INTRODUCTION

Triads and bryokudan are two major kinds of criminal organizations in Asia. Triads originated in China but have spread to many major Southeast Asian countries, such as Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Boryokudan are criminal organizations in Japan. Their members, boryokudanin, are informally referred to as yakuza. In recent decades, triads and boryokudan have established bases in the United States and Europe. This chapter provides an account of the origin and modern-day operation of triads and boryokudan, and a description of the context that supports the growth of these organizations.

THE ORIGIN OF THE TRIADS

Triads initially emerged to fill a need in society, providing services and protection that were unavailable or hard to obtain from the government. Members of these groups occupied a marginal status in society. They were often outcasts or lost their social status due to changes in the social system. Gradually, they expanded and began to “sell” protection to others who needed it. Lacking legitimate means, they resorted to violence and intimidation to protect themselves and their customers. Due to the nature of their business, triads have many opportunities to engage in illegal activities. Criminal activities are also a good source of power and profits to sustain these organizations.