Inside the Life of a Former Triad Member: From Gangster to Normalcy

🔑Triads in Hong Kong have a strict hierarchical structure, with top-level members controlled by one family.

💼Triads are involved in both legal and illegal businesses, such as production companies, bowling alleys, money laundering, and drug trafficking.

🔥Triad wars in Hong Kong involved territorial disputes and were often carried out with knives, due to strict firearm laws.

💰Triads collect protection money from businesses, with higher-level members managing multiple sources of income.

🙅‍♂️Leaving the triad is challenging, and those who act against the group may face severe consequences, including death.

Why did Jimmy Tsui decide to leave the triad?

—After surviving being shot five times, Tsui realized he was getting older and tired of the gangster life. He made the decision to leave and return to a normal life.

What happened after Tsui was shot?

—He was taken to the hospital and underwent surgery. Four bullets were removed, but one bullet could not be taken out as it was lodged in his bone.

How did triads operate in Hong Kong and the United States?

—In Hong Kong, the triads controlled various industries, such as the movie business, and exerted influence through connections and coercion. In the United States, they primarily engaged in money collection and illegal activities like drug trafficking and money laundering.

What were the roles and positions within the triad hierarchy?

—The triad hierarchy consisted of the top level (controlled by one family), generals, soldiers, and blue lanterns. Other positions included white paper fan (in charge of money) and messengers.

How did triad wars in Hong Kong unfold?

—Triad wars involved territorial disputes between different triads. Conflict was often carried out with knives due to strict firearm laws. The wars sometimes resulted in injuries or fatalities.

00:00Jimmy Tsui, a former high-level member of the Sun Yee On triad, shares his story and insights.

03:22Triads in Hong Kong operate under a strict hierarchical structure, with one family controlling the top-level members.

07:53Triad members had various positions and hand signs to identify their roles and power within the organization.

10:33Triad wars in Hong Kong involved territorial disputes and were often carried out with knives due to strict firearm laws.

14:18Jimmy Tsui was shot five times, which led to his decision to leave the triad and live a normal life.

15:52Triad members controlled various industries in Hong Kong, including the movie business, and had strong connections with police and correctional facilities.

16:34Leaving the triad was challenging, and those who acted against the group faced severe consequences, including death.

13:54After leaving the triad, Jimmy Tsui returned to a normal life and reflects on his past experiences.