Shui Fong Gang in Canada: History, Activity & Immigration Fallout
- staysafevancouver
- Apr 3
- 4 min read
In July 1997, gunfire shattered the quiet of a Vancouver neighborhood. The target was Lai Tong Sang, an alleged kingpin of the Shui Fong gang, one of Hong Kong’s most powerful triads. His arrival in Canada the previous year—and the violent attempt on his life—thrust the Shui Fong gang in Canada into the national spotlight.
Though the gang’s roots trace back to 1930s Hong Kong, its influence now extends far beyond Asia. This article explores the reach of the Shui Fong gang in Canada, from its ties to transnational crime to the landmark legal case that exposed major gaps in Canada’s immigration system.
Origins of the Shui Fong Triad
Founded in the 1930s in Sham Shui Po, Hong Kong, the Shui Fong— Chinese: 水房幫; lit. 'Water Room Gang' — also known as Wo On Lok (WOL) — is one of the most powerful triad syndicates in Southern China. It emerged from a workers' union at the Connaught Aerated Water Company.
Today, the Shui Fong remains one of the most active triad groups in Hong Kong, operating alongside major syndicates such as Sun Yee On, 14K, and the broader "Wo" family of triads—most notably Wo Shing Wo.
The group is involved in extortion, loan sharking, drug trafficking, and exerts control over nightclubs, mahjong parlours, and massage establishments. According to police, its influence spans key districts including Yau Ma Tei, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, and its founding base in Sham Shui Po.
In Macau, the Shui Fong is recognized as one of the territory’s “Four Major Gangs” (四大黑幫), alongside the Wo Shing Yee, 14K, and the Big Circle Gang.
Shui Fong’s Entry into Canada
On October 28, 1996, Lai Tong Sang, the alleged dragon head of the Shui Fong triad in Macau, entered Canada on a permanent resident visa. At the time, Macau was engulfed in a violent turf war between rival triads, including the 14K, led locally by the infamous “Broken Tooth Koi.”
Just nine months later, in July 1997, Lai’s Vancouver home was the target of a drive-by shooting. The attack was allegedly ordered by members of the 14K Triad in Hong Kong, who had instructed their Canadian counterparts to eliminate Lai—part of the ongoing feud between the two groups that had already turned deadly in Macau.
Although Lai survived, the shooting prompted a multi-year investigation. Over time, Canadian authorities uncovered evidence that Lai had laundered millions of dollars through Canada.
However, it wasn’t until over a decade later that immigration officials were granted access to wiretap recordings linking him directly to organized crime, finally allowing them to act.
In August 2013, Lai was officially deemed inadmissible to Canada and ordered deported due to his ties to the Shui Fong triad.
The Long Road to Deportation
Despite Lai Tong Sang's well-documented ties to organized crime, it took Canadian authorities 17 years to effect his removal. In August 2013, the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) ordered his deportation, citing his leadership role in the Shui Fong triad and involvement in criminal activities.
Federal Court documents revealed that between October 2002 and November 2006, Lai conducted 49 electronic funds transfers, totaling approximately CAD $2.1 million and USD $140,000, indicative of money laundering operations.
Complicating the case, immigration officials faced prolonged delays due to restricted access to crucial police wiretap evidence. These wiretaps had intercepted conversations among 14K Triad members discussing a HK$1 million contract on Lai's life, confirming his high-ranking position within the Shui Fong triad. The inability to access this evidence hindered proceedings until it became available, ultimately enabling the authorities to advance with Lai's deportation.
Other Known Shui Fong Activity in Canada
Outside of Lai’s case, there is limited public evidence of wide-reaching Shui Fong operations in Canada. Unlike other countries where the gang has established criminal enterprises—such as illegal gambling and extortion—Canadian authorities have not confirmed a deep-rooted domestic presence.
That said, the Lai Tong Sang case serves as a warning about the potential for transnational criminal infiltration, especially when gang members migrate under the radar.
How the Shui Fong Operates Globally
The Shui Fong is part of a broader triad network that includes rivals such as the 14K, Sun Yee On, and Wo Shing Wo. Its international activities include:
Video piracy and counterfeiting in the UK
Illegal gambling and extortion in Ireland
Contract killings and turf disputes, including high-profile murders in Glasgow and London
In Ireland, Shui Fong activity has been traced back to at least 1983, with operations in both Dublin and Belfast. In the UK, the group expanded after the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration, which prompted many triad members to flee Hong Kong. One of the most gruesome incidents occurred in Glasgow in 1985, where Philip Wong, an alleged Shui Fong "white paper fan" (adviser), was murdered with machetes—allegedly after resisting demands from the Wo Shing Wo.
In 1991, an alleged Shui Fong power struggle in London left businessman Ying Kit Lam crippled after being shot four times. Although several alleged Shui Fong members were acquitted in a 1992 Old Bailey trial, the case was significant—it marked the first British court case where a member of a Chinese criminal society gave evidence.
Shui Fong Gang in Canada: Final Thoughts
Lai Tong Sang’s case exposed a major flaw in Canada’s handling of organized crime: the difficulty in gathering and utilizing foreign evidence.
Despite suspicions about his criminal background, authorities waited over a decade for access to crucial wiretaps. The case became a landmark moment in Canadian immigration law, showing how gaps in intelligence-sharing can allow organized crime figures to reside undetected for years.
If you have a tip for me, you can message me anonymously on the Contact page or just leave a comment below.
Stay safe!
Related reading:
Comments