Successfully curbing gang-related crimes is imperative to the establishment of social justice. And this is particularly crucial to China's smooth transition from a planned economy to a market-oriented one.

A special division in the making under the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) to intensify crackdowns on such crimes is therefore a welcome and timely move.

Mafia-style crimes are a byproduct of social and economic changes. This transition has brought about fundamental and substantial changes to almost every aspect of economic and social lives. These changes have widened the gap between the haves and the have-nots, redistributed wealth in a much more diversified manner than before and broadened the definition of social values.

Despite the fact that all these are inevitable and necessary for economic development and social progress, they have also bred conditions for the rise of organized crime.

Figures from the MPS show that the number of gang-related cases police handled nationwide totaled 900 during 2006 and 2007; and more than 70,000 crimes related to gangs have been solved.

The phenomenon of organized crime is detrimental to social justice and fair competition. Where such gangs exist, competition is compromised; where organized crime exists, social justice is compromised.

An increasing number of gangs are getting involved in different sectors of the local economy. Their racketeering makes it possible for them to bribe officials and further expand their influence.

This, in turn, has contributed to their dominance in some places because some local government officials or public security officers or even some leaders act as their protectors.

This not only tarnishes the image of governments, but also makes the crackdown on them more complicated.

It is absolutely right for a ranking official from the MPS to describe the fight against mafia-style crimes as a "lasting task".

This is because we are still in the process of perfecting the system of the rule of law. The legislation against such crimes is yet to be strengthened and so is the litigation process.

It is also because of the fact that the investigation into, or trial of, such a case may possibly be a fight against both the crimes committed by gangsters and corruption of government officials.

In such situations, it may take a long time for police and disciplinary inspection officials to investigate before they get a clear idea of the crimes and the criminals involved.

The investigation and trial of a gang involving nearly 100 criminals in the northeastern city of Shenyang is a case in point. It did not conclude until earlier this month even though police began investigations in 2005.

Last but not the least is the fact that the aforementioned social and economic transition will happen over a long period of time - and organized crime will be one of the growing pains that will accompany it.

But one thing we can say for sure: The rule of law will be increasingly mature in the process of fighting against such social evils as organized crime and corruption.

(China Daily December 22, 2008)