In recent years, the picturesque, Portuguese-run enclave of Macau has been notorious for its spasms of gangland violence. As triads battled for their cut of lucrative gambling revenues, they have been abetted by lax and corrupt law enforcement on both sides of the border with southern China. The mayhem not only scared tourists away but also besmirched Portugal's reputation. Few observers had harbored hopes for a change before Lisbon returned the territory to China next month. Only hours earlier, three other colleagues in crime were sent for execution for comparable offenses just north of the border in Zhuhai.
Authorities face a tough fight.
The problem of organized crime is endemic and rooted in economic realities. The testimony at Wan's trial showed that Macau's economic mainstay, gambling, is under a serious threat from the underworld. Alongside the legitimate casinos and racetracks exist the illicit gambling and loan-sharking that allow Broken Tooth and other thugs to make most of their money. Indeed, prostitution, bootleg booze and cigarettes, pornography and protection rackets are at best only sidelines for the gangsters. Like Macau itself, the triads will be obliged to depend on gambling for some time yet.