Triads Tat Wing3
Triads Tat Wing3
Triads Tat Wing3
TRIADS
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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 58
supporters of the former Ming Dynasty each triad society is generally presided over
formed politically motivated secret by the Chairman and Treasurer who are
societies with a declared goal to overthrow often elected for a fixed term, normally two
the ruling Manchurians who were years, by a group of senior members and/
considered as “foreigners” by the Han or area leaders of that triad society.
people. One of these societies was the Usually, the most influential area boss, who
HUNG League (洪門), which is now has the largest group of followers or the
regarded as the original triad society, from most wealth, is elected. In some triad
which today’s triad societies have societies, the same person holds both posts.
originated. It must however be emphasized that these
days the Chairman and Treasurer are
Over the years the original society has honorary positions without actual power.
fragmented into numerous separate Appendix C shows the present day
societies. With the political developments structure of a typical triad society in Hong
in China, the original political objectives Kong.
have long been lost and these once
“patriotic” secret societies have IV. CHARACTERISTICS OF TRIADS
degenerated into present day criminal
Contrary to what the movies may
gangs. Nowadays, triad societies exist only
portray, triad societies are in fact a
for the pursuit of criminal activity for
collection of loose-knit groups or gangs who
monetary gain. A common modern term -
operate independently. They are mainly
“Dark Society” or “Dark Association” ( 社
local area gangs, each active in certain
會) is used to describe all triads, and
areas and activities. Their disputes
represents the public feeling that triads are
sometimes result in fighting and it is not
sinister and evil rather than a mystic
uncommon that gangs within the same
brotherhood.
triad society often fight with each other
over a disputed interest or territory.
III. TRIAD HIERARCHY AND
STRUCTURE
Despite the fact that today’s triad
The traditional triad societies adopted members do not belong to one organization,
a military style and had a well-organized some of them continue to use triad jargon,
rank structure, not dissimilar to present rank structure etc. This is to convince a
day guerrilla organizations. They had a new recruit that he has indeed joined an
rigid rank structure of members and elite and is used to instil fear into members
officials, called “office bearers”. Each rank of the public. Cooperation between triad
had specific responsibilities. Many of the groups in criminal activities is normally
traditional rank terms are still used today. based on personal acquaintance and
As well as a title, an office bearer would mutual interest. The chairpersons do not
h a v e a n a u s p i c i o u s n u m b e r. T h e usually direct gang members’ criminal
traditional rank structure of a triad society activities but are only ‘ceremonial heads’
can be seen at Appendix A. and ‘mediators’ of disputes.
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little in common. Although there have been examples of organized crimes. However,
occasions when overseas triad members triad membership is not a prerequisite for
perpetrated crimes together with triads in joining a drug syndicate. It is experience,
Hong Kong, the triad membership was expertise, contacts or money that count.
merely incidental. When an opportunity Whilst it may be true that many drug
arises to make a profit, criminals will traffickers have triad connections, triad
establish a joint venture. membership does not enhance one’s
position in a drug organization. The same
Triad identity is not a pre-requisite to applies to other organized crime groups,
establish a criminal joint venture except which specialise in such activities as illegal
to serve as a reference to the criminal gambling, prostitution, loan sharking and
background of that person. It is thus a fraud. It is not uncommon to find major
gross simplification to associate organized organized crime syndicates with members
crimes in Hong Kong with triad societies. from several different triad societies
Drug trafficking and smuggling are typical working together.
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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 58
Over the years, some of the criminal number of reported triad-related crimes
groups have established legitimate fronts and the percentage of triad-related crimes
so as to cover their criminal activities. in total reported crimes between 1990 and
More sophisticated triad members, referred 1999.
to as second or third generation triads,
have received the best education paid for At present there are around 50 known
by money generated through illegal means. triad societies in Hong Kong, of which
Many of them are trained as professionals about 15 regularly come to Police attention
such as lawyers and accountants. They are through overt criminal activities. This does
also involved in legitimate business and not mean that the remaining societies are
part of the profit from legitimate sources inactive, but possibly only that their
can be used to fund triad activities so as to activities go unreported for a variety of
create an environment favourable for their reasons. The clandestine nature of triad
business. They may present themselves activity precludes an accurate assessment
as reputable entrepreneurs and mix with of the triad membership. The accumulated
reputable socialites. Since they rarely number of people convicted for triad
involve themselves in crimes, they are membership since 1936, including
becoming known as the “untouchables”. recidivists, is about 32,000 and accounts
Such a practice is typical in the for 5% of all convicts. It serves as a rough
development of organized crime. Control indication of the size of triad population.
of and investigation into their activities San Yee On, 14K, Wo Shing Wo, Wo Hop
becomes increasingly difficult. To and Wo On Lok are the five most active
triad societies and they together account
At the lower level, triads are shifting for the majority of triad-related crimes in
from hardcore criminals to service Hong Kong.
providers. Their services include the
supply of bouncers to entertainment VIII. ANTI-TRIAD STRATEGY IN
businesses, car jockeys for valet parking, HONG KONG
debt collectors and regulators to ward off
In Hong Kong, we adopt a four-pronged
business competitors. Those at the
approach to tackle triad activities, namely:
receiving end of the service are willing
(a) Legislation
hirers, which may include reputable
(b) Enforcement
commercial corporations, making attempts
(c) Education
to shrink the income of triads difficult or
(d) Rehabilitation
even futile.
A. Legislation
VII. CURRENT TRIAD SITUATION
Hong Kong is determined to combat
IN HONG KONG
triad activities. The first anti-triad
In 1999, there were 76,771 crimes legislation dates back to 1845. Relevant
reported and the crime rate (the number anti-triad laws were consolidated
of crimes per 100,000 of the population) was subsequently under Societies Ordinance,
1,121.9. As a result of sustained police which was enacted in 1949. Hong Kong
efforts in Hong Kong the ratio of triad has the most effective and strictest
involvement in overall crimes, in the past legislation aimed at tackling triad
few years, has been contained at below 4%. activities:
Appendix D contains charts showing the
total number of reported crimes, the total
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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 58
solvers or business people, and certainly The Hong Kong Police Force
not role models for our youth. undoubtedly enjoys the close and
productive relationship with many
The continuous and sustained effort by Overseas Law Enforcement Agencies,
the Hong Kong Government through especially those with liaison officers posted
education and publicity campaigns in the to Hong Kong, such as National Police
past decades has witnessed a change in Agency of Japan, FBI, DEA, INS, Customs
people’s attitudes towards triads in recent Service, Secret Service and Internal
years. People come forward more than they Revenue Service of the US, RCMP of
did in the 60’s and 70’s. Yet there is no Canada, AFP of Australia, the Korean
room for complacency because triads still National Police and the UK Customs.
exist and that our method of dealing with
these groups should be continually From time to time Japanese delegates
evolving. visit the Hong Kong Police Force. During
the visit topics of common interest are
D. Rehabilitation discussed and experiences in combating
In Hong Kong, outreach social workers crimes shared. Since the beginning of this
have been employed to counsel vulnerable year, two such visits have been arranged.
youngsters to stay away from triad
personalities and activities. A legally The Hong Kong Police Force will
sanctioned warning system administered continue to be committed in forging closer
by a senior police officer can be used instead cooperation with our counterparts,
of a young person attending court. After exchanging intelligence, mounting joint
being warned, the young person will be operations, sharing experience, returning
advised by police officers as to follow-ups fugitives where Mutual Legal Assistance
for their rehabilitation. Following prison is applicable and attending international
release, triad offenders like other criminals conferences.
will be supervised by after-care services by
the Correctional Services Department. X. CONCLUSION
While Hong Kong has enacted special
IX. INTERNATIONAL CO-
laws to deal with the triad menace, as has
OPERATION
been explained earlier, triad-related crime
Since 1995, the Triad Course for is no different from any organized crime
Overseas Law Enforcement Officers has and can be effectively tackled by legislation
been conducted annually by the Hong Kong targeting the latter activities. Anti-money
Police Force. Apart from sharing laundering and asset forfeiture laws, for
knowledge of triads and experience in example, are considered effective measures
tackling triad crimes, the participants are to tackle triad activities.
able to build up an intelligence network
that fosters future exchange of information However, a good working knowledge of
on triad activities. Apart from that we also what triads are, their structure and
organize Triad Courses in other countries. methods of operation are essential.
Two such courses were organized in Equally important is an understanding of
Canada before and two will be organized the Chinese culture and establishing an
in Australia later this year. effective means of communication with the
local Chinese community so as to encourage
the reporting of triad activities.
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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 58
Appendix A
Note: A fuller explanation of the roles and numerical figures can be found at Appendix B1
* = In the smaller triad societies all the 438 posts are filled by one individual
** = A member that has not been initiated
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Appendix B
(a) 489 - The Leader of the Society is generally known as the First Route Marshal or
Dragon Head. He is also referred to as the Shan Chu, the literal meaning is
‘Mountain Master’ 山主.
(b) 438 - The Deputy Leader is generally known as the Second Route Marshal or Fu
Shan Chu 副山主.
This title of 438 can also be awarded to the office bearers officiating as ‘Incense
Master’ or Heung Chu 香主 or Vanguard 先鋒 in a triad ceremony.
(c) 415 - An official generally known as Pak Tsz Sin 白紙扇 (meaning White Paper Fan)
whose duty is to advise generally on the organization, administration and
finance of the Branch.
In other words he is the Counselor or the Chief of Staff.
(d) 426 - An official generally known as the Hung Kwan 洪棍 (meaning Red Pole) whose
duty is to take charge of the fighting section of the Branch and play the leading
role in fights against rival groups.
This official is also responsible for the Society or Branch membership.
(e) 432 - An official generally known as the Choi Hai 草鞋 (meaning Straw Sandal) is
the liaison officer as well as the chief messenger of the Branch and through
whom messages from the Branch concerning meetings, manpower, rallying
for settlement talks or gang fights are passed on to other members of the
Branch.
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RESOURCE MATERIAL SERIES No. 58
Appendix C
Chairman
(Cho Kwun 坐 )
Treasurer
(Cha So 數)
Group Leader
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Appendix D
95000
88300 88659 87804 91886
90000
85000 84056
80000 82564 79050
76771
75000
70000 67367 71962
65000
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
4500
4015 3959
4000
3487 3746
3500
3340 3487 3126
3000
2599 2872
2500
2623
2000
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
5.00%
4.78%
4.50% 4.22% 4.31%
3.95% 4.27% 3.95%
4.00%
3.64%
3.77% 3.86% 3.74%
3.50%
3.00%
1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999
39