Triad structure

Triads are Chinese secret societies, which had degenerated into criminal gangs. The triad gang that took charge in KWC was one of the most active and notorious triad societies in Hong Kong, the 14K. Another gang known as the ‘Ging Yi’ operated in KWC but the two did not clash aslong as neither infringed upon the other gangs territory. The two gangs even controlled the periodic police activity in the walled city at that time. The Triads knew about absolutely everything that happened in the walled city and if you were not one of them, you were vulnerable to every kind of threat. This motivated more of the youth to give their oath and become a ‘sai lo’. A ‘Sai lo’ is a younger brother to a more experienced gang member. By becoming a member, you receive protection in return for absolute obedience. Another benefit to joining the triads is the potential to make money by running errands for the Triad-run gambling dens and opium ‘divians’, or by selling tickets for the blue film theatre. At street level, triads make money by various illegal means and command fear by employing blackmail and violence. Triad members who stand at the 40 street entrances guarding this territory are known as watchmen and the give advance warnings of suspicious strangers or the appearance of police.

Triad Hierarchical Structure

o The heirarchial structure of the triad societies dictates the responsibilities of each member as well as the statues and earning power.

o Each member has an associated name and code number.

‘489’ or ‘Mountain master’ The highest rank or the boss
‘415’ or ‘White Paper Fan’	‘426’ or ‘Red Pole’ The actual power of triads lies at the ground level of the hierarchy. Usually, a triad "official" ("Red Pole") leads a group of 15 active members, and wields aggression on a turf.		‘432’ or ‘Straw Sandal’
‘49’ or ‘Sai Lo’ The lowest rank of the triads and is a younger brother attached to an elder brother known as a ‘Dai Lo’