The China model of crime spreads
Thursday, July 15, 2010 at 12:06AM 
pic here
Wherever the Chinese go globally, they tend to enclave themselves far more than any other nationality. That kind of closed community-atmosphere is perfect for criminal activity, making it all that much harder for the local cops to penetrate illicit networks—as Italian cops are discovering.
With the mafia still entrenched in Sicily and the southern portion of Italy, it’s the Chinese triads who have moved into central and northern Italy, where previously the mob was decimated through effective prosecution.
You know that old bit about “carrying coal to Newcastle?” Well, it don’t get any better than exporting mafia to Italy.
It’ll be interesting to see how the Italian police go after the triads. They certainly have the experience and will, so maybe they’ll teach the world a thing or two about how to do this right.
Reader Comments (2)
I only had one case in Chicago's China Town. Victim's injuries were minor but the named offender refused to come forward. I had to talk to the offender's father and that got me into one of the "Tong" halls. Usually not open to non Chinese. The hall was quite large and had a beautiful wooden table that would seat about 40 people. The chairs were elaborately carved. Only the dad and I sat at the table. Dad said he would send his son to my office. The son came the next day accompanied by a well known Mafia (Italian that is) lawyer.
The dad's English was not good even though he had been born in Chicago and lived there his whole life. The son was an arrogant punk. Case never went to court as the victim refused to appear. Later learned the victim was compensated ( bought off) with a substantial amount of money.
The Mafia likes to work with groups that cannot be easily infiltrated by undercover officers. Complicated body tattoos and mutilation (chopping off finger tips) keep undercover officers away. Those guys in the photo look like a swell bunch of kids. The Mafia will find something for them to do.
It's a fascinating glide style choice, to give one self over completely to a gang. I've done some reading about the LA gang scene and those that try to break out, but then find themselves identified by those very symbols that previously identified them as belong to a certain gang.
That the Triads are pushing in to Italy is amazing, and I wonder how they intend to hide in plain sight. I can't speak on the Chinese population in Italy , but I imagine its not a diverse and integrated as it is in the US.
On a side note - I will cease to comment on this and other blogs under my real name, I've taken a job where there is a preference for commenting under a assumed name.
But I'll be around.