The Triads, or Triad Society, are a secret society and crime syndicate based in Hong Kong with branches all over the world. They are also known as the "Chinese Mafia." The name refers to the harmony between man, Earth, and heaven.BBC News: Terror of the Secretive Triads
Ranks
According to BBC News, Triad ranks are noted by names and numbers:BBC News: Terror of the Secretive Triads
- 489: Shan Chu (leader)
- 438: Fu Shan Chu (next in command to leader)
- 426: Red Pole (fighters)
- 415: White Paper Fan (business)
- 432: Grass Sandal (lowest rank)
Triads Timeline
1760: The Tiandihui, an anti-Manchu secret society and precursor to the Triads, is formed
1911: The Xinhai Revolution creates a group of displaced rebels who join crime syndicates
1949: Pressure from the Chinese Communist Party forces Triad groups to Hong Kong
1956: The Hong Kong Riots lead to official pressure on Triads in the city
1960-1974: A corrupt police force relies on the Hong Kong Triads to control the city
1974: The establishment of the ICAC ends Triad control of the Hong Kong police
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References
Fast Facts
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Originally founded as a patriotic organization called Tian Di Hui to fight imperialism in the 18th century
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Initiation consists of the sacrifice of an animal and recitation of oathsAmerican Mafia.com: The Phenomenon of the Chinese Triads
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Traditional Triad weapons include the machete and meat cleaver
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In addition to other crimes such as drug dealing and extortion, the Triads have been blamed for human traffickingBBC News: Terror of the Secretive Triads
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Organized in the United States, Australia, Holland, and Malaysia in addition to China
