While Hong Kong was watching the Sevens and the Wolf and Pig, AFP ran this story out of Australia on a pan-asian triad syndicate.

It said intelligence was uncovered that the syndicate had infiltrated a high level of government "in both law enforcement agencies and political circles" in Asia, including China, Vietnam, Thailand, Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia and Macau.

"There are a number of other countries where this is suspected but not apparent to date," the briefing, which has been supplied to overseas agencies, reportedly said.

And yes, if China and Macau are mentioned, you can be sure that Hong Kong doesn't get left out.

It pours billions of dollars into "high-profile Internet gambling facilities, Asian hotel chains and resorts, commercial construction companies, property companies in Hong Kong and Vietnam (and) casinos".

To move money, the syndicate uses "highly-placed government officials, banking staff ... (to) undercut any other overt or covert money transfer facility", the Herald cited the briefing as saying.

Who loves their money laundering?