noun
snakehead gang; Chinese human smuggling ring
Refers specifically to Chinese criminal organizations that smuggle people, often into Japan or other countries. The literal meaning 'snake head' is a calque from Chinese 蛇头 (shétóu).
警察は蛇頭の摘発に力を入れている。
The police are focusing on cracking down on snakehead gangs.
蛇頭によって密入国させられた中国人が増えている。
The number of Chinese nationals smuggled in by snakeheads is increasing.