8. Chinese Triads and Japanese Yakuza PDF

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Summary

Overview of Organised Crime...

Description

Hong Kong Triads: -

Lots of groups, no monolithic ‘chinese mafia’ Grew out of the 18th century These were originally associational structures that arises when there was a weak state This was to provide stability in turbulent times

Recent History: - It developed as a part of the developing history of China and the movement of its people - Context now is the increasing global power of China and the increasing number of people in Chinese expat communities around the world Modern Triads in Hong Kong: - Heaven earth and humanity: these are the three points of the triads - Approx 160,000 triad members in HK in early 1990s, split into 50 groups - Now 14 of the 50 still active - Other Chinese OC groups (Tongs, Snakeheads) Structure: - Many smaller groups, each more or less dependent. No single hierarchy or organisation - Flexible and decentralised - Three tier hierarchy: Red pole (leader), 49s (ordinary members) Blue lanterns (uninitiated new recruits) - Not vertically or horizontally integrated, so coordination is a matter of looser more social systems of communication, mutual observation, consultation and occasionally collaboration - No sending of percentage of take up a chain of command, as is the case with some other groups Activities: - Extortion - Loan sharking - Illegal gambling - Drug trafficking - Money laundering - The law enforcement reaction

Yakuza: -

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Stands for the numbers 8-9-3 which is a losing hand in blackjack Japanese bandent groups in the 17th century ran games of chance, and in the second half of the 19th century they were involved in Japanese nationalists battle for political power and in illegally organising construction workers. Approx 80,000 members 22 groups, Most are in one of the three groups (Yamaguchi-gumi, Inagawa-kai)

Structure:

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Hierarchy incorporating fictitious family ties (Dad and sons) Rational bureaucratic structure with functional roles Economic (entrepreneurial) activities of the large syndicates are conducted at the level of sub groups Up to 3 years, initiation ritual lasted Members pay monthly dues to their superiors Carrying the reputation of the organisation with you by way of visible symbols of membership means less necessity to resort to violence every time Jingi (Greeting, originally formal ritual but now business cards) Irezumi (Tattoos, originally full body but again now more moderate) Yubitsumi (Finger amputation, used to be common punishment, now being replaced by fines)

Activities: - Protection and extra-legal fixing - Illegal gambling - Drug dealing, especially upper levels - Investing profits heavily up to the bursting of the stock and real-estate bubble, and subsequently taking advantage of the sorts of opportunities presented by austerity (loan sharking, venture capital for risky small business start-ups)...