On February 2, the Intermediate People's Court of Shenzhen, Guangdong, announced that it had carried out the death sentences of Bai Yingcang, Yang Liqiang, Hu Xiaojiang and Chen Guangyi. Five defendants, including Bai Suocheng, had previously been sentenced to death at first instance. Bai Suocheng subsequently died of illness; the other defendants appealed unsuccessfully, the Guangdong High People's Court upheld the judgments, and the Supreme People's Court approved the death sentences.
The Supreme People's Court's review found that the group established several compounds in Kokang, Myanmar, and provided armed protection for activities including telecommunications and online fraud, gambling operations, intentional homicide, intentional injury, kidnapping, extortion and organising or forcing prostitution. Funds involved in gambling and fraud exceeded 29 billion yuan. Six Chinese citizens died and many others were injured. Bai Yingcang also participated with others in trafficking and manufacturing approximately 11 tonnes of methamphetamine. The court said the crimes were exceptionally serious in nature, circumstances, consequences and social harm and warranted severe punishment.
The court found that Bai Yingcang organised and led the group, while the other offenders organised, led or participated in criminal groups or jointly committed crimes, constituting multiple offences. It said the facts were clear, the evidence sufficient, the convictions accurate, the sentences appropriate and the procedures lawful. After Supreme People's Court approval, Shenzhen's intermediate court carried out the executions. The offenders met close relatives beforehand.
Compiled by KPS99TV.