The Rise of the Triads: The Chinese Mafia’s Global Conquest
The Chinese Triads, often shrouded in secrecy and myth, represent one of the world’s most influential and enduring criminal syndicates. Their roots trace back to secret societies in Qing-dynasty China, evolving over centuries into powerful organized crime networks. This blog post, inspired by Antoine Vitkine’s documentary series “Triads — The Chinese Mafia Conquering the World,” delves into the history, evolution, and current state of these clandestine organizations.
Origins and Historical Influence
The term “triad” originates from the Chinese concept of “society of heaven, earth, and man.” Initially formed to resist the Manchu Qing dynasty in the late 17th century, these groups transformed over time, especially after the Opium Wars in the 1860s. They began dominating various criminal activities both within China and overseas. The early 20th century saw the triads supporting nationalist movements, with prominent figures like Sun Yat-sen and Chiang Kai-shek having connections to these societies.
The Green Gang, a notable triad, played a significant role in political events like the suppression of communist workers in Shanghai under Chiang Kai-shek. With the rise of Mao’s People’s Republic of China in 1949, triads like the Green Gang were expelled, relocating to Taiwan and Hong Kong. In Taiwan, they continued their criminal enterprises under the guise of supporting the regime, giving rise to groups like the Heavenly Alliance and the Bamboo Union. Meanwhile, in British-ruled Hong Kong, triads seized opportunities in the booming metropolis, with significant ones like the 14K and Sun Yee On heavily investing in industries like film.
The Modern Triad Network
In the latter part of the 20th century, triads expanded globally, leveraging the growing Chinese diaspora. Their criminal activities diversified into areas like drug trafficking, prostitution, extortion, smuggling, cybercrime, financial fraud, and political assassination. This expansion was not just limited to Asia but extended to North America and Europe.
The documentary series by Vitkine offers an in-depth look at these organizations through interviews with triad members, police officers, victims, experts, and pro-democracy activists. It reveals the complex hierarchy and operations of these groups, often resembling those depicted in Hong Kong cinema.
Triads in the 21st Century
Today, Chinese Triads operate internationally, engaging in Mafia-like organized crime syndicates. They are involved in extortion, prostitution, illegal gambling, and the drug trade. Their operations have even been linked with other international criminal organizations, like Italy’s Camorra. The triads maintain a strict hierarchical structure, with an emphasis on familial relationships among members and hereditary membership within families.
In summary, the Chinese Triads, with their centuries-old origins, have evolved into sophisticated global criminal networks. Their impact on both historical and contemporary society is significant, weaving a complex tapestry of crime, politics, and cultural influence.
