As pro-democracy protests continue to clamor for Hong Kong's universal suffrage, major cities have been forced to a standstill with many establishments closing down and losing profits by the day. Among those feeling the pain are Hong Kong triads, whose businesses have seen a decline in recent days.

Like Us on Facebook

According to 14K triad district head Ah Lik, 40, profits from various triad-related rackets have fallen 40 percent since the pro-democracy protests on Sept. 28.

Just like underground businesses, firms in the city have lost money because of the demonstrations. Small-to-medium enterprises have seen a decrease in sales by as much as 75 percent in this month alone, said the Hong Kong Retail Management Association.

The losses are most experienced by companies in Mong Kok, Tsim Sha Tsui and Causeway Bay where the protests are concentrated, it added.

Last week, Hong Kong police arrested 19 people after they attacked the protesters in Mong Kok. Some of those arrested were members of the Wo Shing Wo, a gang with links to notorious triad leaders "Kiddo" and "Shanghai Boy," the Hong Kong-based publication Apple Daily cited.

Protest leaders claimed the attacks were jointly staged by the triads, police and Hong Kong government.

The local police has vehemently denied the allegations, saying that part of their push was to crackdown on gangs. Likewise, Ah Lik said it was impossible the triads would work with the authorities. There are only those who seek to benefit from the situation, he added, without elaborating.

The Oct. 3 attack has highlighted the lengths the triads will go to defend and protect their economy.

Since the Hong Kong handover, underground societies have been facing fiercer competition, said City University of Hong Kong triad analyst Sharon Kwok.

At the time, China had a better supply of girls and drugs so it's more competitive now, she added.

Heroin was also a lucrative venture. Now, triads are marketing ketamine and that's sourced from China, Kwok said.

TagsOrganized Crime, Mong Kok, crime