TNAG-1555-FCO40-2119-Broadcasting-in-Hong-Kong-1986 — Page 61

2.23

In emerging organised crime groups such as those which may own only one or two small vice dens, the same will apply, but once the heads of these syndicates expand, then the whole structure of the syndicate is so designed that even if a few individuals are arrested, its activities will continue. This is not to say that these major syndicates are invulunerable. On the contrary, with careful assessments so that attacks are directed at the heart of the syndicate from all sides, then it can suffer irrepairable damage.

2.24

Money is the primary motivation of any conspiratorial group involved in continuing criminal activity. In acquiring this wealth the group may, through monopolistic control of one or more enterprises, obtain some degree of economic power. Even without such power, wealthy individuals will certainly attempt to influence the political system through both legal and corrupt practices.

2.25

The illegal acts committed by members of the group, for which monetary gain is the primary motive, will be perpetrated through the use of one or more of the following

* deception

* fear

* violence

* theft

* victim collusion and/or

* victim participation

But the persons actually committing acts of violence will usually be on the lower rung of the ladder. They may well be prosecuted. But those who ordered the acts are so far removed as to make prosecution using normal procedures very difficult.

2.26

The legal means adopted by these syndicates involve quasi-legitimate enterprises. Syndicates operate businesses and companies, which comply with the relevant laws in respect to registration and submission of annual returns, but the true purpose of the enterprises are concealed or deliberately mis-stated. The intent or purpose of a quasi-legitimate enterprise is to further