Minimizing crime and corruption in Hong Kong

Abstract

In defining organized crime, discussion is not restricted to the crimes committed by Triad societies; other non-Triad-related organized crimes are also examined, if appropriate. Both forms of crime, share some of the following core elements: continual and self-perpetuating criminal conspiracy, goal of large financial gain, multiple criminal enterprises, involvement in legitimate businesses, violence, corruption, discipline, and limited vulnerability to prosecution. The colonial government's primary concern was not social development, but economic growth. The police corruption cases illustrate the power of the people, which had in fact been rising since the 1970s. The political-criminal nexus (PCN) that developed between property developers and corrupt officials in government departments was maintained through different forms of "give and take" relationships. The PCN involving housing officials and developers did exist in the top echelons of the government. Legislative Council hearings on the firing of senior assistant director of Independent Commission Against Corruption, Alex Tsui Ka-kit, revealed the development of corrupt relationships over several years.