Monday, August 22, 2011

The Chinese Triads

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triad_(underground_society)

The term Triad is used to describe the many branches of the Chinese criminal groups in Hong Kong, Vietnam, Macau, Taiwan, US, Australia, UK, Canada, Malaysia, basically anywhere with a significantly large Chinese population.

Crimes
Counterfeiting
Extortion
Money laundering
Trafficking
Prostitution
Smuggling

Structure

Initiation
A typical ceremony would take place before a statue of Guan Yu, with incense and an animal sacrifice. After drinking a mixture of wine and blood, the member would pass beneath an arch of swords while reciting the triad's code of honor. The paper that the oaths are written on are burned below the statue to make it official

Law Enforcement
The OCTB (Organized Crime and Triad Bureau) is a newer division within the Hong Kong Police Department. There is a law for Triads, Tongs, etc. It's called the Societies Ordinance and Organized & Serious Crimes Ordinance. According to this law, anyone who professes claims to be associated with the Triads can be fined up to $1 million Hong Kong dollars and up to 15 years in prison.

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