2. The Hong Kong Connection

About this episode

The episode explores the history and influence of the Triads in Hong Kong and Britain, focusing on the life of Georgie Pai and the organized crime activities of these secret societies.

From the neon-lit Chinatowns of Britain to the back streets of Hong Kong, we learn why the Triads were feared by so many. The secret societies were formed hundreds of years ago as resistance movements but morphed into organised crime. Triad membership has long been outlawed in Hong Kong, but for decades they were a powerful and insidious force. Their influence stretched across continents, with the groups involved in drugs, extortion, prostitution, armed robbery, kidnappings and loan sharking. We visit Georgie Pai’s birthplace, a rural village close to the border of mainland China. Through those who knew him and the history of the region, we uncover how he was recruited into Wo Shing Wo and track his rise to the position of Red Pole – an enforcer with an army of disciples. But all that power can come at a cost. Presenter: Livvy Haydock Series Producer: Hayley Mortimer Technical Producer: Richard Hannaford Producers: Patrick Kiteley & Matt Toulson Fixer in Hong Kong: Michelle Chan Music: Andy Simms and Reliable Source Music Journalism Assistants: Hattie Valentine & Ellie Dover Commissioning Producer: Sam Proffitt Commissioning Executive: Lorraine Okuefuna and Louise…

People in this episode

Host: Livvy Haydock

Topics covered

• Triads
• organized crime
• Hong Kong
• Chinatowns
• drug trafficking
• extortion
• cultural history

Keywords

• Triads
• organized crime
• Hong Kong
• Georgie Pai
• Wo Shing Wo
• drug trafficking
• extortion
• prostitution
• loan sharking
• cultural history

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Wo Shing Wo, Golden Harvest, Paragon Films, Hong Kong Stuntmen Association

Books & works: Drunken Master II

Places: Hong Kong, Britain, China

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