criminal underworld
Organized crime sphere
The criminal underworld is the collective network of organized crime, black markets, and illicit activity operating beneath legitimate society.
The term evokes a hidden realm with its own hierarchies, codes, and economies: He had connections to the criminal underworld.
Often shortened to simply the underworld when context is clear.
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- racketeeringConducting illegal business schemes
- mobDisorderly, aggressive crowd
- made manInitiated organized crime member
- extortionObtaining through threats
syndicate · smuggling · underground economy · dirty money · sting operation · code of silence · yakuza · organized crime · cartel · crime families · triad · informant · counterfeiting · blackmail · loan shark · omertà · gang · secrecy
criminal underworldhigh society
The social elite
upper world · upper crust · the elite · ruling class · power elite
criminal underworldlaw enforcement
Upholding legal codes
justice system · public service · humanitarian organizations