File:KWC_-_1989_Aerial.jpg · Wikimedia Commons · See Wikimedia Commons
triad
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criminal organization based in China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Southeast Asia and other areas with significant Chinese diaspora
Key facts
- Named after
- Union of Heaven, Earth and Man, Chinese mythology, and traditional Chinese folk religion customs
- Founding location
- Canton , Hong Kong , Macau
- Territory
- Mainland China , Hong Kong , Macau , Southeast Asia , Japan , South Korea , Taiwan , North America , Brazil , Argentina , Peru , Australia , New Zealand , Canada , United Kingdom , France , Italy , Netherlands , Belgium , Germany , Spain , Romania , Bulgaria , Russia , and South Africa
- Ethnicity
- Han Chinese
via Wikipedia infobox
Wikidata facts
- Image
- 杜月笙與梅蘭芳等.png
Show 3 more facts
- native label
- 三合會
- Commons category
- Triads (underground society)
- nickname
- Gelbe Mafia
via Wikidata · CC0
~40 min read
Article
A triad is a Chinese transnational organised crime syndicate based in Greater China with outposts in various countries having significant overseas Chinese populations.
The triads originated from secret societies formed in the 18th and 19th centuries, some influenced by white lotus societies of the 14th century, with the intent of overthrowing the minority Manchu-ruling Qing dynasty. In the Republican era of early 20th century, triads were enlisted by the Nationalist regime to attack political enemies, including assassinations. Following the foundation of the People's Republic of China and subsequent crackdowns by the Chinese Communist Party, triads and their operations retreated to Hong Kong, Macau and overseas Chinese communities. Since the Reform and Opening Up period, triads and other triad-like criminal organisations re-emerged in mainland China. In modern times, triads overseas have been reported to have connections to the government of the People's Republic of China.