NCJ Number
172294
Journal
Journal of Contemporary Criminal Justice Volume: 12 Issue: 4 Dated: (December 1996) Pages: 295-306
Date Published
1996
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This study conducted a preliminary examination of the existence and extent of the activity of Asian street gangs and Asian organized crime in Chicago.
Abstract
Information and data for this study were obtained through direct observation; field notes; official reports and documents; academic literature; professional conferences; and personal interviews with reliable, knowledgeable, and confidential sources. Although direct evidence is minimal, heroin trafficking patterns identified by Federal, State, and local investigators support the premise that there is Asian organized criminal activity in Chicago. Organized criminals are present, if for no other purpose than to support and facilitate the international transit of Southeast Asian heroin from the Western United States and Canada to the eastern seaboard. In addition, Chicago police investigations substantiate incidents of extortion, gambling, prostitution, loan sharking, etc., that typically constitute organized criminal activities. There are criminal Asian street gangs active in Chicago, and they have connections with domestic and international Asian organized crime. Asian criminal activity in Chicago is currently less intense and more discreet than in the larger coastal cities with higher population concentrations of Asians. The characteristics of Asian crime in Chicago apparently involve more mature criminal organizations that hire Asian street gangs as soldiers for security and other services. The more experienced criminal organizations prefer to keep a low profile to facilitate the smooth transit of heroin. This low profile is, in part, achieved and maintained by using Asian street gangs for the more overt and violent aspects of criminal business. Suggestions are offered for further research and research methodology as well as policy decisions. 2 tables and 9 references