Asian crime groups are discussed according to national origins as Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, and Cambodian. The discussion distinguishes between gangs composed mostly of adults and those that consist mainly of youth or young adults. The Chinese and Japanese adult gangs share many common characteristics with the western organized crime groups (Mafia), such as well-structured hierarchical, sworn loyalty and secrecy to the organization, absolute obedience to superiors, use of fear and violence as a means of control, and involvement in racketeering. Unlike the western gangs, most of the Chinese and Japanese gangs are at least semi-open in their societies, and some of them as individuals or groups command a degree of admiration and respect in the Asian community. Their victims in the United States live primarily within Asian communities. Primary factors that contribute to the rise of gangs, as suggested by Knox (1991), are being economically disadvantaged, racism/oppression, and political corruption. A fundamental difficulty in dealing with the Asian or minority gang problem is the lack of basic research and understanding. Intervention methods suggested are suppression, social intervention, social opportunities, and organizational development or change. There are some indications that Asian gang problems have gained a little attention from different levels of government and within Asian communities. Based on the information presented, the author concludes that although Asian gangs have not become a menace to the larger society, the potential for this to happen exists. 22 references