Driven by desperation or tempted by easy money, South Asians in Hong Kong are joining triad-linked criminal gangs. And the problem is on the rise.
Some of the gang members are asylum seekers, who by law cannot work to feed themselves; others are criminal fugitives from their own countries; but many are long-time Hong Kong residents, say a police officer, an immigration consultant and a criminal gang member.
'The gangs are well-organised and are increasing in number. The majority of people from South Asia who are involved have no other option but to do this if they want to survive in Hong Kong,' said the gang member, an asylum seeker from Pakistan who has lived in the city for five years and deals drugs.
Police play down the problem, but acknowledge such gangs are growing in number as the struggle to make ends meet gets harder for a growing South Asian underclass.
A senior police officer, who spoke on condition of not being identified, explained that those involved were from a 'real stew of different backgrounds'.
Some were asylum seekers, while others were second- or third-generation Hong Kong residents. Others were working legitimately or just holidaying on a tourist visa. The temptation to make money fast was what led most to break the law, he said.