Ohio has seen a concerning increase in gang activity, with multiple criminal organizations now controlling neighborhoods around the state. These gangs, known for their brutal tactics, drug trade connections, and expansionist mentality, are contributing to rising crime rates and public safety issues.
These organizations have knitted themselves into the fabric of Ohio’s criminal landscape, from major cities to rural towns. Law enforcement is working feverishly to dismantle these enterprises, yet their power continues to grow.
In this article, we’ll look at the five most dangerous gangs now operating in Ohio, including their origins, illegal activity, and measures to reduce their influence on the state’s inhabitants.
1. 2Hunnid
The 2Hunnid gang, which originated in Chicago, has established a powerful presence throughout Ohio, particularly in major locations such as Cleveland and Cincinnati. This dangerous street gang engages in a variety of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, robbery, and violent assaults.
Their members are known for their readiness to use severe violence to protect their territory and frighten competitors. The gang has a large presence in Ohio’s inner-city areas, where it recruits new members, mainly young people, for its illegal operations. Law enforcement has struggled to destroy their operations because of their close-knit organization and use of technology to escape detection.
2. MS-13
MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha), one of the most prominent and dreaded gangs in the United States, has had a strong presence in Ohio, notably in the Columbus and Cleveland areas. MS-13 is a worldwide gang with roots in Central America, but its presence in Ohio is expanding. MS-13, which is involved in drug distribution, human trafficking, and violent assaults, is well-known for its willingness to resort to extreme violence, including machete attacks and murders, to maintain territorial control.
The gang’s recruiting of young immigrant communities in Ohio has sparked concerns about their growing power and authority.
3. Hell’s Angels
The Hell’s Angels Motorcycle Club (HAMC) is one of Ohio’s most violent gangs, despite its association with motorcycles and the open road. The Hell’s Angels are notorious for their involvement in organized crime, which includes drug trafficking, extortion, arms selling, and violent behavior. 
They operate a network that spans multiple states, including Ohio and have been known to engage in violent clashes with other gangs and law enforcement. Their members are heavily rooted in Ohio’s underbelly, and they use intimidation, brutality, and fear tactics to maintain control over their region. Despite being actively targeted by law enforcement, their impact on Ohio’s illegal activities is still significant.
4. Latin Kings
The Latin Kings are a national gang with a significant presence in Ohio, mainly in Cleveland and Cincinnati. The Latin Kings, founded in Chicago in the 1980s, are recognized for their distinct colors, insignia, and hierarchical organization. Their illegal operations vary from drug trafficking to violent crimes like shootings, robberies, and assaults.
In Ohio, the Latin Kings frequently participate in turf fights with rival gangs, which adds to the state’s rising violence. While the gang maintains a code of conduct, their operations revolve around power and control, giving them a constant threat in Ohio’s cities. Law enforcement continues to focus on their activities, but their close-knit network makes them difficult to penetrate.
5. Polish-American Organised Crime
Polish-American criminal organizations in Ohio, notably those located in Cleveland, have long been a component of the state’s organized crime landscape. While not a classic “street gang,” these organizations are heavily involved in illicit operations like drug trafficking, loan sharking, and racketeering.
They have ties to larger international organized crime syndicates, giving them a dangerous amount of power and influence. Their operations are frequently more sophisticated than street gangs, involving money laundering, fraud, and other white-collar crimes. Despite their more covert character, these organizations are no less deadly, and their criminal operations continue to thrive in Ohio.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Ohio’s gang problem is a severe and developing issue. With criminal organizations like 2Hunnid, MS-13, Hell’s Angels, Latin Kings, and Polish-American organized crime gangs controlling areas, law enforcement faces a difficult task. Continuous vigilance is required to combat their spread and impact.