Strange History

Queens of Crime: The Untold History of Female Gangsters Through the Ages

Darren - June 7, 2025

Throughout history, female gangsters have moved in the shadows—commanding respect, fear, and loyalty, yet rarely making headlines. Their stories are woven into the fabric of criminal underworlds across continents and centuries, from the bustling streets of Victorian London to the speakeasies of Prohibition-era America. Often overlooked or underestimated, these women not only participated in but also led criminal enterprises, shaping the course of organized crime in ways both subtle and profound. This article uncovers the untold stories and enduring legacies of these enigmatic “queens of crime.”

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1. Ma Barker: The Matriarch of American Crime

Ma Barker emerged as a legendary figure in 1930s America, orchestrating a criminal dynasty with her sons at the center. Far from a passive bystander, she wielded remarkable influence over the Barker gang, guiding their notorious exploits in bank robberies, kidnappings, and shootouts. Her reputation as the mastermind behind the mayhem made her a household name and a target for law enforcement. The true extent of Ma Barker’s leadership remains debated, but her legacy as the ultimate “crime mother” is undisputed.

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2. Griselda Blanco: The Black Widow of Cocaine

Griselda Blanco carved her name into history as one of the most ruthless figures in the Medellín Cartel. Known as the “Black Widow,” she masterminded vast drug trafficking operations in the 1970s and 1980s, flooding Miami with cocaine and fueling the infamous drug wars. Blanco’s reign was marked by fearsome violence, innovative smuggling techniques, and an iron grip over her empire. Her ability to outmaneuver rivals and law enforcement made her both feared and respected in the underworld.

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3. Stephanie St. Clair: Harlem’s Policy Queen

Stephanie St. Clair ruled Harlem’s lucrative numbers racket during the 1920s and 1930s, earning the title “Policy Queen.” Fiercely independent, she stood her ground against mafia encroachment, defiantly protecting her turf from notorious mobsters like Dutch Schultz. Beyond her criminal savvy, St. Clair was a vocal advocate for Black communities, using her influence to fight police corruption and champion civil rights. Her legacy endures as a symbol of resilience and empowerment.

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4. Virginia Hill: The Mob’s Money Maven

Virginia Hill became legendary in mob circles as a skilled courier and money launderer for the notorious Chicago Outfit. Her cunning and charm allowed her to navigate the inner workings of organized crime, shuttling vast sums across state lines and keeping the syndicate’s finances under wraps. Hill’s high-profile romance with Bugsy Siegel only added to her mystique, placing her at the center of the Las Vegas underworld.

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5. Cheng Chui Ping: The Snakehead Queen

Cheng Chui Ping, famously known as “Sister Ping,” dominated the shadowy world of human smuggling for over two decades. From her Chinatown base, she orchestrated complex operations to bring thousands of Chinese immigrants to the United States, amassing a vast fortune and a fearsome reputation worldwide. Ping’s resourcefulness and ruthlessness made her a legend in the criminal underworld, earning her the title “Snakehead Queen.”

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6. Kate Leigh: Australia’s Razor Queen

Kate Leigh reigned supreme in Sydney’s underworld during the infamous razor gang wars of the 1920s and 1930s. Known for her toughness and cunning, Leigh controlled illegal alcohol, gambling, and sly-grog shops, fiercely defending her empire against rivals, most notably Tilly Devine. Her legendary disputes and bold exploits made her a household name in Australia’s criminal history.

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7. Tilly Devine: The Bordello Boss

Tilly Devine made her mark as Sydney’s most notorious madam, running a network of lavish brothels and illicit businesses throughout the razor gang era. Her fierce rivalry with Kate Leigh sparked some of Australia’s most dramatic underworld battles, capturing the public’s imagination. Devine’s charisma, ruthlessness, and ability to thrive in a male-dominated world cemented her legacy as a true crime icon.

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8. Mary Frith: Moll Cutpurse of 17th Century London

Mary Frith, better known as “Moll Cutpurse,” was one of London’s most notorious criminal figures in the early 1600s. Defying gender norms, she dressed as a man and built a reputation as a skilled pickpocket, thief, and fence, operating at the heart of the city’s bustling underworld. Frith’s audacity and sharp wit made her a legendary figure whose exploits blurred the lines between crime and performance.

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9. Pearl Elliott: Prohibition’s Smuggling Queen

Pearl Elliott was a formidable force in Indiana’s bootlegging scene during Prohibition. Renowned for her shrewd business acumen, Elliott built a thriving smuggling empire, supplying illegal liquor across the Midwest. Her connections with notorious outlaws like John Dillinger showcased her influence within the criminal underworld. Elliott’s ability to outsmart law enforcement and competitors alike made her a legend among Prohibition-era gangsters.

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10. Bonnie Parker: The Infamous Outlaw

Bonnie Parker became a legend of the American Depression era through her iconic partnership with Clyde Barrow. Far from a mere accomplice, Bonnie was an active participant in a string of daring bank robberies and shootouts that captured national headlines. Her poetic flair and haunting photographs contributed to her mythic image, blending danger with a rebellious romanticism. The Bonnie and Clyde saga remains one of the most enduring tales of outlaw love.

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11. Evelyn “Billie” Frechette: The Gangster’s Moll

Evelyn “Billie” Frechette was more than just John Dillinger’s romantic partner—she played a crucial role in his life on the run. Frechette aided Dillinger in several daring escapes, using her resourcefulness and nerve to outwit authorities. Eventually, her loyalty led to her own arrest and imprisonment, cementing her place in the tumultuous world of Depression-era crime.

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12. Madame Claude: Paris’s Underworld Madam

Madame Claude, born Fernande Grudet, built an exclusive prostitution empire in postwar Paris, catering to the city’s elite, from politicians to movie stars. Her sophisticated approach and powerful connections shielded her operations for years, making her a legend in the French underworld. However, mounting legal troubles and shifting social tides eventually led to her dramatic downfall, exposing the secrets of Paris’s most glamorous circles.

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13. Maria Licciardi: Naples’ Camorra Boss

Maria Licciardi rose to power as the formidable leader of the Licciardi clan, a dominant force within Naples’ notorious Camorra mafia. Known as “La Madrina,” she introduced innovative criminal strategies, diversifying the clan’s operations from drug trafficking to extortion and prostitution. Licciardi’s shrewd leadership brought both order and ruthlessness to the chaotic Camorra world, reshaping organized crime in Naples. Her influence extended far beyond Italy, cementing her as one of Europe’s most powerful female gangsters.

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14. Sister Ping: Snakehead Smuggling Syndicate

Sister Ping, also known as Cheng Chui Ping, became infamous for orchestrating one of the world’s largest and most sophisticated human smuggling networks. Her global syndicate funneled thousands of migrants from China to the United States, generating immense wealth and solidifying her reputation as a criminal mastermind. Sister Ping’s ability to evade authorities for years made her a legend in the underworld and one of the most notorious human traffickers in modern history.

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15. Sandra Ávila Beltrán: Mexico’s ‘Queen of the Pacific’

Sandra Ávila Beltrán, famously known as the “Queen of the Pacific,” became a powerful force in Mexico’s drug trade. With deep family ties to the Sinaloa cartel, she facilitated vast shipments across borders and built an aura of mystery and glamour. Ávila Beltrán’s high-profile arrests and frequent media appearances only fueled her celebrity, making her a symbol of the complex intersection between organized crime and the public eye.

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16. Phoolan Devi: Bandit Queen of India

Phoolan Devi rose from a background of poverty and oppression to become one of India’s most legendary outlaws. Known as the “Bandit Queen,” she led a gang of dacoits, seeking revenge and justice against those who wronged her, and became both feared and revered across rural India. After serving time in prison, Devi made a remarkable transition, entering Indian politics and serving as a member of parliament.

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17. Anna Chapman: Russian Spy and Femme Fatale

Anna Chapman captivated the world as a modern-day femme fatale, working as part of a Russian spy ring uncovered in the United States in 2010. Her glamorous persona and high-profile arrest drew international headlines, transforming her into a celebrity upon her return to Russia. Chapman’s notoriety highlights the enduring allure and intrigue of women in the world of espionage.

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