Criminal gang leader sentenced to life in prison

The head of a criminal gang from Changsha, Hunan province, was sentenced to life imprisonment and confiscation of all property on Tuesday for 15 crimes, including organizing and leading a mafia-style criminal gang, according to the Changde Intermediate People's Court.

The leader, Wen Liehong, had gradually accumulated huge wealth since 2002, when he set up casinos in major hotels in Changsha. He organized others to participate in gambling and loaned money at usurious rates, the court said in its verdict.

From 2005 to 2009, Wen hired several people to help him collect debts using violence. In 2010, he set up a pawnshop and loaned money at high interest. The next year, the gang grew by recruiting unemployed people, the verdict said.