Notorious Organized Crime Groups of Asia
The Mafia, a term commonly associated with organized crime in Italy and the United States, is also applied to organized crime groups in Asia. Criminal syndicates and gangs in Asia who operate in a clandestine manner, engage in illegal activities such as extortion, smuggling, drug trafficking, and other forms of organized crime are often referred to as mafia groups. While they may differ in structure, history, and influence, these Asian mafia groups all share the gangster characteristics of secrecy, violence, and corruption.
Asian organized crime groups have a long-standing presence and have evolved over time, often blending traditional cultural practices with modern criminal activities. Not only are their stories interesting, but by understanding some of the history and nature of Asian organized crime groups, travelers can better navigate the diverse cultures of Asia in all its forms while taking necessary precautions to stay safe. Let’s take a closer look at some of the prominent mafia groups in Asian countries.
Kkangpae – South Korea
The term ‘Kkangpae’ originated from the Korean word kkangpaeja which means a strong-arm or a tough guy. During the tumultuous years of post-war (WW2) South Korea, Kkangpae groups emerged as powerful and influential organizations, often associated with illegal activities such as gambling, extortion, smuggling, and violence.
Between 1910 and 1945, Korea was part of the Japanese Empire. Facing discrimination and abuse from their Japanese overlords Koreans formed into local gangs to resist their oppression, and the roots of the Kkangpae were planted into Korean society. In the 1950s and 1960s as South Korea was undergoing rapid economic and political changes, the Kkangpae groups played a significant role in the social and political landscape of the time. Some Kkangpae groups were formed by war veterans who had fought during the Korean War, while others were established by individuals seeking power and wealth through criminal activities. These groups often operated in close association with politicians, businessmen, and law enforcement officials, which led to widespread corruption and lucrative illegal partnerships between gangs and regular society.
As they became more influential and wider reaching, they clashed with the more established Yakuza gangs of Japan. These clashes honed the Kkangpae into more disciplined and highly organized gangs and the Korean Mafia came of age. However, in the 1970s and 1980s, the South Korean government implemented strict anti-Kkangpae laws and cracked down on organized crime, resulting in a decline in their influence and activities. Today, the Korean mafia and the Japanese Yakuza are strongly tied together, and a significant number of Yakuza members are of Korean descent.
Korean Kkangpae are a formidable force in South Korea’s criminal underworld. Understanding their origins, structure, and activities can provide insight into the complex world of Korean Kkangpae and shed light on the ongoing battle against organized crime in the country. While efforts have been made to combat their influence, Kkangpae groups continue to pose a challenge to law enforcement agencies in South Korea. And today, the Kkangpae groups have evolved with the times and operate in a more covert and sophisticated manner, often involved more in white than blue collar crimes.
Red Wa – Myanmar
The Red Wa are a little known but very powerful group who more or less control the drug industry in southeast Asia’s Golden Triangle…allegedly. Born of the ‘wild’ Wa, a moniker given to the Wa during the British occupation of Myanmar for their head hunting practices, the Wa are an ancient tribe from northern Myanmar with accounts of the Wa appearing in traveller’s tales for more than 1,000years.
In modern times, post British rule in Myanmar, many of the 154 ethnic groups that call Myanmar home have formed armed militias to fight for independence and this fight has required funding – to arm, feed, train and equip the freedom fighters of these tribal armies. The funding has come largely from the production and sale (internationally) of illicit drugs. And it is from this dark world that the Red Wa have emerged.
Possibly formed from ex freedom fighters and soldiers from the Wa Sate’s own UWSA (United Wa State Army) the Red WA are said to control the production and sale of methamphetamines from the Golden Triangle…allegedly (in the name of keeping my head attached to my shoulders). Does this industry and the profits from it support the fight for freedom of the Wa? Possibly. Does having an organization like the Red Wa ‘taking care of business’ help to keep the UWSA’s hands clean? Possibly. But there is no doubt of the Red Wa’s power. The Wa are the only ethnic in all of Myanmar to have been given an autonomous state within Myanmar, located in the eastern Shan State on the border of China’s Yunnan Province, an excellent location for trade and business you might say. Their influence is felt far beyond the borders of Myanmar, with the products of their business shipped across the world forming ties with many of the world’s biggest mafia gangs. And there are those that say the Red Wa are the most powerful gang operating, certainly the richest, in Thailand today…allegedly.
Yakuza – Japan
The history of the Yakuza, or Japanese mafia, can be traced back to 17th century Japan. The Yakuza originated as street vendors and gamblers who formed mutual support networks known as ‘tekiya’ and ‘bakuto’ to protect their interests and provide for their communities. Over time, these groups grew in size and influence, evolving into a complex criminal organization with its own codes of conduct, rituals, and hierarchy and into the Yakuza Gang we know of today.
During the Edo period (1603-1868), the Yakuza played a role in Japanese society as protectors of the common people against corrupt officials and served as quasi-political entities. However, with the rise of industrialization and modernization in Japan, the Yakuza shifted their focus to illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution, extortion, and smuggling. Families of Yakuza connected across Japan and they very much became organized crime. This connection expanded their influence across various sectors of society, including finance, construction, and entertainment, committing crime for profit at all levels of society.
In the post-World War II era, the Yakuza faced increased scrutiny from law enforcement and government regulations. However, they adapted to the changing times and continued to operate behind a façade of legitimate businesses. Today, the Yakuza remains a prominent criminal organization in Japan, although their influence has waned in recent years due to stricter law enforcement measures and changing social attitudes towards organized crime.
The Yakuza are often pictured as men in smart black suits, white shirts, black ties and wearing dark wrap-around sunglasses. And beneath their suits, they are often heavily tattooed, with sleeves of traditional Japanese art covering their arms but just short enough to be covered by their suit jacket sleeves. Until recent times in Japanese society, it would only be Yakuza members that would be tattooed. Synonymous with the Japanese mafia, many onsen and public baths would put up signs to say that tattooed people were not allowed to bathe, as a tattoo was long the mark of a gangster in Japan. As was a missing finger. The Yakuza are known for their loyalty and discipline and if a member was deemed to have been disrespectful to a Yakuza family member they would voluntarily have their little finger cut off. Long supported by the political right-wing, today the Yakuza like to identify themselves as a chivalrous organization that upholds conservative traditions and they claim they act as a stabilizing influence within local communities. Only time will tell if Japan’s mafia, the Yakuza, will remain or slip into the shadows from whence they came.
The Triads – China
The Triads, who have their origins in mainland China, are also known as the Chinese Mafia. Over time, this highly organized gang has spread across Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and globally though the Chinese diaspora around the world. The Triads are known for their intricate organizational structure, secret rituals, and strong ties to Chinese cultural and political traditions. They are involved in various criminal activities such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, money laundering, and extortion. The Triads also have a significant presence in legitimate businesses such as real estate, finance, and entertainment, which they use to further their criminal operations. They are also known for their strict codes of loyalty and discipline, and their involvement in violent activities, including assassinations and turf wars, committed to maintain their dominance.
The history of the Triads can be traced back to the late 17th century in China where they originated as secret societies that were formed to resist the Qing Dynasty, which was the ruling dynasty at the time. However, over time, the Triads evolved into the criminal organization we know today. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Triads played a significant role in Chinese society, particularly in southern China and among Chinese communities abroad. They provided support and protection to Chinese immigrants in foreign lands and were involved in organized crime activities to generate income and wield power. The Triads became notorious for their rituals, and initiation ceremonies, which involved oaths of loyalty, blood rituals, and strict codes of conduct. Today, the Triads are considered to be one of the most powerful and influential criminal organizations in the world. The history of the Triads reflects the complex and multifaceted nature of organized crime and its deep ties to local culture, tradition and community.
To truly appreciate the beauty and diversity of Asia, it’s essential to be informed about all aspects of the region. By taking advantage of the knowledge and expertise of Secret Retreats Concierge Team, you can better understand the nuances of Asian culture, navigate unfamiliar territories, and ensure a safe and memorable trip. Contact our Concierge Team now for assistance and enjoy a fulfilling travel experience in this captivating continent.
