Part V: Regional & Cultural · Asia-Pacific Regional Terms

1.22 14K Triad

Macau — Organized Crime

The 14K is one of the largest triad (Chinese organized crime) organizations in the world, founded in Guangzhou in 1945 and headquartered in Hong Kong. In Macau, the 14K was deeply involved in casino operations during the STDM monopoly era, controlling security, dispute resolution, bate-ficha networks, and debt collection within gambling halls. The 14K was in open violent conflict with the rival Wo On Lok triad in 1996-1997, resulting in more than three dozen murders in what became known as the “triad wars.” The conflict stemmed from competition for control of casino VIP rooms and their lucrative revenue streams.

In practice

14K leader Wan Kuok Kui (“Broken Tooth Koi”) was arrested in May 1998 and sentenced to 15 years in prison for criminal association, loan sharking, and illegal gambling, ending the triad wars.

One entry from the Casino Industry Glossary — 1,157 terms written for surveillance, compliance and operations professionals rather than for players. Definitions describe industry usage; where a term carries a regulatory meaning, verify against the instrument that governs your jurisdiction.