How Spanish Gangs Hustle and Control Currency in US Prisons

Spanish gangs play a unique and dominant role in prison economies according to former inmate and content creator Ian Bick. In interviews on his TikTok account @ianbick, Bick shared insights into how Spanish gangs essentially control currency and business inside through elaborate credit systems that rely on families wiring funds.

No Cash Allowed - Credit is King

Prisons prohibit physical currency to avoid bribery and gambling issues, so inmates rely entirely on credit-based systems. According to Bick, Spanish gangs serve as the "banks" who lend credit to other inmates at steep interest rates. When addicts or those in need run out of monthly commissary funds, they turn to gangs.

Bick observed Spanish immigrant inmates in particular using prison time constructively by building vast credit networks that allowed them to arrive in the US already wealthy. Willing to take on significant debt loads, immigrants repay gangs through family wire transfers once released.

Controlling the Market

With credit dominance, Spanish gangs also control prison markets. Bick notes how they inflated joint and drug prices up to 10x street value due to captive demand. Gangs then strongarm debtors' families into repayment. This systematic exploitation of credit and markets gave Spanish gangs outsized economic power within prison walls.

Drug Dealing and Side Hustles

Many Spanish inmates also engaged in drug trafficking within prisons according to Bick. Higher prices meant major profits, and gangs shielded dealers from attacks by other groups. Some immigrants also took side hustles like laundering or food deliveries to maximize earnings sent back home.

Unity Through Adversity

While distinct gangs on the streets, Bick observed Spanish groups uniting under a shared racial identity in prison. They looked out for each other with essentials, warned of threats, and presented a unified front against other racial groups. This tribal solidarity strengthened gangs' control over illicit commerce and self-policing inside chaotic prison environments.

National Pride and Family Focus

Bick was impressed by Spanish inmates' fierce dedication to flag and family. They proudly repped Dominican, Puerto Rican and Mexican roots while working tirelessly to provide for relatives back home. Even facing deportation post-release, immigrants prioritized setting family up with cash before facing authorities.

FAQs

How do Spanish gangs generate so much wealth in prison?

By cornering the credit market and inflating prices, Spanish gangs extract major interest and commissions from a captive clientele. Side hustles and ties to street-level drug networks also boost earnings.

Do other racial groups have similar economies?

While all races engage in business, Bick noted Spanish groups' unparalleled coordination, market control through credit, and family/national ties give them unique advantages over others.

What prevents violence between Spanish gangs?

Though rivals on streets, shared racial identity and mutual interests in prisons encourage cooperation. United, they defend Spanish territories and commerce from outside threats through an informal racial solidarity.

How do gangs protect drug dealers from violence?

By enforcing strict rules against harming fellow Spanish, gangs offer dealers safety in numbers. Collective retaliation against attacks on any member also discourages violence targeting lucrative drug operations.

Do authorities try breaking the prison economies?

Prison officials prohibit cash but turning a blind eye lets controlled commerce continue. Separating ethnic groups risks violence but unity enables contraband flow, so balancing order and justice poses challenges.