Normally, a bounty is issued by a Government official or by the Marines. The idea is to tempt others into aiding the capture of the criminal so they can be brought to justice quickly.
A bounty reflects both the threat and power of an individual. Engaging in activities deemed criminal by the World Government or associating with groups which engage in them is enough to warrant significant bounties, even if the criminal is not powerful themselves. In particular, direct opposition to the World Government, no matter the reason, is treated as a serious offense, and bounties are issued accordingly.
After a bounty is issued, it can later be increased for several reasons:
1-The threat of a person’s observed combat abilities.
2-More experienced bounty hunters volunteering to capture the individual or group.
3-Further criminal acts beyond the initial one.
4-Inspiring criminal acts when provoked or inciting others to act ‘criminally’.
5-Having knowledge deemed illegal by the World Government.
6-Solely being associated with a notable criminal figure.
Here are the 50 Highest Known Bounties ever in One Piece:
Gol D. Roger ฿5,564,800,000
Edward Newgate ฿5,046,000,000
Kaido ฿4,611,100,000
Charlotte Linlin ฿4,388,000,000
Shanks฿4,048,900,000
Marshall D. Teach ฿3,996,000,000
Dracule Mihawk ฿3,590,000,000
Buggy ฿3,189,000,000
Monkey D. Luffy ฿3,000,000,000
Trafalgar Law ฿3,000,000,000
Eustass Kid ฿3,000,000,000
Crocodile ฿1,965,000,000
King The Wildfire ฿1,390,000,000
Marco ฿1,374,000,000
Queen ฿1,320,000,000
Zoro ฿1,101,000,000
Jinbe ฿1,100,000,000
Charlotte Katakuri ฿1,057,000,000
Sanji ฿1,032,000,000
Jack ฿1,000,000,000
Charlotte Smoothie ฿932,000,000
Nico Robin ฿930,000,000
Charlotte Cracker ฿860,000,000
Charlotte Perospero ฿700,000,000
Sabo ฿602,000,000
Charlotte Snack ฿600,000,000
Who’s-Who ฿546,000,000
Little Oars Jr. ฿550,000,000
Portgas D. Ace ฿550,000,000
Chinjao ฿542,000,000
Izou ฿510,000,000
Usopp ฿500,000,000
Black Maria ฿480,000,000
Edward Weevil ฿480,000,000
Sasaki ฿472,000,000
Belo Betty ฿457,000,000
Tamago ฿429,000,000
Karasu ฿400,000,000
Ulti ฿400,000,000
Franky ฿394,000,000
Brook ฿383,000,000
Pedro ฿382,000,000
Nami ฿366,000,000
Capone Bege ฿350,000,000
Scratchmen Apoo ฿350,000,000
Donquixote Doflamingo ฿340,000,000
Cavendish ฿330,000,000
Pekoms ฿330,000,000
Basil Hawkins ฿320,000,000
Gecko Moria ฿320,000,000
