First trials end for former tycoon and ‘mafia gang’
Print Edition
THE first trials of 36 members of an alleged mafia-style gang led by former mining tycoon Liu Han ended yesterday in central China’s Hubei Province.
Liu Han, his brother Liu Wei and 34 other defendants were accused of crimes including organizing and leading a gang, murder and assault, illegal detention, blackmailing, illegal possession of guns and ammunition, and defrauding banks of loans.
The presiding judge announced the conclusion of the first trials of Liu Han and another nine defendants after they made final statements.
Trials of 26 defendants ended on April 1, 2 and 14. Trials of leading members began on March 31.
According to the Xianning Intermediate People’s Court, the 36 defendants were prosecuted in seven cases to make clear facts and protect the legal interests of the accused.
Most of the defendants, including Liu Wei, confessed, repented and apologized to victims and their families, while Liu Han denied the charges, according to the court.
“For the crimes I have committed, I will accept any judgment according to the law to make the dead rest in peace,” said Liu Wei in his final statement.
The verdict will be announced at a date yet to be decided.
Liu Han was board chairman of the Hanlong Group, the biggest private enterprise in southwest China’s Sichuan Province. He owned subsidiary companies in energy, finance, mining, real estate and securities.
Prosecutors said the group led by Liu Han was massive in number of members, with clear organization.
It accumulated wealth by illegal means to support its activities and possessed guns and ammunition for violent, illegal confrontations.
Through illegal activities and the connivance of officials at state organs, the ring illegally gained control over and had a huge influence on Mianyang, Guanghan and Shifang cities and various local industries, prosecutors said.
Liu Han made a defense statement lasting more than 2 hours 20 minutes during the trial.
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