NCJ Number
151760
Journal
RCMP Gazette Volume: 56 Issue: 7 Dated: (July 1994) Pages: 2-8
Date Published
1994
Length
7 pages
Annotation
This study of Canadian-based Vietnamese criminal gangs was conducted in Toronto during the spring and summer of 1992; Toronto houses the largest Vietnamese-immigrant population in Canada and the second largest Asian population in North America.
Abstract
There has also been a 10-year history of recognized Vietnamese gang activity in that city. Criteria for gang membership used here include reliable source information, police information, admission of gang membership, criminal involvement in gang-type activity, previous court findings proving gang membership, and possession of gang paraphernalia. Several leading Vietnamese gang members immigrated to Toronto, where already-established Chinese organized crime groups hired them to work as street enforcers. Vietnamese gangs have emerged as dominant and violent criminal organizations in Toronto's Chinatown area. While for the most part, these gangs have preyed on businesses within that community, there are signs they are looking to expand their activities to the outside business community. The three levels in Vietnamese criminal organizations include (1) the organized crime level representing the geographically anchored hierarchy, (2) the street gang level which carries out directions from the organized crime level leadership and also engages in freelance activities, and (3) the action-set which consists of young males aspiring to gain membership in the street gangs.