Asian gang bill signed

Friday, September 27, 2002 - Gov. Gray Davis signed legislation Friday aimed at taking the profit out of Asian organized crime.

Overwhelmingly approved by both houses of the state Legislature, the law, written by Assemblywoman Carol Liu, D-La Canada Flintridge, will help eliminate the handsome financial rewards that often entice members of Asian gangs.

Liu said Asian gangs primarily engage in financial profiteering rather than turf violence, which makes them different from African-American and Latino gangs .

'This bill sends a strong message to gang members: crime doesn't pay,' Liu said in a statement.

The new law, which will take effect Jan. 1, gives law enforcement officials expanded authority to seize and liquidate the ill-gotten assets of convicted gang members who profited through committing such crimes as extortion, counterfeiting, child pornography, racketeering and smuggling.

-- Correspondent Chris Rizo