▲

Carl Williams was a major underworld figure, linked to the famous Melbourne gangland killings (where 36 criminals were killed).

In 1999, Williams was shot by Jason Moran, for owing the Moran crime family money. This event triggered a number of killings.

In 2016, Williams was convicted for the murder of Michael Marshall. One year later, he was convicted of the murders of Australian crime figures Jason Moran, Mark Mallia, and Lewis Moran, as well as conspiracy to murder Mario Condello.

▲

Williams was eventually murdered by another inmate on April 19, 2010 (part of an exercise bike was used as the murder weapon). Not only was Carl Williams a key figure in the Melbourne gangland killings, he was also its final victim. Williams was buried in a golden coffin. He was 39.

▲Tony Mokbel was extradited to Australia and convicted. He is currently serving a 30-year sentence in Barwon Prison.

▲Mokbel was a major figure in the Melbourne drug trafficking world. He was allegedly linked to Carl Williams and the death of Lewis Moran. Mokbel fled the country in 2006 while on trial, but was eventually captured by police in Athens, Greece.

▲An alleged major Sydney organised crime figure, Ibrahim became known as the "lifeblood of the drugs industry of Kings Cross" during the Wood Royal Commission. But despite being the subject of 546 police intelligence reports, he has never been convicted of these alleged crimes.

▲Tilly Devine was a prominent figure in the Australian underworld, especially during the Sydney Razor gang era (1927-1936). Criminal activities included sly-grog supply, razor gangs, and prostitution. Devine died of cancer in 1970, aged 70.

▲Another notorious Sydney crime figure, Kate Leigh's illegal activities included selling alcohol and cocaine. She died victim of a stroke in 1964, aged 82.

▲A famous face in the early 20th century Melbourne underworld, Squizzy Taylor started pickpocketing from an early age, moving on to alcohol and drug dealing, illegal bookmaking, robbery, extortion, and prostitution. Taylor was also linked to a number of murders and high-profile burglaries, such as the Melbourne Trades Hall burglary in 1915, where a constable was killed. Taylor was assassinated in 1927, aged 39.

▲A famous bushranger, Ned Kelly became a notorious outlaw in the late 19th century. Kelly and his gang were responsible for a number of crimes, including police murders. He became known for wearing bulletproof armour during his final shootout with police. Ned Kelly was executed in 1880, aged 25.

▲Lewis Moran, Jason's father and the patriarch of one of the most infamous Melbourne crime families, was shot dead in 2004 at the age of 62, this while on bail for drug trafficking charges.

▲

Judy Moran was first married to Leslie John Cole, who was murdered in the early '80s. She then got involved with Lewis Moran and became the Moran family matriarch. She is the mother of Jason Moran.

▲In 2011, Judy Moran was convicted of murdering Lewis' brother, Desmond "Tuppence" Moran. She was sentenced to 26 years in prison and is currently incarcerated.

▲Jason Moran, one of the leaders of the Moran family, was murdered in 2003, aged 35. His death caused quite a stir in the Australian criminal underworld.

▲In 2019, Roberta Williams (Carl Williams' widow) was arrested on allegations of kidnapping and threatening to kill a reality TV producer.

▲The businessman is suspected of being involved in the Australian criminal underworld. In 2004, he was acquitted of the murder of hitman Andrew "Benji" Veniamin. Gatto claimed self defense.

▲In 2012, the Perish brothers and their associates were convicted for homicide and criminal conspiracy.

▲Anthony John Michael "Rooster" Perish is best known for having been convicted of the murder of drug dealer Terry Falconer in 2001. He reportedly started his criminal career by manufacturing and selling amphetamines and methamphetamine. Anthony's brother, Andrew, soon joined him in his criminal activities.

▲

The infamous Melbourne criminal, also known as the "Black Prince of Lygon Street," was a high-profile member of the criminal organisation known as the Carlton Crew. The organisation was formed by Painters and Dockers Union enforcers and independent racketeers in the late '70s.

▲Alphonse Gangitano reportedly co-owned a nightclub and his criminal activities revolved around fight promotions, horse racing, and protection rackets, among others. Gangitano was murdered in 1998, aged 40. He was the second victim of the Melbourne gangland killings.

▲

The convicted drug smuggler became famous for being the only Westerner to have successfully escaped Bangkok's Klong Prem prison. In 2012, he was arrested in in the UK.

(Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

▲

The convicted criminal and gang member turned author (right) was allegedly responsible for armed robbery, firearm offences, assault, arson, impersonating a police officer, and kidnapping, among other crimes. He died of cancer in 2013, aged 58.

▲Aaron Sherritt was one of Ned Kelly's associates. He was reportedly close to some members of the police, which led to some outlaws accusing him of being a traitor. In 1880, bushranger Joseph Byrne shot Sherritt dead (he would've been around 25 years old).

▲He reportedly headed up the Surrey Road gang, robbed drug dealers in Melbourne, was involved in the killing of 19 people, and began a prison war. This mural of Read can be found in the Collingwood suburb of Melbourne.

▲Corby became one of Australia's most famous drug smugglers when she was convicted of smuggling cannabis into Indonesia in 2005. She served nine years in prison, was released on parole in 2014, and was deported back to Australia in 2017.

▲

Abe Saffron owned several businesses in Sydney's Kings Cross red-light district. Also known as "Mr Sin", "Mr Big of Australian crime", and "the boss of the Cross", Saffron was rumoured to be a prominent figure in Australia's organised crime world. He was a suspect in the disappearance of Juanita Nielsen and has been linked to the Luna Park ghost train fire.

▲Despite being allegedly involved in numerous crimes, from bribery to extortion and prostitution, Saffron was only convicted for tax evasion. He died in 2006, aged 86.

▲Dubbed "The Magician" for allegedly making people disappear without a trace, Regan became a notorious figure in the '60s and '70s Sydney underworld. He was involved in multiple criminal activities, from prostitution rackets to illegal gambling and murders. He was shot dead in 1974, aged 29.

▲Faure was involved in the lengthy prison gang war with Read. He was also convicted of killing Lewis Moran (under Tony Mokbell's orders). Faure is currently serving a life sentence after being convicted of multiple crimes, including murder and manslaughter.

▲Christopher Dale Flannery went to prison when he was 17 for numerous crimes. Seven years after he was released, he allegedly became a hitman, known as "Mr. Rent-a-Kill". Flannery disappeared in 1985.

▲

The famous Sydney bookmaker was allegedly involved in a number of crimes, including murder, assault, and bribery, but was only charged with illegal bookmaking. He only paid a fine for it, and didn't go to prison. He was allegedly linked to American organised crime figures, and was called a "crime boss" in the Woodward Royal Commission. Freeman died of an asthma attack in 1990, aged 55.

(Photo: Wikimedia /CC BY-SA 3.0)

▲

Headed by former prostitute and brothel owner Kath Pettingill, they are one of Australia's most ruthless crime families. The matriarch, reportedly shot in eye through a closed door in the late '70s, is said to have offered $20,000 for the testicles of an undercover detective who infiltrated her family.

▲

Whether we like it or not, crime is rooted in Australia's history. From the early days of the bushrangers, to the Razor gang era, and the more recent gangland wars, the nation has had its fair share of criminal activity.

In this gallery, we take you through some of the most infamous figures in Australia's criminal underworld, from early notorious criminals to current crime lords. Click through to learn more about them.

▲Dennis Allen, Kath's late oldest son, was known as "Mr. Death". He served 10 years in prison for rape and was allegedly involved in drug trafficking and responsible for 15 murders. He reportedly dismembered a Hells Angels biker with a chainsaw. Allen died at the age of 35 from heart failure.

▲Peter Allen was in prison for 28 years. He was convicted of numerous crimes, namely drug dealing, drug trafficking, armed robbery and assault.

▲Kath Pettingill’s sixth child was in prison for six years for drug trafficking. In 2012, he was shot dead outside a supermarket in Bay St, Port Melbourne.

▲The matriarch's youngest child (born in 1965), was in and out of jail for a number of crimes, including burglaries, firearms and drug trafficking. He was charged and acquitted over the Walsh Street police shootings, where two officers were murdered.