The renewed outbreak of violence in Macau has been linked to struggles within the 14K triad.
The leaders of the largest triad gang in Macau are thought to be losing their grip on younger followers, leading to unsanctioned score-settling and revenge attacks.
With the economic slump hitting gangsters on the fringes of the nine casinos, up-and-coming elements are believed to be trying to make their mark through violence.
Sources say an 18-month turf war between the 14K and Shui Fong triads over casino-related rackets was settled last year when alleged 14K leader 'Broken Tooth' Koi gained an interest in a number of casino VIP rooms.
Koi, who opened a nightclub a few months ago, is understood to have lost some control over his followers when he was forced to leave the enclave temporarily last year to escape arrest.
But many of his underlings, who make money from loansharking, protection, unauthorised chip dealing and the smuggling of people and cargo, are reputed to be increasingly keen to show their might through violence.
'The previous war had calmed down, but some of the younger elements are, to a certain extent, uncontrollable,' one source said.