One-time policeman stands trial

CHONGQING: The owner and staff of several pawnshops and detective agencies, including a former policeman, stood trial yesterday for allegedly leading or participating in a mafia-style gang in the southwestern municipality.

The alleged 40-strong gang led by business owner Yue Cun faces 13 charges in Chongqing No 5 Intermediate People's Court, including murder, intentional injury of others, abduction, racketeering, trading and possession of ammunitions.

Prosecutors said 10 companies the gang established since 2001 conducted illicit activities ranging from loan sharking and violent collection of debts to investigation of individual's privacy - generating illegal gains amounting to 200 million yuan ($29 million) for the gang.