What if I told you Man Kok Tsui might be closer to a triad hideout than a tourist haven? Sun Yee On is one of Hong Kong’s most notorious triads. It has a global reach.
Man Kok Tsui’s story is intertwined with Sun Yee On’s history. It was founded in 1919 by Heung Chin from Teochew. Sun Yee On means New Righteousness and Peace Commercial and Industrial Guild. Yee On is a historical name for Chaozhou.
The triad expanded through the Chinese diaspora. It reached the United States and Canada. It also spread to Thailand, Australia, South Africa and Central America. Chin was deported to Taiwan in the early 1950s. His son Heung Wah-yim allegedly took over. He worked as a law clerk.
In 1986, Anthony Chung a former police officer sought protection. He identified Heung Wah-yim as the triad leader. Police arrested eleven members in 1987. A list of 900 names was found in Heung Wah-yim’s office. It appeared to be a Sun Yee On membership list.
Heung Wah-yim claimed innocence. He said he was the president of a Lions Club chapter. He said the list was potential donors. Chung and another former member testified against him. In 1988, Heung Wah-yim was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison.
Sun Yee On operated vice establishments in Tsim Sha Tsui and Yau Ma Tei. In 2010, Sai B Chan was arrested for vice offenses and money laundering. He was an alleged office-bearer.
Lee Tai-lung a Sun Yee On boss was murdered in 2009. The Wo Shing Wo gang committed this act. It was a revenge attack ordered by Leung Kwok-chung. He was injured by Lee in 2006. After Lee’s death, his followers defended his empire.
Ko Tat tried to spread his influence across the harbor. Tai Hau tried to encroach upon Lee’s operations. An undercover police operation thwarted his attempts. 222 people were arrested in 2012. Ko Chun may be the latest kingpin of Lee’s turf.
In 2012, police arrested 102 Sun Yee On members in Shenzhen China. The anime Black Lagoon features a Sun Yee On branch in Roanapur. The 2012 video game Sleeping Dogs features an undercover cop infiltrating the Sun On Yee. It was inspired by Sun Yee On.
The triads use numeric codes to show rank. 489 is the Mountain or Dragon Master Head. 438 is the Deputy Mountain Master. 432 is the Straw Sandal rank. 426 is a military commander. 49 is a soldier. 415 is the White Paper Fan. 25 is an undercover agent.
Triad members participate in initiation ceremonies. They take place at an altar to Guan Yu. Members drink a wine and blood mixture. They pass under an arch of swords. They recite the triad’s oaths. Three fingers of the left hand are raised.
Sun Yee On’s influence extends beyond Hong Kong. It connects to global crime networks. Its history is a mix of power struggles and police crackdowns.
So next time you visit Man Kok Tsui remember its hidden stories. It is more than just a scenic spot. It is a place linked to Hong Kong’s underworld.