In March 1996, the local police organized a special campaign to crack down on organized crime. Among these, in the special operation targeting "Wo Hap Tao", 20 men and 3 women were arrested in Hong Kong Island and Kowloon, including the leader Cheung Chi Tai.
In August 1996, as the head of the "Wo Hap Tao" triad, Cheung Chi Tai was charged with extorting small vendors at the Aberdeen Fish Market. Eventually, the charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence, and he was released in court.
At that time, the Lian brothers were also one of the biggest gambling kings in Hong Kong. Lian Zhuozhao's (also known as Lian Chao) business operations were clearly defined, mainly engaging in smuggling, money laundering, and gambling activities. %