'God of racing' among three triad leaders held in crackdown

Three alleged top triad leaders were among 66 people arrested yesterday in a continuing crackdown on organised crime - a battle described by a senior officer as 'never-ending'.

The arrests included the alleged Tsim Sha Tsui faction leader of the 14K triad, nicknamed Teddy. Police said he was an officer bearer for the society and responsible for communicating between different factions.

His gang allegedly controlled entertainment clubs in Tsim Sha Tsui and was involved in extortion, prostitution and drug trafficking.

A Chinese-language newspaper reported on Monday that Teddy had become a Christian and been baptised years ago. The report said he also steered a number of gangsters towards the church. The report quoted Teddy as saying he ran a legitimate business and was recruiting former gangsters.

Officers also arrested notorious road racer Jim Chong-shing, dubbed the 'god of racing'. The 52-year-old is suspected of being an officer bearer of the Wo On Lok triad.

He was arrested on suspicion of driving without a valid licence and claiming to be a member of a triad society. Police said his gang was involved in stealing cars and road racing.

The third big arrest was 'Four Eyes Chuen', who police suspect is a triad faction leader and office-bearer for the Wo Shing Wo. His faction is allegedly involved in drug trafficking, extortion and the sale of counterfeit goods in Mong Kok.