Recap | Hong Kong triad attacks see firebombings, murders and gang wars from Kowloon to Macau
Discover gripping stories of Hong Kong’s dark history of triad violence down the years, highlighting the city’s struggles with organised crime
Dive into the dark underbelly of Hong Kong’s criminal history with these chilling accounts of triad violence from the South China Morning Post archives.
From the Kowloon restaurant firebombing, to the Luk Yu teahouse murder, to the Tsim Sha Tsui karaoke bar arson, explore notorious incidents of gang crime in the city.
1. When triads firebombed a Kowloon restaurant and mahjong club, killing 6 and injuring 24, over protection money
In 1990, triads unleashed a deadly firebomb attack on the King Ford Moon Restaurant and Mahjong Club in Hong Kong after the owners refused to pay ‘protection’ money, the South China Morning Post reported. This predawn petrol bomb assault in Hung Hom sparked fears about the city’s law and order, highlighting escalating gang violence.
2. Hong Kong TV star jailed for life, triad hitman executed over Central teahouse murder
In 2002, Hong Kong businessman Harry Lam was assassinated at the Luk Yu teahouse and former TV actor Yeung Ka-on was later jailed for paying triads to carry out the killing. The suspects were picked up in mainland China where a court in Shenzhen sentenced the triad contract killer to death.
3. When triad gangster the “Tiger of Wan Chai” Andely Chan and two associates were gunned down in Macau
In 1993, Macau witnessed a brutal triad assassination of Andely Chan, the ‘Tiger of Wan Chai’, and two associates, with two innocent women bystanders also injured. The shocking incident was believed to be retribution for Chan’s criminal activities in Hong Kong, the South China Morning Post reported at the time.
4. Triad revenge attack saw 17 killed in karaoke bar firebombing in Tsim Sha Tsui in 1997
The arson attack at the Top One karaoke bar in Hong Kong was orchestrated by members of the Sun Yee On triad seeking revenge for a minor altercation, the South China Morning Post reported. The investigation revealed a meticulously planned operation and led to the convictions of four men.
5. Hong Kong triad war saw 2 murders in 2 days amid clashes between 14K and Wo Shing Wo gangs
Explore the 1975 Hong Kong triad warfare between 14K and Wo Shing Wo, with two fatal clashes in Mong Kok and Tsuen Wan. The conflict escalated from a billiard hall attack to a spate of revenge killings that led to a life sentence for a 19-year-old murderer.
Part of this article was produced with the assistance of generative AI