A criminal syndicate is an organized group of individuals involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, and extortion. There are several synonyms for the term criminal syndicate, including organized crime gang, mafia, mob, cartel, and syndicate. These groups often operate in secrecy and can be difficult to track down by law enforcement agencies. The term organized crime typically encompasses the activities of criminal syndicates and is used interchangeably with it. These groups often use fear and intimidation as a means to exert control over their territories and engage in violent activities towards those who oppose them.