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Palau’s Paradise Lost: How Organized Crime Figures Tried to Take Over

A small Pacific island nation, Palau has long been a tropical getaway for tourists and a strategic prize in an increasingly contested region. But behind the scenes, organized crime figures have been attempting to exploit the country’s vulnerabilities, using their wealth and influence to further their own interests.

The 14K Triad Gang’s Ambitions

According to immigration records obtained by OCCRP, Wan Kuok Koi, also known as “Broken Tooth,” a senior member of Hong Kong’s 14K triad gang, made two trips to Palau in late 2018 and early 2019. During his second visit, he was listed as a “guest of the government” and met with top officials, including then-President Tommy Remengesau Jr.

Wan’s plans for Palau were ambitious: he wanted to build a Hongmen-themed resort on the lightly populated southern island of Angaur, featuring a casino, Hongmen-branded alcohol and cigarettes, and a cryptocurrency called “Hong Coin.” The project was touted as a special economic zone, with Wan boasting that he would have final say in overseeing its development.

The Project’s Demise

However, Palau’s authorities soon discovered Wan’s true nature. Informed by Taiwan’s government of his criminal background, Remengesau publicly rejected the project, and the Palau Hongmen Association applied to be voluntarily dissolved shortly thereafter.

Other Organized Crime Figures with Ties to Palau

But Wan was not the only organized crime figure trying to make inroads in Palau. Zhang Bauluo, a Singapore-based businessman with ties to Wan, had already been pitching big plans for the country since 2016. His GT Group promised a $1 billion “smart city,” a blockchain-based insurance scheme, and a bank – all of which failed to materialize.

Zhang’s Plans Stalled

Zhang’s plans were initially facilitated by former presidents Toribiong and Remengesau, who acted as his local legal counsel and helped set up companies on his behalf. However, the project eventually stalled, and Zhang appears to have disappeared from the regional business scene after a GT Group executive was charged in Malaysia over an alleged cryptocurrency fraud.

Palau’s Vulnerability

Despite the setbacks, Palau remains a strategic prize in an increasingly contested region. The country’s lack of formal diplomatic connections with mainland China has left it vulnerable to unofficial proxies seeking to exert influence.

The Current Threat

Palau’s financial regulator, Decherong, warns that questionable Chinese businesspeople continue to flood the country, touting fancy projects and graphics in an attempt to dupe local officials. “They know it’s a scam,” he said, “but they just play along to see how much cash they can get from these people.”

Conclusion

As Palau navigates its complex web of international relations, it must remain vigilant against organized crime figures seeking to exploit its vulnerabilities. The country’s stability and sovereignty depend on it.