A Chinese national, suspected to be a triad leader who had injured another Chinese while demanding protection money, escaped during a police raid in Papua New Guinea and 20 other Chinese nationals were arrested.

According to PNG's The National, the raid took place last Thursday when Police interrupted a birthday party at a restaurant in Boroko.
The birthday celebration was said to be that of the triad leader with Chinese traveling in from all parts of PNG to attend the celebration.

'Members of the organised crime, drug and mobile squads were informed and raided the restaurant', but the suspect had escaped.

'Those who were rounded up were all from Fujian province in China and were 'brought to the police headquarters in Konedobu and interviewed into the early hours of Friday morning'. It was found that four 'had no entry documents and were charged accordingly' while others were released 'because their papers were in order'.

'National crime director Chief Supt Donald Yamasombi said the triad leader is wanted for allegedly hitting a Chinese Malaysian on the head with a pistol butt at a restaurant at Boroko on Aug 17'.

According to the report, Mr. Yamasobi said that the "victim was assaulted because he refused to submit to the demands of the suspect to pay him protection fees, which is a common triad operation of illegally soliciting fees using threats on other Chinese-run commercial outlets".