Different games

Is there something where you can be king of the ring in this game? Like more than just gang warfare and actually control most of the crime going on.

Is there something else where you can quit being a criminal and join up with the police as a cops and robbers sort of thing?

In theory you can build a faction or a bunch of guys (or go solo) and extort other factions as they do Organized crime missions you can roleplay that as you controlling the crime going on.
you could do it outside of factions on individual players build a crew and bust others up to do your bidding.

Territories is coming out soon check the announcement page on details for that.

Be aware being a good sound businessman at early days is far better than being known as macho fool who will get hosped all the time. You got to really work at those stats. and build a network of like minded people around you.

There are a lot of factions and a lot of people who play if you want to rule them all go for it and good luck to you.