A collection of Hong Kong criminal organizations. The groups have their roots in Chinese secret societies dating back to the Qing dynasty, but the modern Triads with their emphasis on criminal activity were for the most part founded in the half of the 20th Century. Today the Hong Kong Police Department estimates that from 5% to 10% of all crime in the city is connected to Triad operations. The groups are involved with a wide variety of criminal activities including extortion, drug handling, loan-sharking, credit card fraud and video and software piracy. Since the People's Republic of China assumed possession of Hong Kong in 1997 the local government has been fighting an escalating war against the Triad bosses.