Raymond 'Red' Reddington (James Spader) is known in the best criminal circles for brokering deals between criminals. Thus, the nickname "Concierge of Crime" is used to refer to him. According to "The Blacklist" data reference source (Wikia), Raymond Reddington was an American citizen and the father of Elizabeth ‘Liz’ Keen. He attended the United States Naval Academy and graduated top of his class at the age of 24. He was reportedly being groomed to become an Admiral when he disappeared after going home to visit his family in December 1990. In 1994, he mysteriously resurfaced, selling classified documents to enemies of the U.S. and was charged with treason.

In "The Blacklist" season five finale, 'Sutton Ross', it's revealed that Reddington died around the time of his disappearance. It is his bones that are found in the duffel bag that the episode revolves around. There is speculation that he may have been killed by his daughter Liz, who would have been around 4 years old at the time. The man who is now known as Reddington resurfaced in 1994 with classified documents and clever plans to build a criminal empire.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org