The Suppression of Black Societies in China

Abstract

Recent events have shifted the way the Chinese state responds to organized crime and corruption. The re-definition of organized crime, improved judicial oversight and the re-assessment of ‘strike-hard’ style police campaigns are key reforms. This paper discusses the recent changes in law, practice and oversight in the context of a brief overview of criminal groups in China and the Chongqing policing model. Revisions to the criminal law are described and the likely outcomes are assessed in the context of the key struggle to contain corruption and organized crime.

Keywords: corruption, organised crime, triads, China, Wang Lijun, Bo Xilia, Chongqing, black societies

JEL Classification: K14