Tiny Rascal gang
| Founded | 1980s |
|---|---|
| Founding location | Long Beach, California, United States |
| Years active | 1980s-present |
| Territory | Nationwide |
| Ethnicity | Predominantly Cambodian[1] |
| Criminal activities | Extortion, Racketeering, drug trafficking, arson, assault, robbery, theft, burglary, fraud, and illegal gambling |
Tiny Raskal Gang is a California based Asian-American street gang and organized crime group. The gang originated among fellow Cambodian immigrants to the United States.
History
In 1975, after the fall of Saigon, California started receiving its first Cambodian refugees. As with many refugee groups, ethnicity and limited English speaking ability helped create a barrier that isolated the refugee group from society. These groups initially are not well accepted by the established street gangs and are often viewed as community outcasts by the general population. By means of protection younger Cambodian immigrants began forming several street gangs. The Tiny Rascal Gang originated from these original street gangs. Members of the Tiny Rascal gang began committing several forms of violent crime.[2]
Membership
Originally a Cambodian gang, in the 1990s they allowed other ethnic groups to join the gang.[3]
In the 1990s females were also allowed to be member of the gang, forming an all-female branch of the gang called "LRG (Lady Rascal Gang)". This set was later disbanded.
As with many other gangs, potential members must first follow an initiation ritual called the 'jump in' where they have to fight other members of the gang.[2]
Activities
The Tiny Rascal Gang is involved in a wide range of criminal activities: extortion, robbery, burglary, theft, and murder are some of the more popular criminal activities the gang has committed. While young members of the gang are mostly involved in street crimes and petty crimes, older members of the gang have progressed to serious organized criminal activities. The older sets maintain a working relationship with likewise sets of a fellow Southeast Asian gang called Asian Boyz. They have formed alliances with Chinese Triad organizations such as the New York-based Ghost Shadows. In alliance with the traditionally organized Triad gangs, the Tiny Rascal gang and the Asian Boyz have been involved in organized criminal activities such as large scale drug trafficking operations, weapon trafficking, prostitution and illegal gambling.[3]
References
- ↑ "Asian Gang Shootings On Upswing In City, Police Say One Youth, Thai Ho, 17, Got Caught In The Middle. The Shooter Thought He Was A Rival, Police Said. - Philly.com". articles.philly.com. Retrieved 2014-01-25.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "Organized Crime in California : 2010 Annual Report to Legislature". Cag.ca.gov. Retrieved 2013-10-30.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 "Police Magazine". Policemag.com. Retrieved 2013-10-30.