Int’l gangsters behind rising crimes in CNMI • Police investigation point to growing presence of Yakuza, Triad on island

Police yesterday expressed concern on the increasing crime incidents on the island which they said was a result of the growing presence of international organized crime groups in the Northern Marianas.

Investigation conducted by the police revealed that the Chinese Triad and the Japanese Yakuza have slowly established their businesses in the tourist district on Saipan.

“We have information that some Yakuza members are back and have opened up businesses in narcotics and firearms,” said Capt. Delbert Sablan. Triad’s main criminal activities include extortion, drug-handling, loan sharking, guns and prostitution, he said.

“We are closely watching them and we are aware of their activities out there,” said Capt. Sablan.

The murder of Hong Kong Chinese Kim Fai Tse in August 2000 was suspected to be the work of Triad members. Two unidentified men wearing ski mask gunned down Mr. Tse and injured his woman companion during a dawn attack at a restaurant in Chalan Piao. The case remains unsolved.

Aside from the international crime syndicates, the police are looking at three criminal groups composed of Koreans, Filipinos and the local Chamorros and Carolinians.

The Department of Public Safety has seen a pattern on the activities of these criminal elements five years ago with the rise of armed robberies, burglaries and sale of stolen items.

Capt. Sablan said the brisk sale of illegal drugs on the island is one of the reasons for the recent spate of crimes to support their habit. But the biggest problem in dealing with the international crime syndicate is the refusal of the community including public officials to accept the presence of this group on the islands.

DPS has been contacting the various international police organizations in Asia including South Korea, Japan, Taiwan and Philippines for easy access of information and intelligence gathering.

In a move to beef up its investigation division, DPS has sought a $50,000 funding for the Criminal Intelligence Section which is composed of four units — international crimes, domestic crimes, drug trafficking and criminal intelligence analysis.

Capt. Sablan said the lack of manpower has also hampered their work in following up cases. In its effort to solve cases, the local police has coordinated efforts with the Customs and the Attorney General’s Office.

CNMI officials have denied the existence of international crime syndicates on the island because of its negative effect to the CNMI’s tourism economy.