With respect to the Chinese gangs, they started forming around the mid-1960's. One major reason for their formation was many Chinese students had trouble adjusting to school because of language and cultural barriers. They were ridiculed by students from other ethnic groups and heckled by American born Chinese. Gang Extortion Gangs can also be a business. It very often tends to be all about money.
Chinese gangs are no different.
It is a quick way to earn money. Gangs very often get involved in all sorts of extra-curricular activities. They can include gambling, prostitution, and drug trafficking. If you were a store owner in an inner city neighborhood, you might find yourself paying for protection. The idea of paying gangs to watch your property or business is not a new one.