THE TRIADS AND THE SECRET SOCIETIES IN CHINA: BETWEEN MYTH AND DEMYSTIFICATION

This article is the result of the field research about the Triads and the Chinese organized crime, made in Hong Kong. It is based on local literature, suggested by researchers from local universities, also interviews with researchers, journalists, both former and current members of public security, and personal observation in the field research about the activities of these organizations. The focus is to address the symbolic roots and historical origins of the Chinese Triads as well as its structure and functioning, then differentiating it from the conventional idea of organized crime. Aiming an analysis interdisciplinary of the object, I use the geography, history and social sciences to deconstruct exaggerated, unrealistic and folkloric aspects and expose the current characteristics of this organization.

Organized crime; Chinese triads; Secret societies; Southeast Asia; China