The Triads

One of the most feared criminal organizations in the Far East is known as the Triads. In reality it is not one centrally controlled organization but rather a series of crime factions that in many cases have formed alliances or work together for a common purpose. Today the power of the Triads is based on the political and monetary power of the drug trade. It is estimated that ninety-percent of the world heroin trade is controlled by the Triads. With political changes in Far East; the return of Hong Kong to China, The threat of Chinese expansion into Taiwan, and the fluctuation of currency values, the Triads are regaining some of the power lost during and after World War two. Their wealth and political influence has allowed them access to political leaders and national banking systems creating an invisible empire of crime that plays a major role in world politics.

The major irony of the Triads is that their role in the drug trade has begun to allow growing influence in the Western World. It was the opium trade that forced China to open her borders to the Western Powers. The Triads utilize that same product, opium, today to increase their influence in world affairs. The product that aided in the fall of Imperial China is being used as a weapon to increase Triad interests in the west. It is estimated that over sixty known Triads exist For years the major center of their power was located in Hong Kong and with its return to China Triad members are seeking new locations to establish headquarters and expand their business interests. The various Chinatowns located through out the Western Hemisphere appear as perfect locations since they can provide cover for criminal activities and allow for increased expansion of the drug trade. The traditions of the past have given way to a more business-like approach to dealing with such dreams of expansion. Where did these organizations come from and what influences do the modern Triads have in Asiatic affairs?

The myth of the formation of the Triads involves the formation of secret societies and defense of China from the Manchus. The Manchus were viewed as foreigners who had no right to the throne and efforts to remove them from power gained popular support. The original goal of these societies was to restore the Ming dynasty and they did take an active role in numerous rebellions against the Manchu. As time progressed the line between political motivations and actions of crime for profit became blurred. The societies were referred to as the Hung Mun, a reference to their efforts to restore the family of Hung to the throne. Activities involved secret signs, rituals, and actions that often involved providing protection to the common people against the repressive rule of the Manchus.

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