List of gangs in Grand Theft Auto series

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This article attempts to list all fictional criminal gangs in the Grand Theft Auto computer and video game series. Note that this article primarily deals with gangs appearing within Grand Theft Auto III-era titles. For gangs in Grand Theft Auto 2, see list of gangs in the Grand Theft Auto 2 article.

The following denotes the time periods of the respective GTA games' storylines:

• Grand Theft Auto III (GTA III) - 2001
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City (GTA:VC) - 1986
• Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas (GTA:SA) - 1992
• Grand Theft Auto Advance (GTAA) - 2000
• Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories (GTA:LCS) - 1998
• Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories (GTA:VCS) - 1984

Contents 1 Italian-American/Sicilian Gangs 1.1 Leone Family 1.2 Forelli Family 1.3 Sindacco Family 1.4 Vercetti Gang 1.5 Sicilian Mafia 2 African-American Gangs 2.1 Southside Hoods 2.2 Vance Crime Family 2.3 Grove Street Families 2.4 Ballas 3 East Asian Gangs 3.1 Liberty City Triads 3.2 San Fierro Triads 3.3 Vice City Triads 3.4 Liberty City Yakuza 3.5 Da Nang Boys 4 Hispanic Gangs 4.1 Colombian Cartel 4.2 Diablos 4.3 Cholos 4.4 Diaz's gang 4.5 Cuban Gang/Los Cabrones 4.6 Los Santos Vagos 4.7 Varrios Los Aztecas 4.8 San Fierro Rifa 4.9 Mendez Cartel 5 Afro-Caribbean Gangs 5.1 Yardies 5.2 Haitain Gang 6 White American Gangs 6.1 Biker Gang 6.2 Trailer Park Mafia 7 Other Gangs 7.1 Russian Mafia 7.2 Loco Syndicate 7.3 Streetwannabe's/Sharks 8 Notes and references

[edit] Italian-American/Sicilian Gangs

[edit] Leone Family

• Gang type: La Cosa Nostra/Italian Mafia.
• Appearances: GTA III, GTA:SA, GTAA, GTA:LCS.
• Turf: Saint Mark's, Portland, Liberty City (?-?) ; Red Light District, Portland, Liberty City (1998 - ?) ; Hepburn Heights, Portland, Liberty City (1998 - 2001); North Chinatown, Portland, Liberty City (? - 2001?) ; Atlantic Quays, Portland, Liberty City (? - between '98 and '01).
• Gang cars: Mafia/Leone Sentinel (GTAIII, GTA:LCS). On missions they drove Mafia/Leone Sentinel, Rumpo, Banshee, Sentinel, Stretch
• Weapon: Shotgun and (9mm) pistol (GTA III); (9mm) pistol (GTA:LCS). On missions they carried pistol, 357. cylinder, shotgun, Mac-10, Uzi, MP5k, MP5, AK-47, M-16A4, M4 Carbine, Minigun, chainsaw.
• Fronts: Momma's Restaurante/Cipriani's Restaurante, Saint Mark's, Portland, Liberty City; Joey's Auto Painting Shop, Trenton, Portland, Liberty City; Sex Club 7, Red Light District, Portland, Liberty City (1998 - ?); Gambling Den, Saint Mark's, Portland, Liberty City (1998- between '98 and '01); drug factory, Callahan Point, Portland, Liberty City (? - 1998); Marco's Bistro, Saint Mark's, Portland, Liberty City (between 1992 - ?); Caligula's Casino, Las Venturas, San Andreas (1992).
• Activities: Protection, auto-theft ring, gambling, drug trafficking, extortion, loan sharking, armed robbery, hijacking, contract killing, arms dealings.
• Notable members: Salvatore Leone (Don, mid-1980s - 2001), Joey Leone (Underboss, 1998 - 2001; Don, 2001 - ?), Toni Cipriani (Associate ? - 1994; Capo, 1998 - ?), Luigi Goterelli (Associate), Vincenzo Cilli (Associate, ? - 1994; Capo, 1994 - 1998), Mickey Hamfists (Associate), Curly Bob (? - 2001), Mike (Bodyguard 1992 - ?), Claude Speed (Associate, 2001), Mike (Associate, ? - 2000), Carl "CJ" Johnson (Associate, 1987 - 1992).

The Leone Family is an Italian-American Mafia criminal organization, originating from Sicily - referred to by Salvatore Leone as "the old country"- whose main base of operations is in Liberty City. They hold various assets in Portland including Cipriani's Restaurante, Sex Club 7, and Joey's Auto Painting Shop. Their main base of operations, however, is Salvatore's mansion, which is in the northeast end of the Saint Mark's district.

Salvatore Leone became the Don of the Leone Family after a bloody power struggle during the mid-1980s. He has a son, Joey Leone, who much to Salvatore's dismay is not wed yet. It is assumed that Salvatore became Don after his unnamed brother was killed.

The Leone Family was also active in Las Venturas, where they held a stake in Caligula's Casino with the Sindacco and Forelli Families, as agreed upon in 1992 (San Andreas), possibly in an attempt to unite the organizations. Salvatore Leone would eventually seize total control of the casino in 1992 after the death of Johnny Sindacco and the murder of Giorgio Forelli, only to have his casino robbed later in a heist organized by former ally Carl "CJ" Johnson. It is assumed that because of the great loss of money from the heist, Salvatore abandons his investments in Las Venturas and returns to Liverty City, allowing the Sindacco Family to retake their position within the city. Not only that, but the shock of Carl (previously a loyal associate) betraying him and stealing so much of his money right from under his nose drove the Don to paranoia.

The Leone Family are engaged in a war with the Sindacco Family in Liberty City Stories, which they win, with Toni Cipriani, The Leone Family's Capo, eventually killing their boss, Paulie Sindacco. In the process, they take over Paulie's Revue Bar (later renamed as "Sex Club 7") as well as the Red Light District and Hepburn Heights, destroying all the influence the Sindacco Family once had on the island. They also engage in some open warfare against the Forelli Family, but are mostly content to prolong the hostilities between the Sindacco and Forelli Families, allowing them to wipe each other out. The Forelli Family's power is seemingly broken when Toni unknowingly obliterated their main base of operations on Staunton Island while working for Donald Love (which inadvertantly kills Don Franco Forelli), and later, Toni takes out the Sindacco Don, Paulie Sindacco. With Toni and Salvatore taking out the Sicilians responsible for starting the gang wars, the Leone Family becomes the pre-eminent Family in Liberty City, taking Hepburn Heights and the Red Light District in Portland.

Three years later in GTA III, the Leone Family have declined in power, although they are still one of the strongest crime syndicates in town. Their territory in Chinatown has been openly taken by the Triads (although they still have businesses there), Hepburn Heights now belongs to the Diablos (as Toni Cipriani predicted it would in Liberty City Stories) and the Colombian Cartel is undermining them by selling cheap SPANK from their freighter in the harbor. Joey Leone engages in a small, subtle war with the now-weakened Forelli Family, ordering the killing of Mike "Lips" Forelli, the speculated Don of the Forelli Family. In the same year, the Leone Family engage in a full-scale war with the Liberty City Triads after certain businesses in Chinatown stop paying their protection money to the Leone Family. The war is long and concludes in three of the Triad warlords being killed, as well as the Triad Fish Factory being destroyed by a bomb set off from a garbage truck.

Claude Speed was seen working for the Leone Family in GTA III, killing "Lips" Forelli, acting as their main agent against the Triads and destroying the Colombian freighter; however, Don Salvatore Leone eventually betrays Claude, ordering him to retrieve a car that was been secretly rigged with explosives. It was later revealed that Salvatore had grown paranoid of Claude, as his situation was remarkably similar to that of Carl Johnson's, who had served Salvatore loyally but then betrayed him. Salvatore had offered Claude's death as a deal to the Colombian Cartel, possibly in an attempt to unite the two organizations. As a result, Claude assassinates Salvatore as a final gesture to the Leone Family, which strengthens his own ties with the Liberty City Yakuza. Following the death of Salvatore, it is assumed that either his son, Joey Leone will become the new Don of the Leone Family.

In GTA III and GTA:LCS Leone Family henchmen don black suits; some with sunglasses. The Leone Family is speculated to be based on the Corleone Family from The Godfather novel and film.

[edit] Forelli Family

• Gang type: La Cosa Nostra/Italian Mafia.
• Appearances: GTA III, GTA:VC, GTA:SA, GTA:LCS.
• Turf: Saint Mark's, Portland, Liberty City (assumed to have control over some parts before Sonny's death, ? - 1986) ; Fort Staunton, Newport, Belleville Park, Staunton Island, Liberty City (? - 1998).
• Gang cars: Forelli Exsess (GTA:LCS). On missions, they drove Forelli Exsess, Barracks OL, PCJ 600, Sanchez, Sentinel, and Stretch.
• Weapon: (9mm) pistol (GTA:LCS). On missions, the carried (9mm) pistol, Uzi, shotgun, M4 Carbine, Mac-10, Tec-9, MP5, MP5k, Ruger, Cleaver, AK-47,Spaz 12 and baseball bat.
• Fronts: Marco's Bistro/Saint Mark's Bistro, Saint Mark's, Portland, Liberty City (? - 1992, between '98 and '01 - ?) ; printing factory, Fort Staunton, Staunton Island, Liberty City (? - 1998); Bottiglia Liquor Wholesale, Fort Staunton, Staunton Island, Liberty City (? - 1998); Caligula's Casino, Las Venturas, San Andreas (1992).
• Activities: Drug trafficking, arms dealing, protection, loan sharking, vote rigging, prostitution
• Notable members: Sonny Forelli (Don, ? - 1986), Franco Forelli (Don, 1986 - 1998), Mike "Lips" Forelli (Associate, ? - 1998; Don? 1998 - 2001), Ken Rosenberg (Associate, 1978 - 1986), Tommy Vercetti (Capo, 1971 - 1986), Harry and Lee (Associates, ? - 1986), Giorgio Forelli (Associate ? - 1986; Underboss, 1986 - 1992).

The Forelli Family is an Italian-American Mafia Family based in Liberty City. The Don of the Forelli Family in 1986 is Sonny Forelli, who would be killed by Tommy Vercetti, a renegade Forelli Family Capo in Vice City. They had planned to expand their empire "down south", by opening relations with local drug cartels through their Capo Tommy Vercetti, but that never happened due to Sonny's death and Tommy's defection. The main base of operations for this once powerful organization was Marco's Bistro before Sonny's death. The Forelli Family used to be the most powerful Family in Liberty City, but the deaths of many high-ranking members (such as Sonny, Giorgio and Franco) have led to their subsequent downfall over time.

In San Andreas, it was agreed that the Forelli Family would own an equal share of Caligula's Casino, along with the Sindacco and Leone Families in 1992. However, their part in the deal would quickly end as Salvatore Leone (the Don of the Leone Family) ordered Carl Johnson to gun down the Underboss of the Forelli Family (Giorgio Forelli) at Marco's Bistro (having already destroyed the Sindacco Family's influence in Las Venturas) so the Leone Family could fully control the Casino.

In Liberty City Stories, Salvatore Leone mentions Franco Forelli as the Don of the Forelli Family at the time, likely taking control of the reigns after Sonny Forelli's death in 1986. Liberty City Stories also reveals a Little Italy district in Fort Staunton that served as the main base of the Forellis' operations after Sonny's death. They got into a gang war with the Sindacco Family after the latter fled Portland - a gang war that the Leones were only too happy to prolong, weakening both sides. The entire district was destroyed by Toni Cipriani on orders from Donald Love, using plans stolen from Avery Carrington, effectively taking all their assets and power with it. What was once Little Italy would become the construction site disputed by the Colombian Cartel and Liberty City Yakuza by GTAIII.' It is highly likely that Franco Forelli was killed in the explosion, as he is neither seen nor mentioned thereafter in GTA:LCS and GTA III.

By GTA III, the Forelli Family seems to have been weakened considerably, with the killing of several more Forelli Family members (including Mike "Lips" Forelli, the speculated Don after Franco's death) by Claude Speed on Joey Leone's orders. It is assumed that the Forelli Family have been reduced to servitude under the Leone Family and their organization on the whole is now considered a brotherhood. At this point in time, the Forelli Family's territory is assumed to consist solely of the St. Mark's Bistro, but that might also be under majority control of the Leone Family as a Leone Sentinel was seen parked there in Liberty City Stories.

In GTA:LCS, Forelli Family henchmen don blue/dark red shirts with light blue/white jackets over and carry pistols. In GTA III, they dressed like the Leones as seen in one of Joey Leone's missions as they were in disguise.

[edit] Sindacco Family

• Gang type: La Cosa Nostra/Italian Mafia.
• Appearances: ', GTA:LCS.
• Turf: Red Light District, Hepburn Heights, Portland, Liberty City (1992? - 1998); North Chinatown, Portland, Liberty City (1998); Torrington (1998), Fort Staunton (1998), Staunton Island, Liberty City; Las Venturas, San Andreas.
• Gang cars: Sindacco Argento (GTA:LCS). On missions they drove Sindacco Argento, Yankee, Kuruma, Manana, Hellenbach GT, Patriot, Rumpo, Stinger, and Admiral.
• Weapon: (9mm) pistol (GTA:LCS). On missions they carried pistol, Mac-10, Tec-9, Uzi, MP5k, Shotgun, M4 Carbine, AK-47, Spas-12 Shotgun, MP5, Molotov, chainsaw, baseball bat
• Fronts: Paulie's Revue Bar (Later renamed Sex Club 7), Red Light District, Portland, Liberty City (1992? - 1998); The Doll House, Hepburn Heights, Portland, Liberty City (1994^{[citation needed]} - 1998); Big Shot Casino, Torrington, Liberty City (? - 1998); Meat Factory, Caligula's Casino (1992 - ?) and various other casinos, Las Venturas, San Andreas. Final Build Construction, Hepburn Heights, Liberty City and Las Venturas.
• Activities: Gambling, drug dealing, prostitution, protection.
• Notable members: Johnny Sindacco (Underboss, ? - 1992), Paulie Sindacco (Don, ? - 1998), JD O'Toole (Associate, 1994 - 1998).

The Sindacco Family is another Italian-American Mafia Family which is based in Las Venturas, and, formerly, Liberty City. In 1992, they had territory in Liberty City after Sonny Forelli's death. The Sindacco Family also had a stake in Caligula's Casino, alongside the Forelli and Leone Families. The Sindacco Family wanted to do business with the Leone Family and unite the two organizations and this involved Salvatore pledging 5 million dollars to the Sindacco Family, which Salvatore reluctantly agreed to. Both outfits argued over who should run the casino, and so Ken Rosenberg (once working with the Forelli Family, but then abandonned by the very powerful Vercetti Gang) was put forward as a neutral party. Ken was in the middle of the three Families, so if one attacked the other, Ken would most likely be the target of revenge.

The Sindacco Family was formerly represented by Johnny Sindacco, the Underboss of the Sindacco Family, who would die from shock-induced heart failure in GTA:SA after meeting Carl Johnson for a second time. It was revealed that Johnny had previously been captured by the San Fierro Triads, tied onto a car driven by Carl and scared into revealing information. He then went into a coma, suffering a period of psychological and physical trauma. The Introduction prequel also indicates Johnny is in fact the son of the Sindacco's Don, most likely Paulie Sindacco, as he mentioned that his father wanted to unite their organization with the Leone Family. Following the death of Johnny and many other Sindacco Family members in Las Venturas, they temporarily abandonned the city, returning after Don Salvatore Leone withdrew Leone Family control from Caligula's Casino.

Before the end of 1998, Paulie Sindacco was expanding control throughout Las Venturas as well as using profit from Caligula's Casino in Las Venturas to expand further throughout Liberty City, moving into Leone Family turf in Chinatown, dealing drugs. In Liberty City Stories, on orders from Salvatore Leone, Toni Cipriani used J.D. O'Toole, who was running Paulie's Revue Bar in Liberty City's Red Light District for the Sindacco Family, as an inside-man to help weaken the Sindaccos and claim the Red Light District and Paulie's Revue Bar (renamed Sex Club 7 by the Leone Family) as Leone Mafia territory. Later on, Toni Cipriani would kill Paulie Sindacco, the Don of the Sindacco Family, in 1998.

After their defeat by the Leone Family in the First Gang War of 1998, the Sindacco Family left Portland for Staunton Island, moving into Forelli Family territory. This resulted in the Second Gang War of 1998, this time between the Sindacco Family snd the Forelli Family. Franco Forelli and Paulie Sindacco attempted to establish a truce between the Forelli and Sindacco Families, possibly to defeat the Leone Family together. Before a truce could be created, however, Toni Cipriani uses a remote control device to assume control of Paulie Sindacco's car and run over dozens of Forelli Family members with it. This fueled the Sindacco Family war with the Forelli Family, which doesn't end until the assassination of Paulie Sindacco in Shoreside Vale later that same year and the death of Franco Forelli in the Little Italy explosion. The Sindacco Family also moved into Torrington, a Yakuza territory, and took over their Big Shot Casino until Paulie Sindacco's death gave the Yakuza the opportunity to retake it.

With no turf or front companies remaining in Liberty City, the Sindacco Family have very little influence (if any at all) remaining in Liberty City by GTA III. The family's fate remains unknown, as their activity outside Liberty City after Paulie's death is never disclosed. It is assumed they settled permanently in Las Venturas, being their only other outpost.

In GTA:LCS, Sindacco Family members don black shirts, black pants and brown jackets (leather or not) with/without sunglasses and carry pistols. In GTA:SA the mobsters (presumed to be the Sindacco Family) dress in either brown leather jackets with gray pants and light blue shirts with chains, or in black jogging suits.

[edit] Vercetti Gang

• Gang type: La Cosa Nostra/Business Organization/Criminal Organization.
• Appearance: GTA:VC.
• Allies: The Cuban Gang, The Biker Gang.
• Turf: Vercetti Businesses; Prawn Island; Little Havana; Little Haiti; Viceport; Washington Beach; North Point; Ocean Beach; Vice Point; Escobar International Airport; Leaf Links; Downtown; Starfish Island and the huge Vercetti Estate.
• Weapons: Colt .45 handguns and Uzis.On missions Lance used a stubby shotgun and a Ruger while Mike and Mario used Uzis.
• Gang Car: Infernus.
• Businesses/Fronts: Sunshine Autos Car Showroom; Cherry Popper Ice Cream Factory; The Malibu Club; Interglobal Films Studio; Kaufman Cabs; Vice City Boatyard; The Pole Position Strip Club; The Print Works.
• Activities: Protection, armed robbery, counterfeiting, drug dealing/trafficking, blackmailing, auto-theft ring, loan sharking, pornography, hijacking, smuggling, arms dealing, extortion.
• Notable members: Tommy Vercetti (Leader, 1986 - ?), Lance Vance (Associate, 1986), Ken Rosenberg (Associate/Lawyer, 1986 - 1992?), Mike and Mario (Bodyguards, 1986 - ?), Earnest Kelly (Associate/Front Operator, 1986 - ?), Steve Scott (Associate/Front Operator, 1986 - ?), Maude Henson (Associate/Front Operator, 1986 - ?), Delores (Associate/Front Operator, 1986 - ?), Phil Cassidy (Associate/Arms Supplier, 1986 - ?), Avery Carrington (Associate/Property Magnate, 1986 - 1998).

The Vercetti Gang is a very powerful underworld outfit that is based in and around Vice City. The Vercetti Gang is headed by Tommy Vercetti, a renegade Forelli Family Capo and master entrepreneur who has assumed control of many businesses and property ventures in Vice City, circa 1986. The organization is known to be involved in various illegal enterprises, including extortion, drug dealing and organized crime.

Tommy Vercetti was originally dispatched by the Forelli Family to Vice City to oversee a drug deal funded by Forelli Family money; the drug deal was supposed to be the beginning of the Forelli expansion down south towards Vice City. After the deal was ambushed by Diaz's gang members, Vercetti was forced to start over with no money or property and aided only by Ken Rosenberg, a bent lawyer with Forelli Family connections. He eventually killed the perpetrator of the drug deal attack, Ricardo Diaz, aided by his friend Lance Vance. Following the killing, he seized many properties, businesses assets in the city with no assistance from the Forelli Family and later forming the powerful Vercetti Gang in the process. The expansion of the Vercetti Gang throughout Vice City made Tommy a very rich, powerful and influential man, infuritaing Sonny Forelli, the Don of the Forelli Family, who was demanding his cut of the profit. Tommy's refusual to give in led the Forelli Family to send collectors to Vice City to attempt to cut into the profits of Tommy's businesses, tax its businesses and intimidate the Vercetti Gang members. The Forelli Family's efforts were thwarted, and Sonny Forelli would eventually confront Tommy in person. This would only lead to a massacre, which resulted in the death of many Forelli Family members, including Sonny and the traitor, Lance Vance, in Vercetti Estate. Following Sonny's death, the Vercetti Gang is in total domination of Vice City.

The Vercetti Gang is assumed to still be in control of Vice City to the present day; in San Andreas, one female pedestrian can be heard saying "I used to live in Vice City, but the mob took it over!" In the prequel film to San Andreas, The Introduction, Ken Rosenberg, Tommy Vercetti's lawyer who was also initiated into the Vercetti Gang in 1986, was assumed to have been abandoned by Tommy after Ken was forced into rehabilitation for prolonged cocaine abuse. Following his release, Vercetti no longer takes his calls and their relationship is dissolved. This led to Ken's subsequent assignment as a middleman for the Leones, Forellis and Sindaccos over Caligula's Casino in Las Venturas and then employment as an accountant to rapper Madd Dogg (following this, it is unknown whether he later formulated a new relationship with Vercetti). Avery Carrington also left the Vercetti Gang, circa 1998, returning to Liberty City to expand on his real estate empire, but this would only lead to his death at the hands of Toni Cipriani, on orders from Donald Love, Avery's original real estate apprentice.

Members of the Vercetti Gang wear blue shirts or yellow Hawaiian shirts, long pants and sunglasses.

[edit] Sicilian Mafia

• Gang Type: Cosa Nostra/Italian Mafia
• Appearance: GTA:LCS.
• Gang Car: Stinger
• Weapon: (9mm) pistol, Mac-10, Uzi, MP5k, RPG 7, M4 Carbine
• Notable members: Uncle Leone (Don), Massimo Torini (Capo, ? - 1998).

In 1998, under the leadership of Salvatore Leone's elderly uncle, the Sicilian Mafia sparked several wars between rival Families in Liberty City in the hope of controlling the city once the previous Families had destroyed each other.

Their plan was foiled, however, when Salvatore Leone and his Capo, Toni Cipriani, were able to hold their own against all of the other criminal organizations in the city. To retaliate, the Sicilians attempted to intimidate the mayor into convicting Leone on racketeering charges. This strategy was never fully executed due to the fact that Cipriani, under orders from Salvatore, killed Massimo Torini. After this, Salvatore's uncle acknowledged defeat and the Sicilian Mafia left Liberty City. When his nephew began to insult him after their final confrontation, he simply replied, "Every dog has his day". Three years later Salvatore Leone would, in fact, be killed by Claude Speed.

[edit] African-American Gangs

[edit] Southside Hoods

• Gang type: Street gangs.
• Appearance: GTA III, GTA:LCS, GTAA.
• Turf: Wichita Gardens, Shoreside Vale, Liberty City.
• Gang color: Red (Red Jack), Purple (Purple Nines).
• Gang car: Hoods Rumpo XL.
• Weapon: (9mm) pistol or Uzi. On missions they carried baseball bat, shotgun, and Uzi,Mac 10.
• Activities: Drug dealing (Purple Nines only).
• Notable member: D-Ice (Leader, Red Jacks).

The Southside Hoods are a prominent African-American gang in Shoreside Vale, Liberty City who came to acquire their turf in Wichita Gardens while helping Toni Cipriani clear the Forelli Family out of Wichita Gardens as payback for their part in having Salvatore arrested. They are comprised of the Red Jacks and Purple Nines, both rival gangs. In GTA III, the latter is known to have supplied the SPANK drug on local streets.

The Red Jacks is a small scale street gang headed by D-Ice. Most of their missions provided in GTA III involve crippling Purple Nines activities. Eventually, the Purple Nines would be extinct, with their remaining members defeated in a mêlée battle.

The GTA III rendition of Southside Hoods members wear jackets of either red or purple, depending on which side they belong to, but are not seen attacking each other on the streets. Stranger yet, when a Red Jack is attacked, any nearby Purple Nines will rush to assist the gang member who is being assaulted; the same holds true in reverse. This is also suggested when D-Ice warned that Red Jacks would believe that they will also be shot at when they witness Purple Nines being killed by the player. In GTA:LCS, the Red Jacks and Purple Nines are apparently united, portrayed wearing brown jackets, over red hoodies with their hoods up (depicting a Red Jack) or purple shirts (depicting a Purple Nine), pants and boots.

[edit] Vance Crime Family

• Gang type: Criminal Organization.
• Appearance: GTA:VC, GTA:VCS.
• Gang Car: Mission only: Infernus & Maverick. In the Empire Building side missions they use: Idaho, Sabre Turbo, Landstalker, Polaris V8, Admiral, Mule.
• Activities: Drug dealing, smuggling, robbery, protection, prostitution and loan sharking.
• Notable members: Victor Vance (Co-Leader, 1984 - 1986), Lance Vance (Co-Leader, 1984 - 1986).

At the beginning of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, and during Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, the Vance Crime Family is only made up of two main members, Victor and Lance Vance, of which Victor is the leader. Victor and Lance grew up poor and try drug trafficking to make a profit to live on and provide medical costs for their ill brother, Pete Vance after Victor is thrown out of the The United States Army. The Vance Crime Family was known to have seized control of several businesses and assets and became a large scale operation. However, after the events of Vice City Stories, in which Victor and Lance agree to leave Vice City temporarily and "live off" the money they had made, the fate of the Vance Crime Family is unknown. Lance Vance was killed by Tommy Vercetti in 1986 and Victor was thought to be killed by members of Diaz's gang so it is almost certain the Family was dissolved.

[edit] Grove Street Families

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Allies: Varrios Los Aztecas, San Andreas Triads.
• Turf: Ganton, Glen Park, Idlewood, Santa Maria Beach, Verona Beach, Temple Drive, Willowfield, Jefferson, East Los Santos, Seville Boulevard, Los Flores, East Beach, Las Colinas, Doherty and Bayside Marina.
• Gang color: Green.
• Gang cars: Greenwood, Savanna, Voodoo, Blade.
• Weapon: Initially equipped with a knife, 9mm pistol or Tec-9 mini-submachine gun. On missions they carry baseball bats, pistols, Mac-10s, Tec-9s, and AK-47s. As CJ (the main character) finished all the 'tags' covering job, some of them will equipped with MP5 smg or a Desert Eagle
• Activities: Marijuana and PCP distribution (Ryder), graffiti, gang war related-violence.
• Notable members: Carl "CJ" Johnson and Sean "Sweet" Johnson (Co-Leaders), Melvin "Big Smoke" Harris (Gang Veteran, ? - 1992), Lance "Ryder" Wilson (Gang Veteran, ? - 1992), Mark "B-Dup" Wayne (Gang Veteran, ? - 1992), Jeffrey "OG Loc" Cross (Gang Member, ? - 1992), Barry "Big Bear" Thorne (Gang Veteran), Emmet (Arms Supplier), LB (Vehicle Supplier).

The Grove Street Families ("Families" or "GSF" for short) are a street gang in Los Santos, San Andreas, the native gang of Carl "CJ" Johnson. As far as street gangs in San Andreas go, the GSF are depicted as more honorable than their rival gangs, as they are against hard drugs being sold on their turf, despite the numerous other crimes and violent acts they take part in. The Grove Street Families were headed by Sean "Sweet" Johnson and his lieutenants Lance "Ryder" Wilson, Melvin "Big Smoke" Harris. Sweet is adamantly anti-narcotic, but Smoke believes the GSF have fallen from power because of Sweet's refusal to have the gang sell drugs. Their unwillingness to enter the drugs trade has dragged the Grove Street Families out of prominence in the years leading up to the game's storyline. This coupled with the deaths of OGs such as Tony, Big Devil, and Little Devil, has led to the sorry state of the GSF upon CJ's return from Liberty City.

There are at least two other distinct sets of the Families: the Temple Drive Families and the Seville Boulevard Families, both of which were originally one with the Grove Street Families, but split up from the GSF during the five years of Carl's absence. The sets are not on good terms with each other, which is why the gang has weakened. Carl will occasionally make reference to "Orange Grove Families" or "OGS" and a gang graffiti with the initials "OGF" exists in game. This is because early in development, the Grove Street Families were called Orange Grove Families, their gang color being orange. Minor references to this remain in the game. An example is the opening credits of the game. Another possible explanation for this would be that the varying Families sets collectively are termed "Orange Grove Families" following their split, with the actual Grove Street set maintaining the original name.

The rivalry between the sets mainly had to do with Grove Street's opposition to drug dealing, but later, the Families were united into one gang. Grove Street member Carl Johnson was involved in a brief conflict with the Seville Boulevard Families, who were trying to pin Sweet while he was visiting his girlfriend in Seville. Following this incident, Carl and Sweet Johnson called for an end to "green on green" conflicts.

While Carl's return helped revive the GSF to an extent, Ryder and Smoke's betrayal of the gang, coupled with an ambush on Sweet and other high-ranking members by the rival Ballas gang and the police, destroyed much of the gang's influence in the city. Consequently, the Ballas and Los Santos Vagos seize all of GSF's turf in Los Santos. Sweet was imprisoned, and Carl was forced to continue working for CRASH, consisting of a corrupted group of police officers. However, Sweet's release from prison, courtesy of Mike Toreno, allowed the gang to rise again (now headed by Carl and Sweet Johnson) and regain most of their lost turf from the Ballas and Vagos. Depending on the player's actions, it it is possible to take some or all of the Ballas' and Vagos' turf for the GSF.

GSF members are always seen dressed in green clothing usually consisting of basketball jerseys,green doo rags,green hats, sweatshirts or plaid button-up shirts.

[edit] Ballas

• Gang type: Street gang (possibly becoming a criminal organization later in the game).
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Allies: Los Santos Vagos, San Fierro Rifa, Russian Mafia, Loco Syndicate.
• Turf: Areas of Eastern Los Santos.
• Gang color: Purple.
• Gang cars: Tahoma, Majestic
• Front: Crack Palace, East Los Santos, San Andreas
• Weapon: 9mm pistol or MAC-10 mini-SMG. In gang wars they carry baseball bats, pistols, shotguns, AK-47, Mac-10, Tec-9, and MP5. On missions they carry pistols, Uzis, Tec-9s, MP5s, Ak-47s, M4 Carbines, and shotguns.
• Activities: Drug trafficking, drug dealing, graffitti, gang war related-violence.
• Notable members: Kane (Leader of Front Yard Set, ? - 1992), Little Weasel (Gang Member, ? - 1992), Big Smoke (Leader, 1992), Ryder (Gang Veteran, 1992).

The Ballas are the GSF's primary enemy, having been around since the 1970s. They are involved in drug dealing, gang banging, prostitution, arms dealing, vandalism, degeneracy, but mainly, the cocaine trade. The Ballas are rivals with the Families and the Aztecas, and have had ties with the Los Santos Vagos, the San Fierro Rifa, and the Loco Syndicate for narcotics, and the Russian Mafia for weapons. The Ballas have also collaborated with CRASH. In addition, Big Smoke defects against the GSF to lead the Ballas with his lieutenant Ryder. Unlike the GSF, the Ballas have no reservations about making money by selling drugs; the spread of crack cocaine into the Grove Street community is part of their stategy to wipe the GSF out.

The Ballas briefly controlled the streets of Los Santos alongside the Vagos after Grove Street leader Sweet Johnson was gunned down and arrested. They controlled the influence of the Families by using crack cocaine to turn GSF members into hopeless addicts totally dependent on them. However, following the release of Sweet from prison and the return of Carl Johnson, the Grove Street Families dominated over the Ballas. The Ballas' Crack Palace was destroyed by Carl Johnson and Ballas influence in Los Santos diminished.

There are four known sets of Ballas: Willowfeild Projects Ballas, The Front Yard Ballas, The Rollin' Heights Ballas, the Kilo Trays, and the Temple Drive Ballas. It is assumed that the Front Yard Ballas control the turf in central Los Santos; The Rollin' Heights Ballas controlling the outer areas; Kilo Trays controlling more secluded areas and the Temple Drive Ballas controlling the areas around Temple Drive. The Ballas may be recognizable with a piece of their street attire in purple or dark denim blue color.

The Ballas are one of the single most dangerous gangs in all of San Andreas, mostly due to their range being so widespread.

[edit] East Asian Gangs

[edit] Liberty City Triads

• Gang type: Criminal Organization (GTAIII), Street Gang (GTA:LCS).
• Appearances: GTA III, GTA:LCS.
• Turf: Chinatown, Portland, Liberty City (1997 - ?).
• Gang car: Triad Fish Van.
• Weapon: Baseball bat or (9mm) pistol (GTA III); cleaver or (9mm) pistol (GTA:LCS). On missions they carried pistol, Uzi, baseball bat, Tec-9, sniper rifle, Cleaver, knife
• Fronts: Mr. Wong's Laundrette, Chinatown, Portland, Liberty City; Turtle Head Fishing Co. fish factory, Callahan Point, Portland, Liberty City (between '98 and '01 - 2001); Belly-Up Fish and Seafood Processing Plant, location unknown, but its signage is depicted on the Triad's gang cars.
• Activities: Extortion, protection, drug dealing (as depicted in the mission "Farewell 'Chunky' Lee Chong").
• Notable member: "Chunky" Lee Chong (Leader, ? - 2001).

The Liberty City Triads are a gang made up of people of East Asian origin based in Portland Island, Liberty City. Though the Liberty City Triads appear to be a petty street gang, it is evident that they are beginning to dabble in organized crime; including extortion, most notably that of Mr. Wong's Laundrette, which had been the source of several problems for the Leone Family, as well as pushing drugs for the Columbian Cartel via "Chunky" Lee Chong. They also own The Turtle's Head Fish Factory in Callahan Point, Portland. They are the initial enemy of Claude Speed, while he works for the Leone Family. An all-out war between the Triads and the Leones erupted as the Triads attempted to muscle in on Leone businesses in Chinatown. The war concluded after three of the Triad warlords were assassinated and their fish factory was destroyed by a Mafia truck bomb (interestingly enough, the warehouse used to belong to the Leones until the Triads blew it up). While it is improbable to say that the Triads are finished in Liberty City, they have definitely been irrevocably weakened because of the loss of their most powerful front.

In GTA III, Triad members wear blue boiler suits and black bandanas. In GTA:LCS, they wear blue tracksuits with their gang logo on the back, black or blue pants, and black sunglasses.

[edit] San Fierro Triads

• Gang type: Criminal Organization.
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Allies: Grove Street Families.
• Turf: Chinatown, San Fierro, San Andreas; The Four Dragons Casino, Las Venturas, San Andreas.
• Gang cars: Stratum, Sultan, Elegy.
• Weapon: 9mm pistol, or a Katana, or AK-47. On missions they carry Mac-10, M4 Carbine, MP5, Minigun.
• Fronts: Wu Zi Mu's Betting Shop, San Fierro, San Andreas; The Four Dragons Casino, Las Venturas, San Andreas.
• Activity: Gambling.
• Notable members: Wu Zi Mu (Leader of the Mountain Cloud Boys), Ran Fa Li (Leader of the Red Gecko Tong), Su Xi Mu (Associate), Little Lion (Associate, ? - 1992), Guppy (Associate, ? - 1992).

The San Andreas Triads are large gangs originating from Hong Kong, who have since moved to San Fierro. There are three Triad factions in San Fierro consisting of a set hierarchy with small sets answering to larger sets; the Blood Feather Triad, which would later be slaughtered by the Da Nang Boys. The Red Gecko Tong led by Ran Fa Li, and the Mountain Cloud Boys, the most prominent gang in the group, operated by the blind Wu Zi Mu and answers to the Red Gecko Tong.

The sets of the SF Triads are heavily involved in joint operations and avoid conflict between the Triad factions, with the Mountain Cloud Boys establishing an alliance with the Red Gecko Tong. The SF Triads are also allied with the Grove Street Families, and are rivals with the Leone, Sindacco and Forelli Families, the Da Nang Boys, and the Loco Syndicate.

In addition to their bases of operations in San Fierro, the SF Triads also own and operate a casino hotel venture called The Four Dragons on the Las Venturas Strip; ownership shared between Wu Xi Mu, Ran Fa Li and Carl Johnson. Because of intense Mafia pressure in the city, the Chinese Triads attempted to flex their muscles to show the Mafia that they can hold their own on The Strip. While the SF Triad's prime business is gambling, Woozie has shown motivations towards robbery and street racing.

Carl Johnson, having been exiled from Los Santos after the fall of the Grove Street Families, works for Wu Zi Mu's gang and helps them to drive out the Loco Syndicate and neutralize the Da Nang Boys (the Triads, on the other hand, seem to be on neutral relations with San Fierro's other gang, the Rifa). In return the Triads aid Carl in robbing Caligula's Casino, give him a share in The Four Dragons Casino, and help him in seizing Madd Dogg's mansion back from a drug dealer so the Grove Street Families could spearhead their return. The mansion would serve as CJ's own base of operation in his return to Los Santos.

Mountain Cloud Boys members don all-black suits. While Mountain Cloud Boys gang members appear on the streets in Chinatown, San Fierro, they do not appear on Las Venturas streets, even areas surrounding The Four Dragons Casino.

[edit] Vice City Triads

• Gang type: Possible criminal organization.
• Appearance: GTA:VC.
• Activity: Supply of printing plates for counterfeit money.

The Vice City-based Triad is a gang that appears and are mentioned only briefly in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City. They are only known to have been involved in counterfeiting business, supplying printing plates of money to an unspecified Florida-based counterfeiting syndicate. They are prominently involved in one mission where Tommy Vercetti is assigned to break into a shipping container and extract information from the boss of the gang on the location of a printing plate shipment. The gang is also known to run a shipping company at Viceport, Vice City's harbor, where this gang is operating from a ship. The Streetwanabes are said to have connections with the Triads.

[edit] Liberty City Yakuza

• Gang type: Japanese Mafia/Criminal Organization.
• Appearance: GTA III, GTAA, GTA:LCS
• Turf: Torrington, Staunton Island, Liberty City; Belleville Park, Staunton Island, Liberty City (1998 - ?); Aspatria, Staunton Island, Liberty City (1998); Pike Creek (1998), West Wichita Gardens, Shoreside Vale, Liberty City (1998); Fort Staunton, Staunton Island, Liberty City (2001-?).
• Gang car: Yakuza Stinger. On missions they drove Yakuza Stinger and Stretch
• Weapon: Pistols or Uzi (GTA III); (9mm) pistol (GTA:LCS). On missions they carried pistol, Uzi, Mac-10, MP5k, shotgun, AK-47, M-16A4, M4 Carbine, Katana, Machete.
• Fronts: Big Shot Casino (? - 1998) /Kenji's Casino (between '98 and '01 - ?), Torrington, Liberty City; Dojo, Bedford Point, Staunton Island, Liberty City.
• Activities: Gambling, extortion, protection, counterfeiting (as mentioned in the game manual).
• Notable members: Kazuki Kasen (Leader, ? - 1998), Asuka Kasen (Co-Leader, 1998 - 2001) and Kenji Kasen (Co-Leader, 1998 - 2001), Kanbu (Associate).

The Liberty City Yakuza is a gambling criminal organization operating in Liberty City, assumed to have been around since the 1970s, headed by siblings Asuka Kasen and Kenji Kasen. Initially, Claude was invited by the Yakuza to work for them. However, while working for Donald Love, Claude frames the Colombian Cartel for the assassination of Kenji, resulting in a war between the Yakuza and the Cartel. Angered by the death of her brother, Asuka vowed to "hunt down" the Colombian Cartel with the help of Claude, while capturing and torturing Cartel member Miguel for information. In the process, the Yakuza also took Fort Staunton, a Cartel turf. Later, Asuka is killed by Cartel members, although Fort Staunton remains in the control of the Yakuza. The successor to the Yakuza's leadership remains in doubt. The Yakuza is the only significant gang that aids Claude throughout its appearance in Grand Theft Auto III.

In Liberty City Stories, the Yakuza are led by Kazuki Kasen, Kenji's older brother. While not a major power in Liberty City yet, they are stocking up on weapons (including a tank) and are prepared to claim a large portion of the city as their turf. Their efforts are thwarted by Toni Cipriani with the help of Kazuki's angry wife, Toshiko.

Yakuza members wear colorful suits and jewelry. In GTA:LCS, Yakuza members sport tattoos.

The Yakuza are based on the real-life Yakuza from Japan.

[edit] Da Nang Boys

• Gang type: Criminal Organization.
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Turf: Easter Basin, Esplanade East, San Fierro, San Andreas.
• Gang cars: Buccaneer, Manana, Tampa. On missions they drove trucks and motorcycles.
• Weapon: 9mm pistol or Uzi. On missions they carried Uzi Tec-9, Ak-47 and sniper rifle.
• Activities: Protection, narcotics, human trafficking.
• Notable member: The Snakehead (Leader, ? - 1992).

The Da Nang Boys (named after the Vietnam region and city of Da Nang) is a Vietnamese criminal organization based in San Fierro, preparing a full move to the US. Extremely violent, with major interests in protection, narcotics and human trafficking, they control the dockland/bay area in Easter Basin and possibly a freight ship anchored out in San Fierro bay, often causing disturbance. The Da Nang Boys are also at war with local Triad gangs and were responsible for the massacre of the Blood Feather Triad. The Triads responded with an aerial massacre on one of the Da Nang Boy's freight ships, resulting in the deaths of many members and their leader, the Snakehead.

While the Da Nang Boys is portrayed as a major Vietnamese gang in the city, two other sects, the Shining Razors and the Butterfly Children, were mentioned in the game and in the official San Andreas website, and are said to be active in Easter Basin.

The Da Nang Boys are seen wearing either street attire (in the form of Army t-shirts and pants), or traditional robes.

[edit] Hispanic Gangs

[edit] Colombian Cartel

• Gang type: Drug cartel.
• Appearances: GTA III, GTAA, GTA:LCS,GTA:VC,GTA:VCS.
• Turf: Fort Staunton, Staunton Island, Liberty City (between '98 and '01 - ?); Francis International Airport, Shoreside Vale, Liberty City (1998). Cedar Grove, Shoreside Vale, Liberty City.
• Gang Car: Cartel Cruiser (GTA III, GTA:LCS).
• Weapon: Pistol, Uzi or AK-47. On missions they carried pistols, Uzis, shotguns, AK-47s, M-16A4s, M4 Carbines, heat-seeking rocket launcher, flamethrowers, and Molotovs.
• Fronts: Panlantic Construction, exact base of operation unknown, but was concentrated on the Staunton Plaza construction site at Fort Staunton, Staunton, Liberty City (1998 - 2001); Espersso-2-Go espresso stalls, various locations, Liberty City (2001), Les Cargo freighter (? - 2001).
• Activities: Smuggling, drug trafficking, drug dealing.
• Notable members: Cisco (Leader, ? - 2000) (GTAA), Miguel (Co-Leader, 2000 - 2001), Catalina (Co-Leader, 2000 - 2001).

The Colombian Cartel (aka the "Cartel" in Grand Theft Auto Advance) is a Hispanic shadowy organization and the main group of antagonists in GTA III. They are exceptionally well armed, and are led by Catalina and Miguel to produce and supply the drug SPANK in Liberty City. It is suggested by Liberty City police records that the Columbian Cartel may be using local airport and harbor freight as a front to smuggle the SPANK drug into Liberty City, although they have yet to thoroughly prove this. After Claude Speed's feud with the Liberty City Triads ceases, he faces the Columbian Cartel as a new and worse enemy for the rest of the game.

While listening to the DJ on Rise FM in Grand Theft Auto: Liberty City Stories he mentions having tried a new drug on the street called "SPANK". This means that SPANK was at least in production in 1998. Miguel was leading this gang during this period as well; Catalina did not join the cartel until 2001, when she shot her boyfriend Claude and took off with money the pair had just robbed from a bank. There are hints during various cutscenes in GTA3 that she and Miguel are lovers and she has used the money from the robbery to heighten her standing in the Cartel.

Miguel is later linked to the assassination of Yakuza leader Kenji Kasen, although he actually had nothing to do with it (real estate mogul Donald Love ordered Claude to make it look like the Cartel's doing to spark a gang war and drive real estate prices down). He is later tied up in the incomplete skyscraper in Fort Staunton by Kenji's sister Asuka and tortured non-stop for days on end until he is killed by the Cartel when they kidnap Maria and kill Asuka. Catalina assumes command of the Cartel herself. After killing Asuka and trying to escape in a helicopter, her vehicle is shot down with a rocket-propelled grenade by Claude as revenge for shooting him in the opening.

It is apparent that the Cartel is linked to Panlantic Construction, a company serving as both a legitimate construction company and a front for illegal operations. In Liberty City Stories, Cartel members were hired by Panlantic as bodyguards for Avery Carrington, who was working for Panlantic and arrived in Liberty City to acquire real estate for development. After Avery was killed by Toni Cipriani, Donald Love took over negotiations with Panlantic to seal the deal on developing Fort Staunton, which would be later destroyed by bombs planted by Cipriani. In GTA III, the construction site in Fort Staunton would serve as turf for the Cartel before it was seized by the Yakuza.

In Grand Theft Auto Advance, the gang was initially allied to Advance protagonist Mike, but would later turn against him after suspecting Mike of killing then Cartel leader Cisco (which is revealed to have been the work of Vinnie). He was probably succeeded by Miguel. At one point in Advance, Cisco centered his gang operations at Francis International, Liberty City's airport.

Cartel members wear Hawaiian shirts, combat pants, hats resembling Akubras and boots in GTA III. In GTA:LCS, the same members wear red or blue shirts with brown vests, pairs of pants and jewelry.

[edit] Diablos

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Appearances: GTA III, GTA:LCS.
• Turf: Hepburn Heights, Portland, Liberty City (1998 - ?).
• Weapon: Baseball bat or (9mm) pistol (GTA III); Fire axe or (9mm) pistol (GTA:LCS). On missions they carried Mac-10s and Uzis.
• Gang car: Diablo Stallion.
• Activities: Pornography, robbery.
• Notable member: El Burro (Leader).

The Diablos are a Puerto Rican gang. They are a fairly small gang, and not very well armed. The leader of the Diablos is El Burro (who has been under observation by police since 1997, as mentioned in GTA III's official website). The only activities known to be associated with the Diablos are street violence and pornography, although they had also been known to engage in gun battles with the Liberty City Triads. They also appear to be having spats with the Yardies for dissing Queen Lizzy, and with the Yakuza for trying to steal some protection money, both times ending up in the slaughter of a large number of Diablo gang members.

Diablo members are seen wearing dark blue jackets donning the Diablos gang logo (a yellow crown) at the back, long pants and bandanas. In GTA:LCS, Diablos members don fishnets or red skullcaps on their heads, red shirts, and black or brown pants.

[edit] Cholos

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Appearance: GTA:VCS.
• Gang car: Cholo Sabre.
• Activities: Gun running, protection, smuggling, drug dealing, robbery, loansharking, prostitution.

In Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories, the Cholos - a gang - are the dominant gang in the Little Havana district of Vice City. They are in conflict on various fronts - Phil Cassidy is fighting them for gun running dominance, while Marty Jay Williams and the Trailer Park Mafia is fighting them for dominance of nearly every other criminal activity. Their control over Little Havana begins to be threatened in 1984, when Los Cabrones arrives on the scene, sparking a deadly turf war for complete control of the neighborhood. They even attempt to kill the father of the Los Cabrones leader, Alberto Robina, after Umberto (the Leader) decides to launch an all out attack on the Cholos. This results in the Cholos defeat. The Cholos are completely wiped out by the time of Grand Theft Auto: Vice City after Los Cabrones, with the help of Victor Vance, win the turf war for Little Havana.

[edit] Diaz's gang

• Gang type: Drug cartel
• Appearance: GTA:VC, GTA:VCS,GTAA,GTA:3,GTA:LCS.
• Turf: Diaz Mansion, Starfish Island, Vice City (prior to Ricardo's death)
• Gang cars: Diaz's men doesn't use specific gang cars, however Diaz drives a bullet-proof white Admiral and his men can be seen in one of the games' missions chasing Tommy Vercetti in Comet's.
• Weapon: Colt .45 pistol.^[1] On missions they carried Uzis and Kruger, and Diaz carried an MP5.
• Activities: Drug trafficking, drug dealing.
• Notable member: Ricardo Diaz (Leader, ? - 1986).

Drug baron Ricardo Diaz's unnamed drug cartel (mentioned in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City as "Diaz's gang", emphasis there on the lower case "gang")^[2] was a Vice City-based Colombian drug cartel, which erupted into large power circa 1984.

Prior to Tommy Vercetti's takeover of Vice City, the gang was the dominant drug cartel in Vice City, with Ricardo's aggressive interest in staying on top of the drug smuggling business a defining factor. He is seen requesting the theft of the fastest speed boat in the city for smuggling activities, and killing those who attempt to cut into his profits, even though it only comprises a small percentage. In addition, Diaz's gang is believed to have botched Tommy's initial drug deal with the Vance brothers (consisting of Lance and Victor) forcing Tommy to leave behind (and lose) both the money and narcotic merchandise as he fled the scene.

Tommy Vercetti was given the opportunity to work for Ricardo, while Lance Vance infiltrated the gang under a different name. As Tommy continued to work for Ricardo and planned for a takeover of Ricardo's empire, Lance attempted the overthrow prematurely, failing to kill Ricardo and resulting in his capture and torture by the gang, before Tommy rushed to the rescue. This event forced the two to raid the Diaz Mansion and kill Ricardo before Ricardo "takes them out", killing many Diaz Cartel members on the way. The killing of Ricardo effectively ended the Diaz Cartel as Ricardo's mansion and all of his assets were seized by the Vercettis and there were no longer any Diaz gang members seen anywhere in the Vice City's storyline (apart from in rampages).

[edit] Cuban Gang/Los Cabrones

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Appearance: GTA:VC,GTA:VCS.
• Allies: The Vercetti Gang.
• Turf: Little Havana, Vice City.
• Gang Car: Cuban Hermes.
• Front: Cafe Robina.
• Weapon: Occasional Colt .45 pistol.^[1] On missions they carried Tec-9, Uzi, and M4 Carbine.
• Activities: Drug trafficking, drug dealing.
• Notable member: Umberto Robina (Leader), Alberto Robina (Gang Veteran), Rico (Gang Veteran), Pepe (Gang Veteran).

The Cuban Gang (as named in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City), also known as Los Cabrones (as named in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories), is a Cuban-American gang led by Umberto Robina.

In Vice City, circa 1986, the gang is the perpetual enemies of the Haitian Gang. Tommy Vercetti fought in the gang war between these two groups for both sides, but because the Haitian Gang tricked Vercetti into working with them, he completely destroyed them and allied himself with the Cuban Gang, who remain allied with the very powerful Vercetti Gang. Umberto and Alberto Robina are personally on good terms with Tommy and regard him as Cuban. The Cuban Gang are also involved in the cocaine trade. In Vice City Stories, the gang, two years prior, is dubbed "Los Cabrones" and is the sworn enemy of the Cholos, another Hispanic gang based nearby. Gang war erupts between the Los Cabrones and the Cholos, which would see the former emerging as the victor.

While their name was probably changed for Vice City Stories by Rockstar in order to avoid another backlash similar to that from the Haitian community after the first Vice City

In their appearance in Vice City, the Cuban Gang members are seen wearing white sleeveless shirts, red bandanas and jeans, or a fedora hat, light yellow shirts and black pants.

The Cubans are based on the real-life gang from Havana, Cuba.

[edit] Los Santos Vagos

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Allies: Ballas, San Fierro Rifa, Russian Mafia.
• Turf: Las Colinas, Los Flores, East Beach, San Andreas.
• Gang color: Yellow.
• Gang cars: Tornado, Oceanic, Hermes.
• Weapon: 9mm pistol or MAC-10. In gang wars, they carried baseball bats, pistol, Mac-10, MP5, shotgun, and AK-47. On missions they carried pistols, Mac-10, Tec-9, MP5, shotgun, Molotov, flame thrower, and rocket launcher
• Activities: Drug dealing
• Notable members: Big Poppa (Leader, ? - 1992), Freddy (Gang Veteran, ? - 1992).

Los Santos Vagos (literally translated from Spanish to English as or "Los Santos Slackers" or "Los Santos Lazy Ones") is a Mexican gang found to be in league with the Ballas.

Los Santos Vagos, like the Ballas, pose a threat to Carl Johnson when they see him and they can engage in gang wars. The Vagos and the Grove Street Families have intense rivalry but the Vagos biggest rivals of all are their Mexican counterparts, the Varrios Los Aztecas. After Carl and Cesar Vialpando (the Aztecas' Leader) were exiled from Los Santos, the Vagos took away all of the Aztecas's territory, until the return of the Grove Street Families allowed Carl and Cesar to regain the territory. They were once known to be rivals of the San Fierro Rifa, but have come into good terms with them due to drug trafficking between them.

Heavily involved in the drug trade, they had a major involvement in Big Smoke's short lived, but once powerful cocaine empire. The Vagos' Leader, Big Poppa, even gained the mansion of rapper Madd Dogg when he was unable to pay off his debt (until Carl and the San Andreas Triads launched an offensive on the mansion, with Carl personally killing Big Poppa). The Vagos are seen wearing yellow bandanas.

[edit] Varrios Los Aztecas

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Allies: Grove Street Families.
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Turf: El Corona, Little Mexico, Unity Station, (possibly part of) Ocean Docks.
• Gang color: Turquoise.
• Gang cars: Broadway, Glendale, Hermes.
• Weapon: 9mm pistol or MAC-10. On missions Cesar carried a Desert Eagle and Tec-9, others carried Katana, and rocket launcher.
• Notable members: Cesar Vialpando (Leader), Gal (Gang Veteran), Sal (Gang Veteran), Hazer (Gang Veteran), Sunny (Gang Veteran).

Significantly less prominent than the Vagos, the Varrios Los Aztecas are a Mexican gang and are led by Cesar Vialpando. They have an uneasy friendship with the Grove Street Families due to Cesar dating and intending to marry Kendl Johnson and his close friendship with Carl Johnson, and due to both gangs having the same enemies, but this is far from solid. Indeed, Varrios will still challenge Carl Johnson if they see him on the streets, calling out insults against the Grove Street Families gang and sometimes attacking with fists or weapons. They will also attack GSF members on sight, and vice versa. The Varrios are rivals with the Vagos and the San Fierro Rifa, and are also believed to be on bad terms with the Ballas.

The Varrios are traditionally anti-narcotics, with heavy involvement in gun running and street violence, and they only have a few territories compared to other gangs, and these are clustered around the south-western areas of Eastern Los Santos. Varrios Los Aztecas members are mostly seen wearing turquoise bandanas and sunglasses, dressed in 'cholo' style clothing.

[edit] San Fierro Rifa

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Allies: Loco Syndicate.
• Turf: Garcia, Doherty, Battery Point, Kings, San Fierro, San Andreas.
• Gang color: Light blue.
• Gang cars: Sabre, Blade, Stallion.
• Weapon: AK-47s, Tec 9s, Mac 10s, Mac 11s.
• Activities: Drug traffiking, drug dealing.
• Notable member: T-Bone Mendez (Leader, ? - 1992).

The Rifa is the sole Mexican gang based in San Fierro, later seen to be collaborating with the Ballas and Vagos in the narcotics business. The Rifa also appear to work as thugs for the Loco Syndicate, possibly because Rifa leader T-Bone Mendez is a co-leader of the Loco Syndicate. The Rifa also had a dislike towards Mexican gangs in Los Santos, until they joined the narcotics business linked to the Los Santos Vagos. They appear to be rather neutral with the local Chinese Triads and the Vietnamise Da Nang Boys.

Although the Rifa are known for various clashes with Grove Street Families member Carl Johnson, they are normally not hostile towards the Families. They are the least threatening and violent on the streets; when the player attacks them, they usually run. Rifa members are mostly recognizable with their light blue bandanas or white hats.

Despite the death of their leader, T-Bone Mendez, the gang remains in existence in their turf throughout San Fierro, although following the destruction of their crack lab and the closure of the Loco Syndicate, it is unlikely they are involved in the drugs trade any further

[edit] Mendez Cartel

• Gang type: Drug cartel.
• Appearance: GTA:VCS.
• Weapon: Shotgun, M4 Carbine, MP5k
• Activities: Drug trafficking, drug dealing.
• Notable Member: Diego Mendez (Co-Leader, ? - 1984) Armando Mendez (Co-Leader, ? - 1984).

The Mendez Cartel was a very powerful drug cartel operating out of Vice City in the early 80's. They arrive in Vice City around the same time as Victor and supply drugs to numerous high ranking officers at Fort Baxter. The Mendez Cartel also own the mansion on Prawn Island that is eventually taken over by the Streetwannabe's in between 1984 and 1986. It is never disclosed whether they are related to San Fierro Rifa gang leader T-Bone Mendez; it could be coincidence they share a last name. After Victor Vance kills Armando and then Diego Mendez, the Cartel is officially disbanded.

In Vice City Stories, Mendez Cartel members are depicted as wearing suits, with light colored shirts underneath, as well as having a notable moustache.

[edit] Afro-Caribbean Gangs

[edit] Yardies

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Appearance: GTA III, GTAA, GTA:LCS.
• Turf: Newport, Staunton Island, Liberty City (1998 - ?).
• Gang car: Yardie Lobo. On missions they drove, Yardie Lobos, Perennial, and Bobcat.
• Weapon: Baseball bat or 9mm pistol (GTA III); 9mm pistol. (GTA:LCS). On missions they carried Uzi, Tec-9, shotgun, M4 Carbine, MP5k.
• Activities: Drug dealing.
• Notable members: King Courtney (Leader), Queen Lizzy (Deputy Leader).

The Yardies are a Jamaican gang, led by King Courtney. They are secretly in league with the Colombian Cartel and are known to push SPANK onto Staunton Island. Yardie members are seen with dreadlocks and wear ex-army attire in GTA III, while renditions in GTA:LCS depict them in brightly colored tank tops, with or without a yellow T-shirt worn inside, jeans and brown boots. Their use of Jamaican English and modern street slang with their heavy Jamaican accents make them relatively difficult to understand on occasions without the use of game subtitles.

[edit] Haitain Gang

• Gang type: Street gang.
• Appearance: GTA:VC,GTA:VCS
• Turf: Little Haiti, Vice City (GTA:VC).
• Gang car: Voodoo. Mission: Rumpo
• Activities: Drug dealing, drug manufacture.
• Weapon: Occasional Colt .45 pistol.
• Notable member: Auntie Poulet (Leader).

The Cuban Gang's main rivals for control of the poorer neighborhoods of Vice City, the Haitian Gang, led by Auntie Poulet. Auntie Poulet gives Tommy Vercetti mind-altering drugs to make him use less-than-honest tactics in their war against the Cuban Gang. Vercetti, angered and spurred by his friendship with the Cuban Gang, utterly massacres members of the Haitian Gang and completely destroys their large drug manufacturing plant (killing many more members in the process), thereby severing all ties with Poulet and her gang.

Haitian Gang members are seen wearing either blue shirts (reading RELAX), white pants and baseball caps, or sky blue sleeveless shirts, jeans and bandanas.

The Hatians are based on a real life gang from Little Haiti, Miami, Florida.

[edit] White American Gangs

[edit] Biker Gang

• Gang type: Motorcycle gang.
• Appearance: GTA:VC,GTA:VCS,GTA:LCS,GTA:SA
• Allies: Vercetti Gang.
• Turf: The Greasy Chopper Bar, Vice City (GTA:VC)
• Gang motorcycle: Angel (GTA:VC, GTA:VCS)
• Weapons: Colt .45s pistols, Uzis.
• Notable members: Big Mitch Baker (Leader), Cougar (Gang Member), Zeppelin (Gang Member).

Simply put, "the biggest family of misfits, outcasts and badasses." as quoted by their leader, Big Mitch Baker. A group of stereotypical bikers, they wear leather, have long beards and hair, wear biker attire and ride chopper style motorcycles. Circa 1986, they are the only gang, along with the Cuban Gang, that Tommy Vercetti opens relations with, with his powerful Vercetti Gang (without forcibly taking it over). The Hells Angels biker club is a likely inspiration of the gang, as there were later seen to be hired as security for a concert of the hair metal band Love Fist. This is an obvious reference to The Rolling Stones' show at Altamont, where Hells Angels were hired as security and an Angel stabbed a member of the crowd. They are heavily influenced by German Culture, for some of them have EisernKruez (Iron Cross) tattoos on their shoulders, as well as wearing Pickelhaubes.

In Vice City Stories the Biker Gang are revealed to be a large gang owning several businesses across Vice City. It is assumed that due to Victor Vance's takeovers that the once large gang is reduced to only the Greasy Chopper Bar Downtown by GTA: Vice City.

[edit] Trailer Park Mafia

• Appearance: GTA:VCS.
• Turf: The Trailer Park, Vice City.
• Notable member: Marty Jay Williams, (Leader, ? - 1984).

The "Trailer Park Mafia" was the name given to the former redneck gang in GTA:VCS based in a trailer park surrounding the Sunshine Autos Car Showroom, circa 1984. Their influence spanned to Vice City's poorer communities, bringing further suffering to this bracket of the city's population.^[3] Their leader, Marty Jay Williams, was murdered by Victor Vance in Grand Theft Auto: Vice City Stories after being prevented from kidnapping his own wife, Louise. Victor and his brother Lance then acquired the Mafia's businesses and the gang disbanded.

In Vice City Stories Trailer Park Mafia members are depicted wearing shirts donning the Confederate flag or tank tops and tattered jeans.

[edit] Other Gangs

[edit] Russian Mafia

• Gang type: Criminal Organization.
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Activity: Arms dealing.
• Weapons: Pistol, Mac-10, MP5, shotgun, AK-47
• Activities: Auto-theft ring, weapons trade.
• Gang Car:Mission only: Banshee, Sultan & PCJ600
• Rivals: Grove Street Families

The Russian Mafia only appear in San Andreas for a short time, wearing a black t-shirt or grey sweater, jacket and pants. Though they have no permanent stake in San Andreas, they have claimed the Atrium as a temporary turf in a mission, and also appear in league with the Ballas, Vagos and Rifas in Big Smoke's "Crack Palace." Their influence is obviously felt considerably more overseas, but after the fall of the Berlin Wall, Russian mobsters flooded into America.

[edit] Loco Syndicate

• Gang type: Drug cartel/business organization.
• Appearance: GTA:SA.
• Turf: San Fierro, San Andreas.
• Front: The Pleasure Domes Club, The Crack Factory.
• Activity: Drug trafficking, drug dealing.
• Notable members: Jizzy B. (co-leader), T-Bone Mendez (co-leader) and Mike Toreno (co-leader) Ryder (co-leader).

While better classified as a joint business venture between several criminals, the Loco Syndicate was a collective outfit dealing with drugs, primarily cocaine. The Syndicate had its main operations based in San Fierro, and was made up of San Fierro's most powerful pimp Jizzy B, the leader of the San Fierro Rifa T-Bone Mendez and the mysterious businessman (later revealed to be an undercover Government agent) Mike Toreno. Former Grove Street Family OG Big Smoke, who started up a large crack-cocaine empire, would later established a business deal with the Syndicate, sending his number two man, Ryder, as his formal representative to conduct business. The Loco Syndicate was the largest drug cartel in San Fierro and one of the most powerful in San Andreas, before Carl Johnson killed Ryder, Jizzy B and T-Bone Mendez. When the Loco Syndicate was consequently disbanded, Toreno returned to his usual duties and Big Smoke's narcotics empire ceased transactions with San Fierro.

[edit] Streetwannabe's/Sharks

• Gang type: Street gang (GTA:VC)/ Criminal organization (GTA:VCS).
• Appearance: GTA:VC, GTA:VCS.
• Turf: Vice Point and Prawn Island, Vice City.
• Gang car: Gang Burrito, Gang Rancher.
• Weapon: Colt .45 pistols,^[1] or occasional Tec-9 sub-machine guns, MP5, Krugers, M4 Carbine, Micro-SMG, Uzi, AK-47.
• Activities: Protection, loan sharking, drug dealing, robbery, prostitution, smuggling.

The Streetwannabe's^[4] is a gang of thugs that hang out around outside the North Point Mall and in several dilapadated mansions in Prawn Island, but are hardly a threat to any of the other gangs in Vice City. The only highlight of their gang's history was being part of an aerial massacre that resulted in many of them getting killed. It is also suggested that they are involved in arms running. They apparently are on bad terms with Mitch Baker's Biker Gang and in one mission they even steal his prized motorcycle and keep it captive in a motor garage in Downtown. The leader of the gang (name unknown) betrays Ricardo Diaz and steals his shipment of drugs and orders the killing of him (and many other members in the aforementioned aerial slaughter).

The Streetwannabe's are known as Sharks in Vice City Stories, and are located in the East island of Vice City and manage a number of companies, which Victor can take over by means of Empire Building. An interesting note is that after Victor takes over one of their businesses, Streetwannabe's do not back down in their attacks until all of their businesses have been taken. Often, they chase Victor in their Gang Ranchers, or sometimes destroy his empire sites. They are heavily armed with Silenced Mac 10s, MP5s and sometimes even AK-47s.

They are listed as the "Streetwannabe's" in the Vice City stats, but the Shark logos on the back of their denim jackets, along with graffiti on buildings and their gang cars, has led some to call them the Sharks. The Streetwannabe's are mostly seen wearing denim jackets, jeans and red bandanas.

Of interesting note is that certain unrelated "gangs" in Vice City are also listed as Streetwannabes. This includes army soldiers and "gangs" that show up in certain missions, such as the Forellis in the final mission, the attackers in the "All Hands on Deck!" mission, and the courier and bodyguards of a counterfeiting syndicate in the "Hit the Courier" mission (it is unknown why the counterfeiting syndicate is made up of women, but it is mentioned they have connections with the Triads).

[edit] Notes and references

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