New gang trials kick off

CHONGQING: Lurid tales of murder, gambling dens and organized crime are about to unfold again as a second batch of gang trials kick off in Chongqing.

Center stage will be four extraordinary mafia-style gangs that developed sophisticated influence: The gang of Chen Zhiyi, which faces the largest number of charges; Gong Gangmo's, which owned the most illegal guns; Wang Xingqiang's, the first to be accused of money laundering; and Wang Tianlun's, which reportedly gained political support for its market monopoly.

Besides Chen's gang, which ran widespread gambling dens, the rest took cover in legitimate businesses that directly impacted the livelihoods of local people.