arch-criminal
Top tier villain
An arch-criminal is a master criminal—someone at the top of criminal enterprise or notoriety.
The prefix arch- signals supremacy or preeminence, as in archenemy or archbishop.
The term appears most often in fiction, describing masterminds like Moriarty or comic book villains: The arch-criminal had eluded Interpol for decades.
Criminal organization's leader
- godfatherMale baptismal guardian
- overlordSupreme feudal superior
- ringleaderChief organizer of wrongdoing
- puppet masterOne controlling figures backstage
mafia don · architect · orchestrator · planner · strategist · manipulator · controller · schemer
Widely known criminal threat
- fugitiveOne fleeing authorities
- legendary outlawMythologized criminal figure
- supervillainPowerful fictional evil antagonist
- escape artistPerformer who defeats restraints
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- money launderingDisguising criminal proceeds' origins
- racketeeringConducting illegal business schemes
cover-up · double-cross · blackmail · extortion · bribery · corruption · embezzlement · counterfeiting
kingpin
Criminal organization's leader
- godfatherMale baptismal guardian
- overlordSupreme feudal superior
- ringleaderChief organizer of wrongdoing
puppet master · mafia don · architect · orchestrator · planner · strategist · manipulator · controller · schemer · organizer
public enemy
Widely known criminal threat
- fugitiveOne fleeing authorities
- legendary outlawMythologized criminal figure
- supervillainPowerful fictional evil antagonist
conspiracy
Clandestine coordinated scheming
- plottingDevising a secret plan
- machinationCrafty scheming, often hostile
- money launderingDisguising criminal proceeds' origins
racketeering · cover-up · double-cross · blackmail · extortion · bribery · corruption · embezzlement · counterfeiting
arch-criminalsaint
Canonized holy person
hero · pillar of the community · crime fighter · do-gooder · Good Samaritan
arch-criminalpetty criminal
One who commits minor offenses
jaywalker · shoplifter · pickpocket · small fry · first-time offender
arch, criminal, arched, arches, arching, archway, archbishop, archduke, archenemy