Kray Twins

The Kray Twins were identical twin brothers Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who led one of the most notorious organised crime groups in London’s East End during the 1950s and 1960s.

The Kray Twins were identical twin brothers Ronnie and Reggie Kray, who led one of the most notorious organised crime groups in London’s East End during the 1950s and 1960s. Their gang, known as the Firm, was involved in protection rackets, armed robbery, arson, assault, and murder. Both were convicted of murder in 1969 and sentenced to life imprisonment.

Origins and rise

Ronnie and Reggie Kray were born in 1933 and grew up in London’s East End. By the 1950s and 1960s, they had become major figures in local organised crime and built influence through intimidation and violence.

Criminal activities

The Krays’ gang, the Firm, was associated with protection rackets, gambling, armed robbery, arson, assault, and murder. They were widely feared in the underworld and used violence to maintain control.

Arrest and convictions

The twins were arrested in May 1968 after investigations led by detectives including Superintendent Leonard "Nipper" Read. They were convicted of murder in 1969 and each received a life sentence.

Later lives and legacy

Ronnie Kray was certified insane and confined to Broadmoor Hospital until his death in 1995. Reggie Kray was released from prison on compassionate grounds in 2000 and died eight weeks later; the pair remain a prominent part of British crime history.