia operations.

As of 2025, Manzo is reportedly free pending trial or on bail, with his legal battles ongoing. His estimated net worth stands at $500,000, drawing attention more for notoriety than substantial cartel leader wealth.

27. Charles Manson – $400,000

Charles Manson, infamous for orchestrating a series of brutal murders in 1969, remains a grim symbol of cult-driven crime in American history. Although not traditionally classified as a “richest mafia boss” or cartel figure, Manson’s notoriety and media presence generated revenue through book deals, memorabilia, and unauthorized biographies, contributing to his estimated net worth of $400,000 at the time of his death.

Manson led the Manson Family, a quasi-communal cult operating primarily in California. Under his influence, followers carried out the murders of actress Sharon Tate and several others. While he did not personally profit through conventional criminal enterprise like drug trafficking or organized crime, his infamy fueled continued financial interest post-conviction.

He was imprisoned from 1971 until his death in 2017. Though not a cartel leader, his case remains one of the most profitable examples of criminal notoriety.

28. Mary Kay Letourneau – $400,000

Mary Kay Letourneau, a former teacher from Washington State, became internationally infamous in the late 1990s for her unlawful relationship with a 12-year-old student, Vili Fualaau. Convicted of child rape in 1997, Letourneau served over seven years in prison. Despite her criminal record, she maintained a media presence upon release and controversially married Fualaau in 2005. The couple later separated before her death in 2020 due to cancer.

While not a traditional figure among the richest mafia bosses or cartel leaders, Letourneau’s case drew significant public attention and media deals that reportedly contributed to her net worth, estimated at around $400,000 at the time of her death. Her story underscores how notoriety can sometimes translate into financial gain, even when rooted in criminal behavior.

29. Charles Cosby – $100,000

Charles Cosby, once a small-time street dealer, rose to prominence in the 1990s as the right-hand man of notorious drug queenpin Griselda Blanco. Operating primarily out of Oakland, California, Cosby played a key role in managing Blanco’s multimillion-dollar cocaine empire after her imprisonment. His association with Blanco propelled him into the upper echelons of drug trafficking circles in the U.S., contributing significantly to his estimated net worth of $100,000 at the height of his activity.

Cosby’s criminal enterprise focused on large-scale cocaine distribution, with reported links to the Medellín Cartel during its waning years. Though not a cartel leader himself, his proximity to Blanco gave him access to high-level networks and operations.

30. Ephren Taylor – $100,000

Ephren Taylor, often dubbed the “Young CEO,” was once celebrated as a financial prodigy before his fall from grace. Specializing in financial fraud, Taylor orchestrated a nationwide Ponzi scheme targeting churchgoers and investors with promises of guaranteed returns through real estate and socially responsible investments. At the height of his operations, Taylor controlled assets allegedly worth millions, though his actual net worth is estimated at approximately $100,000 due to asset seizures and restitution.

Operating primarily in the United States, Taylor’s deceptive practices extended coast-to-coast through his company, City Capital Corporation. His criminal activities came to light in 2010, culminating in a federal indictment and eventual conviction.

He is currently imprisoned, serving a 19-year sentence handed down in 2014. While not associated with a drug cartel or mafia, his case underscores the lucrative and damaging potential of white-collar crime.

31. Scott Tucker – $100,000

Scott Tucker is a former businessman turned convicted felon, known for orchestrating one of the largest illegal payday lending operations in U.S. history. Operating under a web of shell companies, Tucker charged exorbitant interest rates that reached up to 700%, targeting financially vulnerable borrowers across the country.

His criminal enterprise spanned over a decade and generated hundreds of millions in illicit revenue, leading some to compare his financial influence to that of a small cartel leader. Though his net worth at the time of conviction was significantly diminished—estimated at $100,000—Tucker once lived lavishly, owning luxury vehicles and sponsoring a professional racing team.

In 2017, he was sentenced to over 16 years in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. As of 2025, he remains incarcerated.

32. Anna Sorokin (Anna Delvey) – $50,000

Anna Sorokin, also known by her alias Anna Delvey, is a Russian-born con artist who gained notoriety for posing as a wealthy German heiress in New York City. Her criminal activity involved elaborate financial fraud, including check kiting, identity theft, and deception of high-profile banks, hotels, and individuals between 2013 and 2017. Sorokin’s scams allowed her to infiltrate elite social circles, gaining temporary access to luxury services and properties.

Though not among traditional cartel leaders or mafia bosses, Sorokin’s high-profile deception placed her in the spotlight as one of the more affluent white-collar criminals, with an estimated net worth of $50,000 derived from media deals and book rights following her conviction. Her geographic reach was primarily the United States, particularly Manhattan.

As of 2025, Sorokin is reportedly living in New York under house arrest, pending deportation.

33. Tom Petters – $50,000

Tom Petters, an American businessman turned white-collar criminal, gained notoriety as the mastermind behind one of the largest Ponzi schemes in U.S. history. Once a respected entrepreneur, Petters operated Petters Group Worldwide, a company that was later exposed for orchestrating a $3.65 billion fraud. His criminal activities primarily involved investment fraud and corporate deception. Though not affiliated with a traditional cartel or mafia network, Petters’ financial crimes spanned multiple states and impacted global investors.

Before his downfall, Tom Petters had an estimated net worth of $50,000 placing him among the wealthiest individuals convicted of financial crime. He was arrested in 2008 and is currently serving a 50-year prison sentence, making him one of the richest imprisoned white-collar criminals to date.

34. Lisette Lee – $30,000

Lisette Lee, often dubbed the “Pot Princess of Beverly Hills,” was a South Korean-American socialite turned drug trafficker. She gained notoriety for leading a lavish lifestyle while secretly transporting large quantities of marijuana across the United States. Between 2009 and 2010, Lee operated as a high-level courier for a drug trafficking network, flying over 7,000 pounds of marijuana—worth millions—from California to Ohio via private jets.

Though not affiliated with a major cartel or known mafia organization, Lee’s operations showcased the lucrative nature of mid-level trafficking. Her geographic reach was primarily national, centered around Los Angeles and Columbus.

In 2011, Lee was sentenced to six years in federal prison after pleading guilty. She has since completed her sentence and remains out of the public spotlight. Her estimated net worth peaked around $30,000 a modest figure compared to other cartel leader wealth or richest mafia boss profiles.

35. Michael Alig – $30,000

Michael Alig was an American party promoter and club scene icon best known for co-founding the notorious “Club Kids” movement in 1990s New York City. His criminal activity centered around drug distribution and involvement in the murder of fellow clubgoer Angel Melendez, for which he was convicted in 1997. Though not a traditional cartel leader or mafia boss, Alig’s influence on the underground nightlife scene gave him cult-like notoriety and access to illicit wealth streams.

Operating primarily within the United States, particularly New York, Alig’s empire thrived on a blend of hedonism, drugs, and subculture spectacle. After serving 17 years in prison, he was released in 2014 and attempted a media comeback before dying of a heroin overdose in 2020.

While his estimated net worth remained modest at $30,000, Alig’s cultural impact remains significant.

36. Joey Buttafuoco – $20,000

Joey Buttafuoco, a former auto body shop owner from Long Island, New York, became infamous in the early 1990s due to his involvement in a high-profile statutory rape case and the subsequent shooting of his wife by teenage Amy Fisher. While not a traditional cartel leader or mafia boss, Buttafuoco’s notoriety and recurring brushes with the law—including charges related to prostitution rings, insurance fraud, and illegal possession of ammunition—have kept him in the public eye for decades.

Though his criminal activity has mostly been low-level compared to the richest criminals in the world, Buttafuoco has reportedly amassed an estimated net worth of $20,000, primarily through media appearances, interviews, and minor roles in reality television. He currently lives a relatively quiet life and is not affiliated with any known criminal organization.

37. Casey Anthony – $10,000

Casey Anthony, often referred to by the media as the “most hated mom in America,” gained national notoriety in 2008 following the disappearance and death of her two-year-old daughter, Caylee Anthony. Though she was acquitted of murder in 2011, she was convicted on four counts of providing false information to law enforcement. While not a traditional cartel leader or mafia boss, her infamy has led to various media deals and paid interviews, modestly boosting her reported net worth to approximately $10,000.

Anthony has no known ties to organized crime or global criminal networks. Her criminal activity was limited to the United States and did not involve drug trafficking, financial fraud, or other enterprise-level offenses typically associated with the richest criminals in the world.

38. George Jung – $10,000

George Jung, famously known as “Boston George,” was a prominent figure in the international drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s. As a central player in the Medellín Cartel’s U.S. operations, Jung specialized in large-scale cocaine smuggling, primarily from Colombia into North America. His criminal activity revolved around drug trafficking, with significant operations spanning the United States, Colombia, and the Caribbean.

At the peak of his career, Jung’s estimated net worth was around $10 million, placing him among the richest cartel leaders of his era. Though not a traditional mafia boss, his logistical mastery and cartel connections made him a critical component in the global narcotics supply chain. After multiple arrests and stints in federal prison, Jung was released in 2014 and remained free until his death in 2021 at the age of 78.

39. Guy Fisher – $10,000

Guy Fisher, once a prominent figure in New York’s organized crime scene, gained notoriety as a key member of the infamous Nicky Barnes heroin syndicate during the 1970s. Known for his sharp intellect and entrepreneurial flair, Fisher diversified into real estate and even owned the iconic Apollo Theater in Harlem. His criminal activity primarily revolved around drug trafficking and money laundering, placing him among the richest mafia bosses of his era.

Operating mainly in the United States, Fisher’s influence extended across urban drug markets, with deep ties to the Barnes cartel. He was ultimately convicted on federal racketeering and drug conspiracy charges in 1984 and sentenced to life imprisonment. As of 2025, he remains incarcerated.

Though his net worth has significantly diminished—estimated at just $10,000 today—his legacy continues to be referenced in discussions of cartel leader wealth and organized crime history.

40. Lee Harvey Oswald – $250

Lee Harvey Oswald, a former U.S. Marine, is infamously known for the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Though he had no known ties to organized crime or drug cartels, Oswald remains a controversial figure in modern criminal history. His brief defection to the Soviet Union and later return to the U.S. sparked decades of conspiracy theories regarding his possible connections to global intelligence networks or shadowy criminal interests.

Unlike typical cartel leaders or mafia bosses featured for their wealth, Oswald’s estimated net worth at the time of his death was a mere $250. He was apprehended shortly after the assassination but was fatally shot by nightclub owner Jack Ruby two days later while in police custody. Oswald’s case remains one of the most debated in American legal and political history.

41. Conrad Murray – -$500,000

Conrad Murray, a former cardiologist, gained infamy in 2009 following the death of pop icon Michael Jackson. Though not traditionally categorized as a criminal kingpin, Murray was convicted of involuntary manslaughter in 2011 for administering the fatal dose of propofol to Jackson. Unlike the stereotypical richest mafia boss or cartel leader wealth profiles, Murray’s case stands out due to its association with celebrity, not organized crime.

Operating primarily in the United States, Murray’s medical career spanned private practices in Texas and Nevada before his involvement with Jackson. Following his conviction, he served two years of a four-year prison sentence and has remained largely out of the public eye since his release.

His estimated net worth is in the negative, reportedly around -$500,000, due to legal fees and loss of medical licenses.

42. Joe Exotic – -$1 million

Joe Exotic, born Joseph Maldonado-Passage, rose to fame as a flamboyant exotic animal breeder and zoo operator before facing serious criminal charges. Best known as the central figure in Netflix’s Tiger King documentary series, he was convicted in 2019 for violating federal wildlife laws and orchestrating a murder-for-hire plot targeting animal rights activist Carole Baskin.

Despite his celebrity status, Joe Exotic’s estimated net worth is approximately – $1 million, largely due to legal fees and loss of business assets. While he never led a traditional cartel or mafia, his notoriety places him among infamous figures in the criminal underworld.

43. Andrew Luster – -$10 million

Andrew Luster, once heir to the Max Factor cosmetics fortune, became infamous not for business success, but for a high-profile criminal case that ended his privileged life. Convicted in 2003 of multiple counts of rape and sexual assault involving drugged victims, Luster fled the U.S. mid-trial, sparking a global manhunt. Captured in Mexico, he was extradited and sentenced to 124 years in prison.

Despite his family legacy, Luster’s net worth is now estimated at – $10 million, largely due to legal fees and civil suits. His case drew significant media attention, contributing to discussions around privilege, justice, and celebrity accountability.

Unlike a cartel leader or richest mafia boss, Luster’s criminal profile was not linked to organized crime, but to predatory behavior cloaked by social status.

44. Billy McFarland – -$26 million

Billy McFarland, the disgraced entrepreneur behind the infamous Fyre Festival, is known for orchestrating one of the most high-profile frauds of the 2010s. Operating under his real name, McFarland promoted the luxury music festival in the Bahamas, securing millions from investors and ticket buyers. The event collapsed spectacularly in 2017, exposing extensive wire fraud and misrepresentation.

Specializing in white-collar crime, McFarland targeted affluent millennials and celebrities through savvy digital marketing. Though not tied to any organized crime group or cartel, his financial schemes spanned the United States and briefly touched international shores.

In 2018, he was sentenced to six years in federal prison and ordered to forfeit $26 million, making his net worth negative. As of 2025, he remains on supervised release, working on various ventures.

45. Nevin Shapiro – -$82 million

Nevin Shapiro is a former Miami-based businessman and convicted fraudster whose criminal activities centered around a $930 million Ponzi scheme tied to his grocery distribution business, Capitol Investments USA. Once known for his high-profile ties to the University of Miami football program, Shapiro’s elaborate investment fraud unraveled in 2009, revealing substantial financial damage to investors. Despite being far from a traditional cartel leader or mafia boss, his case illustrates how white-collar crime can also yield extraordinary—albeit fraudulent—wealth.

At the peak of his operations, Shapiro lived a lavish lifestyle, reportedly funding luxury goods, VIP sports access, and extravagant parties. His estimated net worth fell to -$82 million following legal restitution orders. He is currently serving a 20-year federal prison sentence.

46. Semion Mogilevich – $10 billion

Semion Mogilevich, often referred to as “The Brainy Don,” is a Ukrainian-born criminal figure known for his alleged involvement in global organized crime. His operations have included arms trafficking, money laundering, drug smuggling, and fraud, with connections to Eastern European and Russian mafia networks. Mogilevich reportedly maintained a far-reaching influence through a complex web of shell companies and financial networks stretching across Europe, North America, and Israel.

Believed to be one of the richest mafia bosses of the post-Soviet era, his net worth is estimated at $10 million—although exact figures remain speculative due to the covert nature of his finances. Authorities have linked him to the Solntsevskaya Bratva, a powerful Russian organized crime syndicate.

Despite being on the FBI’s Most Wanted list for years, Mogilevich is currently at large and believed to reside in Moscow, beyond the reach of U.S. extradition laws.

47. Dawood Ibrahim – $6.7 billion

Dawood Ibrahim, often referred to by his alias “The Don,” is a notorious Indian underworld figure and one of the richest mafia bosses in the world. With an estimated net worth of $6.7 billion, Ibrahim rose to prominence as the alleged head of the D-Company, a powerful transnational crime syndicate founded in Mumbai during the 1970s. His criminal empire spans narcotics trafficking, extortion, counterfeit currency, and arms smuggling, with operations reportedly reaching across South Asia, the Middle East, and parts of Africa.

Ibrahim is widely believed to have close ties to several international terrorist organizations, which has led to his designation as a global terrorist by the United States and India. He remains a fugitive, with his last known whereabouts speculated to be in Pakistan, although the government denies his presence.

48. Changpeng Zhao – $64.8 billion

Changpeng Zhao, widely known by his alias “CZ,” is a Chinese-Canadian entrepreneur and former CEO of Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. Though not traditionally classified as a criminal, Zhao made global headlines in 2023 when he pleaded guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws, specifically under the Bank Secrecy Act. His case has sparked intense scrutiny over the regulatory gray zones in the crypto sector.

With an estimated net worth of $64.8 billion, Zhao ranks among the richest criminal figures in financial history, surpassing even some cartel leader wealth estimates. Binance’s global reach, particularly in Asia, Europe, and North America, contributed to his rise.

As of 2025, Zhao is serving a four-month federal prison sentence in the United States.

50. Othman El Ballouti – $1 billion

Othman El Ballouti, also known by the alias “Samir,” is a Belgian-Lebanese drug trafficker with an estimated net worth of $1 billion, making him one of the richest mafia bosses in Europe. Authorities allege that El Ballouti played a pivotal role in a sprawling international cocaine trafficking network, facilitating shipments from South America into major European ports, including Antwerp and Rotterdam. His operations reportedly leveraged encrypted communication platforms and a vast logistics infrastructure to evade law enforcement.

Believed to have ties with multiple criminal syndicates, El Ballouti’s geographic reach extended across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Despite numerous law enforcement efforts, he remained a fugitive as of 2025, evading capture following large-scale European police crackdowns.

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