Wan Kuok Koi: The Rise and Fall of a Notorious Macau Triad Leader Wan Kuok Koi, also known as "Broken Tooth," rose to notoriety as an influential triad leader in Macau during the 1990s. Born in 1955 in the Portuguese colony, he began his criminal career by dabbling in illegal activities such as loan sharking, illegal gambling, and drug trafficking. Koi quickly climbed the ranks within the 14K Triad, one of the most powerful organized crime syndicates in the region. He became known for his flamboyant lifestyle, sporting expensive suits and gold jewelry, which earned him the nickname "Broken Tooth" due to his golden tooth. Koi also became involved in various legitimate businesses, including hotels and entertainment venues. During his reign, Macau witnessed a surge in gambling activities, with Koi allegedly controlling a significant portion of the underground casino scene. His connections to triad activities played a significant role in facilitating this rise in illegal gambling operations within the region, often causing tensions with the authorities. However, Koi's criminal empire began to crumble in the late 1990s. Macau, previously a Portuguese colony, was handed over to Chinese control in 1999, leading to a crackdown on organized crime. Chinese authorities viewed the triads as a threat to social order and stability in the newly acquired territory. In 1998, Wan Kuok Koi was arrested after a series of high-profile police operations against organized crime. He was charged with a range of offenses, including criminal association, loan sharking, and illegal gambling. Following a highly publicized trial in 1999, Koi was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison. Since serving his sentence, Wan Kuok Koi has made efforts to reinvent himself as a legitimate entrepreneur. He founded the World Hongmen History and Culture Association, an organization aimed at preserving the heritage and cultural traditions of Chinese secret societies. Koi claims to have turned his life around and now focuses on promoting traditional values and charity work. The rise and fall of Wan Kuok Koi, once a feared and respected triad leader, highlights the challenges faced by jurisdictions in combating organized crime. While Macau has made significant strides in curbing illegal activities, the shadow of its past still lingers. Nonetheless, the city has transformed into a thriving international gambling hub under strict regulations, leaving behind its reputation as a hotbed for criminal enterprises. In conclusion, Wan Kuok Koi's criminal activities and subsequent downfall serve as a cautionary tale of how power and influence can be fleeting, leaving a lasting impact on both an individual and a city.