Shot in the Dark, Page 2 (Patreon)

SYNDICATE SURGE LEADS TO INCREASE IN CRIME
Teri Lorn, Pallad City Post
[Archived Article: Published 5 Years Ago]

The latest player in Pallad City's ever-expanding criminal underworld is the Black Lotus syndicate. Last month the PCPD estimated that close to 20% of all crime in the city could be, in some way, linked to Black Lotus activity. Initially dealing in the black market arms trade, Black Lotus has since expanded their operations to include drug trafficking, kidnapping, gambling, smuggling, bribery, extortion, and robbery.

Black Lotus' growing presence in the city has not only put them on the PCPD's radar, but also in the crosshairs of rival syndicates and established crime families. This has ignited a territory war that has already left 38 dead over the last three weeks, 26 of which were innocent bystanders.

Having originated as a street gang in the People's Republic of Taiseng nearly 40 years ago, Black Lotus has since evolved into an international criminal enterprise. The syndicate's growth has been attributed to their recruiting tactics, which seeks members from all demographics and ethnicities—the only requirements being fierce loyalty and a complete disregard for the law.

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