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Chinese Triads -

Originating in the 18th century, the Chinese Triads are notorious for their deep roots in traditional values, merging with a criminal underworld. Based in China and extending around the world, they engage in organized crime, from drug trafficking to money laundering, firmly establishing their fearsome reputation.

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Triads' initiation -

New Triads swear allegiance through "the 36 Oaths." An animal is sacrificed and its blood is then mixed with wine for the initiate to drink. The Triads are ruthless, with their initiation symbolizing a commitment to the gang's shadowy, often violent, enterprises.

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Hells Angels Motorcycle Club -

A symbol of freedom and rebellion, the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club roars across highways worldwide. Known for their love of motorcycles and an outlaw lifestyle, they also bear a dark side, with links to crime and a controversial connection to white supremacist ideologies.

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Hells Angels' initiation -

To join, prospects must progress through the hierarchy, from "hang-arounds" to fully-fledged members. Commitment is paramount, and they're forced to withstand terrible degradation and humiliation by the other members. It's rumored that the final initiation involves the prospects being drenched in feces and urine, which they're not allowed to wash off for the whole evening. 

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Ku Klux Klan -

A grim shadow in American history, the Ku Klux Klan represents racial hatred and white supremacy. Once prominent and now operating in the shadows, they're infamous for their violent acts and symbolic cross burnings, echoing a sinister ideology.

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Klan initiation -

The Klan's rituals, cloaked in secrecy, are steeped in symbolism and a perverted sense of tradition. The exact details vary between different Klan factions and over time but often involve elements like burning crosses, reciting oaths, and pledging violence against marginalized groups.

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Numbers Gang -

The Numbers Gang reigns within South Africa's prisons, its influence sprawling beyond walls. Members are known for their strict adherence to a complex hierarchy and code, commanding respect and fear in equal measure.

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Numbers Gang's initiation -

Initiation into the Numbers Gang is a trial by fire, demanding proof of allegiance through a dangerous and intricate ritual. Numbers Gang initiation rituals involve violent hazing and manipulation to instill fear and loyalty, exploiting vulnerabilities and perpetuating harmful ideologies. It's rumored that to become a number you must kill a designated target.

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MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) -

MS-13, born in the streets of Los Angeles, is now a transnational syndicate feared for its brutality. Known for their stark tattoos and ruthless operations, they are the epitome of the dark underbelly of gang culture.

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MS-13's initiation -

Initiation into MS-13 is a brutal affair, marked by bloodshed and loyalty tests. The infamous 13-second beatdown, where members beat the person being initiated for 13 seconds, is not just a rite of passage but a testament to the gang's unyielding demand for toughness and allegiance.

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Aryan Brotherhood -

Born out of prison life, the Aryan Brotherhood represents a sinister blend of racial ideology and criminal activity. With a membership boasting over 10,000, this gang has cemented its violent legacy both behind bars and in the wider world.

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Aryan Brotherhood's initiation -

Joining the Aryan Brotherhood demands a chilling commitment—prospective members must display unquestionable loyalty and often, a capacity for spectacular violence. Before joining the Brotherhood, potential recruits are required to “make their bones,” usually by attacking or murdering a rival gang member or assaulting a corrections officer.

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Knights Templar Cartel -

The Knights Templar Cartel, with origins in Mexico, is synonymous with the extreme brutality of drug cartels. Known for human trafficking and organ harvesting, their name invokes fear and their actions, horror.

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Knights Templar's initiation -

Alleged initiation rites for the Knights Templar are the stuff of nightmares, involving cannibalistic acts to demonstrate loyalty. Such gruesome rituals illustrate the profound depths of the gang's depravity and their disregard for human life.

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United Blood Nation (Bloods) -

The United Blood Nation, or simply the Bloods, originated as a form of protection against rival gangs. Their presence, marked by distinctive red attire and hand signs, is an iconic emblem of gang culture, particularly in urban America.

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Bloods' Initiation -

Initiation into the Bloods is a testament to the gang's fierce loyalty and brotherhood. Rituals often involve a physical trial, proving one's courage and commitment to the gang's code. The infamous "jumping in," where members beat the newcomer for around 30 seconds, is more than an initiation; it's a declaration of lifelong allegiance.

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Los Zetas -

Los Zetas, once the armed wing of the Gulf Cartel, now stand as a dominant and terrifying force in Mexico's drug war. Known for their military precision and unsparing violence, they represent a new, formidable era of organized crime.

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Los Zetas' initiation -

Rumors of Los Zetas' initiation rituals speak to their ruthless efficiency and cold-blooded nature. Tales of forced cannibalism and dismemberment highlight the extreme lengths to which the gang goes to ensure loyalty and obedience.

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Wah Ching -

Originating in San Francisco during the '60s, Wah Ching was a powerhouse in Asian-American organized crime. Known for their violent disputes with rival gangs, they've left a bloody imprint on the criminal landscape of the West Coast.

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Wah Ching's initiation -

Initiation into Wah Ching was one of legendary brutality. Recruits would have to beat another member of the gang either to death or unconsciousness. Next, the words 'Wah-Ching' would be carved into the skin of the recruit with a knife.

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The Latin Kings -

Tracing back to 1940s Chicago, The Latin Kings are among the world's largest Hispanic street gangs. Known for their strict codes and internal governance, they've evolved into a complex organization, far beyond mere street-level crime.

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Latin Kings' initiation -

Joining The Latin Kings involves embracing the "Kingism" ideology, symbolizing a member's growth and commitment. The gang also makes use of the "jumping in" method, while other traditions include offering your partner to the gang for a night.

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Sinaloa Cartel -

Commanded by the notorious "El Chapo," the Sinaloa Cartel is a dominant force in the global drug trade. Its brutal tactics and powerful leadership have made it a feared and respected player in the world of organized crime.

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Sinaloa's initiation -

The Sinaloa Cartel's initiation is as secretive as it is said to be violent. Allegiance to the cartel often requires acts of extreme brutality in an attempt to prove your loyalty beyond all doubt. They even go as far as murdering a rival cartel member and eating his heart.

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18th Street Gang (Barrio 18) -

Originating in Los Angeles, the 18th Street Gang has grown into an international force, particularly strong in Central America. Known for their fierce territoriality, they're involved in everything from drug trafficking to extortion.

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18th Street's initiation -

Joining Barrio 18 often means enduring violent initiation rites where three gang members beat the recruit for 18 seconds, meant to test the recruit's bravery and pain threshold. These rituals, while fostering a sense of belonging, also underscore the gang's harsh internal discipline and code.

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Crips -

Formed in LA in the late 1960s, the Crips are a symbol of the intense gang culture that pervades many American cities. Their bitter rivalry with the Bloods and distinctive blue attire mark them as a notorious and formidable gang.

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Crips' initiation -

Initiation into the Crips can be a brutal, life-changing event. Often involving a "jump-in" where recruits must endure a beating by fellow members, it's a demonstration of the gang's fierce internal solidarity and the high price of entry.

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Yakuza -

Japan's Yakuza stands apart, with a complex blend of traditionalism and organized crime. Their influence pervades many layers of society, making them a unique and powerful player in the global underworld.

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Yakuza's initiation -

Yakuza initiation rituals are steeped in tradition, including the infamous Yubitsume, or finger-shortening, to atone for offenses or prove loyalty. These rituals reflect the deep cultural roots and stringent codes of conduct that define the Yakuza.

Sources: (Vt.co) (Eightify) (DailyStar) (Listverse)

See also: Celebrities affiliated with gangs

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