Grand Theft Auto III (GTA 3) features seven major gangs and one minor gang operating in Liberty City. Each gang brings its unique flavor and dynamics to the game.
Major Gangs
Leone Family (The Mafia)
- Leader: Salvatore Leone
- Description: The Leone Crime Family is an Italian mafia with a stronghold in Portland, specifically Saint Mark’s, while also influencing the Red Light District, Chinatown, and Trenton. Their control has diminished since 1999. They maintain a fierce rivalry with the Triads and turn hostile towards Claude after he kills their leader under Yakuza leader Asuka Kasen‘s orders.
Triads
- Description: The Triads are a Chinese criminal organization that settled in the city in 1997, supported by the Sicilian Mafia. They dominate Chinatown and Callahan Point in Portland and are rivals of the Leone Family. Their leader remains unknown. They become hostile after the missions Trial By Fire or The Pick-Up.
Diablos
- Leader: El Burro
- Description: The Diablos are a Latin American gang based in Hepburn Heights, Portland. Despite limited firepower, they arrived in 1998 and still control a single district. They are arch-rivals of the Uptown Yardies. They become hostile after Claude massacres their members under King Courtney‘s orders.
Colombian Cartel
- Leaders: Catalina and Miguel
- Description: The Colombian Cartel is a powerful drug cartel co-led by Catalina and Miguel. They took control of parts of Staunton Island and Shoreside Vale since 1998, heavily involved in the drug trade and allied with the Uptown Yardies. Their main enemies are the Leone Family and the Yakuza. Hostile to the player from the start, their territory becomes accessible after completing the mission Last Requests.
Yakuza
- Leaders: Asuka and Kenji Kasen
- Description: The Yakuza is a Japanese criminal organization based in Staunton Island. Their influence has waned since 1998 but remains significant. They are arch-rivals of the Colombian Cartel, both gangs dividing territories in Fort Staunton.
Uptown Yardies
- Leader: King Courtney
- Description: The Uptown Yardies, also known as the Yardies, are an African-Caribbean (mostly Jamaican) gang based in Staunton Island. Their rivals are the Diablos, and they deal with the Colombian Cartel. Having arrived in 1998 and taken over some Forelli Family territories, their influence is limited. They become hostile towards Claude after allying with the Cartel and betraying him in the mission Kingdom Come.
Southside Hoods
- Leader: D-Ice
- Description: The Southside Hoods are an African-American street gang based in Shoreside Vale. They arrived in 1998, and internal conflicts split them into two factions: the Red Jacks and the Purple Nines. Despite their differences, they cooperate. The mission Rumble eliminates the Purple Nines, leaving the Red Jacks in control.
Minor Gangs
Forelli Brothers
- Description: The Forelli Brothers, formerly the Forelli Family, are now the smallest gang in Liberty City. Once a major force in the 1980s, their influence has dwindled significantly. By 2001, their only territory is Marco’s Bistro in Saint Mark’s. Their members are not seen on the streets during normal gameplay.
