BEIJING yesterday expressed alarm at the growing problem of Hongkong triads laundering money through China, and pledged to stamp it out.
A top official also revealed Beijing had taken steps to try to ensure there were no more incursions into Hongkong waters by mainland patrol ships.
China's Interpol chief, Mr Zhu Entao, told a visiting delegation of 29 district board members Hongkong triads were laundering money through the mainland as foreign investment.
Mr Zhu, also director general of the International Co-operation Department of the Chinese Public Security Ministry, said most of the cases discovered were in southern China.
''The Ministry of Public Security has contacted other concerned ministries and departments about the problem of money laundering conducted by Hongkong triads,'' he said.
Mr Zhu said Hongkong triads arrested for money laundering had been involved in drug trafficking and various economic crimes.
He reiterated that China would prohibit Hongkong triads from conducting criminal activities and developing sister organisations on the mainland.
