As an expert in the field of criminal history, I've spent considerable time analyzing the financial empires built by some of the most notorious figures in organized crime. Determining the "richest gangster of all time" is a complex task, as much of their wealth was illicit and not officially recorded. However, we can make educated guesses based on the scale of their operations and the estimates provided by law enforcement and investigative journalism.

Frank Lucas was a notorious American drug trafficker whose operations were the inspiration for the film "American Gangster." Lucas is said to have amassed a fortune through smuggling heroin into the United States from Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. His method of transporting drugs hidden in the coffins of fallen soldiers allowed him to avoid detection and build a significant fortune. However, the exact amount of his wealth is not publicly known.

Griselda Blanco, known as the "Godmother of Cocaine," was a Colombian drug lord who played a major role in the Miami drug trade during the 1970s and 1980s. She was notorious for her ruthlessness and the violence associated with her operations. While her wealth was substantial, it's difficult to quantify precisely how much she amassed.

Al Capone, perhaps one of the most infamous gangsters in American history, made his fortune primarily through bootlegging and organized crime during the Prohibition era. His wealth was estimated to be in the tens of millions of dollars, adjusted for inflation, which would make him one of the richest gangsters of his time.

**Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman Loera** was a prominent Mexican drug lord who led the Sinaloa Cartel. His wealth was estimated to be around $1 billion, making him one of the richest criminals in history. His operations were vast, spanning multiple countries and involving billions of dollars in drug trafficking.

Carlos Lehder was a key figure in the Medellín Cartel and was instrumental in establishing the cocaine trade routes from Colombia to the United States. His wealth was tied to the massive profits generated by the cartel, but like many in this list, the exact figure is hard to determine.

Meyer Lansky was a major organized crime figure and was often referred to as the "Mob's Accountant" due to his financial acumen. He was involved in various illegal activities, including gambling, and was estimated to have been worth hundreds of millions of dollars.

Pablo Escobar, the Colombian drug lord and narcoterrorist, is often cited as one of the richest criminals in history. At the height of his power, his wealth was estimated to be around $30 billion. His control over the Medellín Cartel and the cocaine trade made him an incredibly wealthy individual.

Amado Carrillo Fuentes, known as "The Lord of the Skies," was a Mexican drug lord who was the leader of the Juárez Cartel. He was known for his innovative methods of drug trafficking, including the use of airplanes. His wealth was substantial, but again, the exact amount is not known.

Given the clandestine nature of these individuals' activities, it's challenging to definitively say who was the richest. However, based on the scale of their operations and the estimates available, Pablo Escobar stands out as a top contender for the title of the richest gangster of all time, with an estimated wealth of around $30 billion at the peak of his power.

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Frank Lucas. ... Griselda Blanco. ... Al Capone. ... Joaquin --El Chapo-- Guzman Loera. ... Carlos Lehder. ... Meyer Lansky. ... Pablo Escobar. ... Amado Carrillo Fuentes.read more >>