It was believed that the worldwide Chinese criminal fraternity, with the capital of this fraternity being Hong Kong and which had existed for many years, would leave for Canada, Australia, and America once Hong Kong reverted to Chinese rule in 1997. However, the reverse turned out to be the case. Not only did the Hong Kong triads or criminal gangs make arrangements with the new territory’s new overlords, but in Chinatowns all over the world, close links were forged with mainland Chinese interests. Today, emerging on the fringes of China is an entirely new breed of entrepreneur, such as the businesslike and well-connected, pinstriped suit-wearing managers of the Sun Yee On Triad. They are breaking new ground in areas like the Russian Far East, which could have far-reaching consequences for the stability of the entire region. Notes, references