Twin brothers accused of gang-related crimes

TWIN brothers yesterday faced court in Chongqing accused of being gang leaders responsible for crimes including operating casinos, assault and battery, illegal confinement and vandalism.

The 23-year-old twins and 12 of their suspected gang members were on trial in the Chongqing No.2 Intermediate People's Court.

According to the indictment, Zhang Bo and Zhang Tao, both farmers from Chongqing's Wanzhou District, formed a mafia-like group by recruiting members from the first half of 2007.

They allegedly set up temporary casinos in several towns in Wanzhou between the second half of 2007 and this June.

The group was well known locally for solving disputes by wielding choppers.

On June 12, 2007, several of the group members allegedly chopped two men under Zhang Bo's instruction.

According to "internal rules," each member was equipped with a chopper and new members should complete an "assignment" to prove their bravery and show respect to veterans.

They were told to keep their mouths shut when they were seized or questioned.

A series of tribunals from last Monday for the prosecution of Chongqing's suspected gangsters were the latest move by the municipality's authorities to crack down on organized crimes.

Gangs in Chongqing have reportedly devastated some local businesses.

They acted as loan sharks, blackmailers or ran illegal casinos and hired stand-over men to collect gambling and other debts from businessmen and companies alike.

Bo Xilai, Chongqing's Party chief, said on Friday that they were forced into the crackdown by the brutish and bloodthirsty gang behavior.

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