Highbinder
Highbinder ( English ) was the name given to the members of the Chinese secret societies that were widespread in various parts of the United States , particularly in California .
The secret societies had the pretended purpose of providing charity and mutual support, which only served as a cover for extortion and robbery . The high binders did not shy away from murder and other crimes either.
The largest secret society of this kind was called Tschi Kung Tong (English Chee Kung Tong ) and had more than 15,000 members in its "heyday".