Gangsters jailed as search for relics continues

Hundreds of suspects were rounded up, and police identified the Hou brothers as the ringleaders. They were charged with operating a Mafia-like gang for 20 years involved in grave robbing, illegal casinos and loan-sharking, which bankrupted many and resulted in some people losing their lives, the statement said.

In addition to the nine life sentences, Yuncheng Intermediate People's Court handed down prison terms ranging from three to 18 years for 166 other gang members.

Investigators also found that 17 police officers, including two auxiliary officers in Wenxi, had acted as protective umbrellas for the gang and used their positions to facilitate its crimes.

Five were convicted of covering up the crimes, indulging in Mafia-like organized crime, robbing graves and helping the suspects escape punishment. They were sentenced to life in prison. Twelve other police officers received sentences ranging from two to 20 years.