Executive Summary

Several organisations using the Hongmen name have appeared worldwide, with offices ranging from Colorado, USA to Taipei, Taiwan, amongst others. Recent investigations and reports show that several of these organisations have direct ties to the CCP and further Beijing’s agenda while conducting criminal activities on the side. Criminal organisations using the Hongmen name are well positioned to increase their presence in Belt and Road countries. In particular, countries where law enforcement is weak may be more vulnerable to these associations’ expansion. Additionally, the ties between the Hongmen associations and the CCP indicate that Beijing turns a blind eye to the organisations’ illegal activities.