NCJ Number
169472
Journal
EuroCriminology Volume: 11 Dated: (1997) Pages: 163-181
Date Published
1997
Length
19 pages
Annotation
This discussion of the Asian Mafia indicates Chinese Triads and Japanese Yakuza rely heavily on fear as a means of pressure within the organization, between individual groups, and within society.
Abstract
Chinese Triads consist of two different groups, individuals who avoid violence and individuals who unconditionally seek recognition and financial success. Triads are involved in drug smuggling out of the Golden Triangle and have generated substantial funds from the drug business. Japanese Yakuza groups are organized so that all power is concentrated on the Oyabun or boss. Criminal activities of the Yakuza include illegal gambling, extortion, smuggling, manipulation of betting, prostitution, and drug trafficking. Asian Mafia groups are increasingly becoming involved in legal businesses in order to conceal profits from illegal activities. Asian criminality is difficult to investigate, particularly because Chinese and Japanese communities are very closed. The importance of Hong Kong in Asian Mafia operations and the need for international cooperation in organized crime prevention are discussed. 41 footnotes