The Snakehead

The 1980s saw a significant influx of Chinese immigrants from Fujian province to America, many of whom found themselves living outside the boundaries of the law. Their existence largely depended on the shadow economy that flourished under the strict control of ruthless gangs, especially in the narrow, bustling streets of New York's Chinatown.

At the epicentre of this Chinese underworld was an unlikely figure—a middle-aged grandmother known as Sister Ping. Her journey towards achieving the American dream started from an unassuming noodle shop on Hester Street. This tiny establishment served as the front for a highly profitable and clandestine operation that earned Sister Ping an estimated $40 million through human smuggling.

As a "snakehead," the term used for individuals who smuggle people, Sister Ping constructed a sprawling and often brutal global empire. She adeptly utilised familial connections and relied on one of Chinatown's most notorious gangs to safeguard her influence and income. Her intricate smuggling network extended through a myriad of countries, beginning in Fujian Province and reaching Hong Kong, Burma, Thailand, Kenya, Guatemala, and Mexico.

Sister Ping's elaborate operation remained concealed until 1993 when the disastrous grounding of the ship Golden Venture off a beach in Queens exposed her empire. The vessel was carrying 300 undocumented immigrants, and this incident unravelled one of the most significant human smuggling cases in American history. The journey to dismantle her network involved New York's renowned "Jade Squad" and the FBI, taking nearly a decade to finally apprehend the unusual mastermind behind it all.

The Snakehead by Patrick Radden Keefe is a riveting account that delves deep into the life of Sister Ping, offering a compelling narrative that intertwines the personal, economic, and legal aspects of this dark and complex saga. Keefe’s meticulous research and gripping storytelling bring to life the shadowy world ruled by Sister Ping and the relentless efforts of law enforcement to dismantle her criminal empire. This book not only unveils the extraordinary tale of one woman’s rise to power but also provides a broader commentary on immigration, crime, and the American dream.

Richly detailed and thoughtfully written, The Snakehead is an extraordinary exploration of crime and community, highlighting the resilience and complexity of the human spirit.