Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

The suppression of black societies in China

  • Published:
Trends in Organized Crime Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Recent events have shifted the way the Chinese state responds to organized crime and corruption. The re-definition of organized crime, improved judicial oversight and the re-assessment of ‘strike-hard’ style police campaigns are key reforms. This paper discusses the recent changes in law, practice and oversight in the context of a brief overview of criminal groups in China and the Chongqing policing model. Revisions to the criminal law are described and the likely outcomes are assessed in the context of the key struggle to contain corruption and organized crime.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

Notes

  1. The 8th Amendment to the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) passed at the 19th meeting of the Standing Committee of the 11th National People’s Congress on February 25, 2011 and entering into force on May 1, 2011.

  2. The new criminal procedure law was passed at the 5th meeting of the 11th NPC March 14, 2012 as the Amendment of the Criminal Procedure Law of the PRC (Order No. 55 of the President of the PRC) with effect form January 1 2013.

  3. Chinese terms for crime groups are often translated as triads or mafia-like groups and recently ‘gangster/gangland’ has appeared but the phrase ‘black’ societies is the common colloquial– preferred here given the historical significance of secret societies denoted by the English term triad. Hong Kong-style triads expanded into the mainland because they were more egalitarian and enjoyed the haven provided by British Hong Kong unlike the more structured Shanghai ‘green gang’ (ching bang) which had not survived the exile to Hong Kong.

  4. For example, economic development in Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and many coastal cities attracted millions of rural migrants from all over China. The emerging market economy created a market for protection and corruption. Shenzhen was a focal point of Hong Kong and Taiwanese triad-like gangs because of a demand for illicit services, and drug smuggling (Broadhurst and Lee 2009).

  5. Zhou and Li (2010) found few cases of triads in international cases and they argued that since the transfer of Hong Kong to the control of the PRC triads had weakened in Hong Kong – a plausible conclusion when displacement to other parts of China is considered (Broadhurst and Lee 2009).

  6. The Wikipedia entry for “Wang Lijun”, for example, cites over 20 news reports about the “Wang Lijun Incident” and the likely reasons for such a dramatic incident (English sources include the South China Morning Post, and New York Times, and those in Chinese the Southern Weekly and Chongqing Daily, see China Digital Times 2012).

  7. Translation provided by Peking University Center for Legal Information: LawInfoChina at http://www.lawinfochina.com/.

  8. Article 294: “Whoever teaches methods for committing a crime shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than 5 years, criminal detention or control; if the circumstances are serious, be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than 5 years but not more than 10 years; or if the circumstances are especially serious, be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than 10 years or life imprisonment.”

  9. Article 293: “Whoever disrupts the social order by committing any of the following provocative and disturbing acts shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not more than 5 years, criminal detention or control: (1) Assaulting any other person at will, with execrable circumstances (qua ‘consequences’ – translation unclear); (2) Chasing, intercepting, reviling or intimidating any other person, with execrable circumstances; (3) Taking or demanding forcibly or vandalizing or occupying at will public or private property, with serious circumstances; or (4) Making trouble in a public place, which causes a serious disorder of the public place. Whoever assembles other people to commit the acts as mentioned in the preceding paragraph many times, which seriously disrupt the social order, shall be sentenced to imprisonment of not less than 5 years but not more than 10 years and may be fined in addition.”

  10. Personal communication with Professors Chen, Weidong, Fan Chongyi, Song Yinghui and Gu Yongzhong, March 30, 2012 Griffith University,

References

  • Ainsfield J and Johnson I (2012) Ousted Chinese leader is said to have spied on other top officials, New York Times, April 25, 2012

  • An J, Li J-M, Shi D-L (2010) Examine the sufficiency of law against organisations with character of Black Society—take the case of “Cai-ping Xie” for example. Soc Sci J Univ Shanxi 22(4):68–70 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Ayling J, Broadhurst R (2012) The suppression of organised crime: new approaches and problems. In: Prenzler T (ed) Best practice in policing and security. Palgrave Macmillan, London, pp 37–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Bakken B (2005) Introduction: crime, control and modernity in China. In: Bakken B (ed) Crime, punishment and policing in China. Rowman and Littlefield, Lanham, pp 1–28

    Google Scholar 

  • Broadhurst R (2012) Chinese ‘Black Societies’ and triad-like organised crime in China. In: Allum F, Gilmour S (eds) Handbook of transnational organised crime. Routledge, London, pp 157–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Broadhurst R, Lee K (2009) The transformation of triad ‘Dark’ Societies in Hong Kong: the impact of law enforcement, and socio-economic and political change. Security Challenges 5(4):1–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Broadhurst R, Bacon-Shone J, Bouhours B, Lee KW and Zhong LY (2010) Hong Kong, The United Nations International Crime Victim Survey: Final Report of the 2006 Hong Kong UNICVS, The University of Hong Kong and The Australian National University, Hong Kong and Canberra: 64

  • Buckley C (2012) China domestic security spending rises to $111 billion, March 2011, available via Reuters. http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/05/us-china-parliament-security-idUSTRE82403J20120305

  • Cai F, Wang M (2010) Urbanisation with Chinese characteristics’. In: Garnaut R, Golley J, Song L (eds) China: the next twenty years of reform and development. ANU Press, Canberra, pp 319–340

    Google Scholar 

  • Chan M (2012) Crime fighter humbled after fall from power, South China Morning Post, February 10, 2012

  • Chin K, Zhang SX (2003) The declining significance of triad societies in transnational illegal activities: a structural deficiency perspective. Br J Criminol 43(3):469–488

    Google Scholar 

  • China Digital Times (2012) Reports: Bo Xilai offers resignation (English version), February 27, 2012, Available via http://chinadigitaltimes.net/china/wang-lijun/

  • Chiu G-P (2010) Review on organisation with character of Black Society in China in the past 60 years. Crime Invest 1:6–9 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Choi CY (2007) Triad invasion growing, says Guangdong court, South China morning post, September 5, 2007

  • Chu YK (2005) Hong Kong triads after 1997. Trends Organize Crime 8(3):5–12

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Clarke D (2007) The Chinese legal system since 1995: steady development and striking continuities. China Q 191:555–566

    Google Scholar 

  • Cole JM (2010) Calmer waters: Taiwan’s four seas gang diversifies, Jane’s Intelligence Review, July: 44–47

  • Dai M-L (2010) Exploring the connection between organised crime and corruption—a case study on “Chian- LI”. Public Secur Sci J & J Zhejiang Police Coll 3:66–68, in Chinese

    Google Scholar 

  • Dasgupta S (2010) China’s stock fraud totals $30 billion, the times of India, November 27, 2010, available via articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-11-27/india-business/28257324_1_insider-trading-stock-markets-capital-market

  • Dui Hua Foundation (2011) Taming police influence in politico-legal committees, Dui Hua Human Rights Journal, November 29, 2011, available via http://www.duihuahrjournal.org/2011/11/taming-police-influence-in-politico.html

  • Dutton M (2006) Policing Chinese politics: a history. Duke University, Durham and London

    Google Scholar 

  • Golley J, Song L (2010) Chinese economic reform and development: achievements, emerging challenges and unfinished tasks. In: Garnaut R, Golley J, Song L (eds) China: the next twenty years of reform and development. ANU E-Press, Canberra, pp 1–18

    Google Scholar 

  • He B (2009) Research of organized crime in China, Qunzhong Chubanshe, Beijing (in Chinese)

  • Hong Kong Fight Crime Committee (1986) A discussion document on options for changes in the law and in the administration of the law to counter the triad problem. Hong Kong: Fight Crime Committee Secretariat, Hong Kong

  • Huang K (2006) Chongqing police criticised for offering to protect businesses, South China morning post, September 27, 2006

  • Ip PF (1999) Organized crime in Hong Kong, Proceedings of symposium on organized crime in the 21st century, centre for criminology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, available via http://www.crime.hku.hk/

  • Klitgaard RE (1991) Controlling Corruption. University of California Press, Berkley

  • LaFraniere S and Ansfield J (2012) Crime crackdown adds to scandal surrounding former chinese official, New York Times, March 26, 2012, available via http://www.nytimes.com/2012/03/27/world/asia/bo-xilais-china-crime-crackdown-adds-to-scandal.html

  • LaFraniere S and Wines M (2012) Briton in a Chinese scandal reportedly brokered overseas money transfers, New York Times, April 16, 2012 http://www.nytimes.com/2012/04/16/world/asia/bo-xilais-briton-chinese-scandal

  • Lam W (2008) The CCP strengthens control over the judiciary. China Brief 8(14): July 3, 2008

  • Lam W (2009) The CCP’s disturbing revival of maoism. China Brief 9(23): November 19, 2009

  • Lam W (2012) Hu draws blood in Wang Lijun scandal. China Brief 12(5): March 2, 2012

  • Lewis M (2007) China’s implementation of the United Nations convention against transnational organized crime. Asian J Criminol 2(2):179–196

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lewis L (2011) Mistakenly-released report reveals embarrassing extent of Chinese corruption, times (re-published in The Australian), June 17, 2011 available via www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/accidentally-released-report-reveals-embarrassing-extent-of-chinese-corruption/story-e6frg6so-1226076938605

  • Li Q (2010) Probity culture of public officers and the construction of an integrity system. Conference Proceedings, Centre for International Corruption Studies, HKSAR ICAC, September 16–18, 2010

  • Lintner B (2004) Chinese organized crime. Global Crime 6(1):84–96

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Liu, Y (2011) Bo Xilai’s campaign for the standing committee and the future of Chinese politicking. China Brief 11(21): November 11, 2011, available via http://www.jamestown.org/single/?no_cache=1&tx_ttnews[tt_news]=38660&tx_ttnews[backPid]=517

  • Liu X, Wu Y (2002) Discussion on defining organisation with characters of Black Society (II). Crime Investig 2:25–28 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Lo TW (2010) Beyond social capital: triad organized crime in Hong Kong and China. Br J Criminol 50(5):851–872

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Lo TW (2011) Triadization of youth gangs in Hong Kong. Br J Criminol 51(5):851–872

    Google Scholar 

  • McConville M et al (2011) Criminal justice in China: an empirical study. Edward Elgar, Cheltenham

    Google Scholar 

  • Mo H and Zhen Y (2010) An empirical study on organised crime in middle part of China—Hunan, Hubei and Heinan. Social Scientist (1):86–90 (in Chinese)

  • National People’s Congress (2012) Highlights: premier Wen’s government work report, NPC News Release, March 4, 2012, available via http://www.npc.gov.cn/englishnpc/news/Events/2012-03/04/content_1697818.htm

  • Newman G (ed) (1999) Global report on crime and criminal justice. United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention, New York

    Google Scholar 

  • Ng T (2010) Lawyer reveals grim details of client’s torture. South China Morning Post 29 July, 2010

  • People’s Daily (n.d.) Deng Xiaoping, available via english.peopledaily.com.cn/data/people/dengxiaoping.shtml

  • People’s Daily (2005) Building harmonious society crucial for China’s progress: Hu, June 26, 2005, available via http://english.people.com.cn/200506/27/print20050627_192495.html

  • Reuters (2012) China premier Wen Jiabao’s comments at NPC press conference, March 14, 2012, Beijing, available at http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/03/14/china-npc-highlights-idUSL4E8EE11K20120314

  • Shelley L (1995) Privatization and crime: the post-soviet experience. J Contemp Crim Justice 11:244–256

    Google Scholar 

  • Spapens T (2010) Macro networks, collectives, and business processes: an integrated approach to organized crime. Eur J Crime Crim Law Crim Justice 18:185–215

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Sun L, Shen Y, Guo Y, Jin J, Ying X, Bi X (2010) Tsinghua report-new thinking on stability maintenance: long-term social stability via institutionalised expression of interests. Leaders 33:11–24 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Supreme People’s Court (2000) The supreme people’s court judicial interpretation of certain issues related to the specific application of laws to prosecute an organization of the characteristics of a Black Society, passed at the No. 1148 Judicial Committee Meeting, Available via Chinalawinfo.com

  • Tan Y, Yang G (2009) An empirical study on organizations with characters of Black Society in North-West region. Legal System and Society 12:113–114 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Tanner M, Green E (2007) Principals and secret agents: central vs. local control over policing and obstacles to “Rule of Law: in China”. China Q 191:644–670

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • The Economist (2009) The red and the black - as the People’s Republic celebrates its 60th birthday, the gangsterism the communists boasted of vanquishing has staged a comeback, October 1, 2009, available via http://www.economist.com/node/14539628

  • Trevaskes S (2010) Policing serious crime in China: from “Strike Hard” to “Kill Fewer”. Routledge, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Trevaskes S (2011) Political ideology, the party, and politicking: justice system reform in China. Mod China 37:315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • von Lampe K (2009) Human capital and social capital in criminal networks: introduction to the special issue on the 7th Blankensee Colloquium. Trends Organize Crime 12:93–100

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Wakeman F (1995) Policing Shanghai 1927–1937. University of California Press, Berkeley

    Google Scholar 

  • Wall Street Journal (2012a) Chongqing mayor reveals role in drama outside U.S. Consulate, China real time report, March 6, 2012, available via http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2012/03/06/chongqing-mayor-reveals-role-in-drama-outside-u-s-consulate/

  • Wall Street Journal (2012b) New details on Chongqing drama, not fit for TV, China real time report, March 2, 2012, http://blogs.wsj.com/chinarealtime/2012/03/02/new-details-on-chongqing-drama-not-fit-for-tv/

  • Wang H, Zhou X, Jiang T (2003) Penetration into Guangdong by Triads from Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan and its prevention and crackdown countermeasures. China Crim Police 15(3):63–71 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wedeman A (2004) The intensification of corruption. China Q 180:859–921

    Google Scholar 

  • Wines M and Ansfield J (2012), Report on ousted China official shows effort at damage control, New York Times, March 19, 2012

  • Xia M (2008) Organizational formations of organized crime in China: perspectives from the state, markets, and networks. J Contemp China 17(54):1–23

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Xie Y, Wang Y (2005) Research on organized crime: ten-year review, evaluation and prospect. J Crime Res 3:19–35 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yam T (2001a) Fighting Hong Kong organised crime, the organised and serious crime ordinance, resource materials Series No 58, UNAFEI, Fuchu Tokoyo: 14–26, Available via www.unafei.or.jp/english/pdf/PDF_rms/no58/58-03.pdf

  • Yam T (2001b) Triads, resource materials series No 58, UNAFEI, Fuchu Tokoyo: 27–39, Available via www.unafei.or.jp/english/pdf/PDF_rms/no58/58-03.pdf

  • Yang J-J (2010) A new trend on the development of Black Society Organisation. Probe 2:139–143 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Yung C and Page J (2012) Scandal ensnares relatives of fallen Chinese leader. Wall St J (Asia Business): April 26, 2012

  • Zhang S (2009a) Analysing the nature of bang hui. J Jiangsu Police College 24(5):112–116 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang Y (2009b) Rethinking on the notion and development of organised crime in China. Renmin Univ Law Rev 1:219–229 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang T (2010) Analysis of an organisation with character of Black Society. Criminol J 2:204–219 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhang S, Chin K (2008) Snakeheads, mules, and protective umbrellas: a review of current research on Chinese organized crime. Crime Law Soc Change 50(3):177–195

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zhou X (2009) An interpretation of “Underworld Organization”. J Polit Sci Law 26(6):34–40 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zhou G, Li Q (2010) Analysis on the organised crime in Hong Kong. Chinese Crim Sci 4:96–109 (in Chinese)

    Google Scholar 

  • Zou K (2000) Towards rule of law in China: experiences in the last two decades. China Report 36(4):491–509 (in Chinese)

    Article  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Australian National University, Canberra, Australia

    Roderic Broadhurst

Authors
  1. Roderic Broadhurst
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Roderic Broadhurst.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Broadhurst, R. The suppression of black societies in China. Trends Organ Crim 16, 95–113 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-012-9174-0

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12117-012-9174-0

Keywords

Search

Navigation