The phrase "notorious criminal" refers to a person who is well-known for committing serious crimes that have gained significant attention or infamy. Full definition
He was among the most notorious criminals of his time, and certainly one of the most brutal. (firstthings.com)
That was the point of a former prison, now turned peculiar tourist attraction, which once held notorious criminals and political enemies. (fieryfoodscentral.com)
An ordinary college boy finds himself up against a group of notorious criminals in this Tamil language action film. (flicks.co.nz)