14
2.50
Another tactic is that contractors are forced to employ a number of workers but only a few turn-up actually to work. Nevertheless the wage bills show payment to many. Workers themselves, together with the gangs, may form registered associations to control the supply of labour and then demand exceptionally high wages which the contractors will be forced to pay in order to meet contractual deadlines.
2.51
A number of small businesses in the urban and rural areas are subjected to subtle threats and are forced to pay relatively small sums to local triad gangs.
The supply of peach blossom trees at
Chinese New Year is yet another form of protection. These are given to shopkeepers free of charge but extortionate 'laisee' is demanded.
2.52
Those nightclubs which are not owned by triads may also be subjected to protection demands, with the management having to employ local street gangs, otherwise staged fights will occur.
WHITE COLLAR CRIME
2.53
It is only recently that white collar crime (such as fraud and counterfeiting) has had any triad and organised crime involvement. But there are indications that white collar crime generally, particularly frauds planned by persons who are members of triad societies, using corruption and fear, are on the increase.
2.54
Syndicates supplying identity cards and travel documents are interlinked with syndicates supplying forged bankers orders and cheques which are used on an international basis by overseas organised crime groups.
2.55
Credit card fraud is on the increase and involves persons who are members of triad societies and who operate nightclubs and retail outlets.
QUASI LEGITIMATE BUSINESSES
2.56
Quasi-legitimate businesses take two forms, legitimate concerns bought with illegal funds and the investment in certain areas of commerce and business, particularly nightclubs. Other areas where triads are involved are restaurants and mahjong schools.