Raft of gang members sentenced in organized crime crackdown

A total of 163 people from 12 criminal groups have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from 10 months to life imprisonment for organized crime, according to a statement from China's top court.

The sentences were handed down by different Chinese courts on Friday, reflecting the country's strong stance and intensified judicial efforts against organized crime, the Supreme People's Court said in a statement.

The cases focused on organized crime groups and individuals who used online platforms and psychological intimidation for illegal lending, debt collection and labor-related scams. They also targeted local bullies and those exploiting children to commit crimes or infringe on minors' legitimate rights and interests, according to the statement.

In one case handled by the Jizhou District People's Court in Tianjin, a gang leader surnamed Li was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison. He was found guilty of offering high-interest loans to random individuals and then using violence, online harassment, humiliating photos and graffiti threats to force repayments.

This intimidation led to physical injuries and financial losses for many victims, spread panic among local residents and caused significant public outrage.

In another case at the Donggang District People's Court in Rizhao, Shandong province, a gang leader surnamed Ma and his crew infiltrated construction sites using job-hunting platforms between November 2024 and October 2025.

They instigated fights and used tactics such as cursing, blockades and threats, to cut power and demand illegitimate travel and wage compensation from contractors. The group committed over 20 crimes, extorting more than 200,000 yuan ($29,758), and caused major disruption to the local construction industry. Ma received a six-year prison sentence for these criminal activities.

According to the statement, courts in China will step up crackdowns on organized crime in problematic areas, key industries, and priority regions.

It added that the judicial campaign will target gang activities that provoke strong public anger, maintaining a tough stance and strong deterrence to ensure social order and public safety.