Yang Tianqing, one of Chongqing's most notorious underworld figures, went on trial yesterday on seven charges ranging from murder and blackmail to illegal possession of firearms.
Yang's appearance marks the beginning of the trials of many Chongqing underworld figures following a massive crackdown which began in June. Yang is among the municipality's 14 main gang bosses,
More than 2,000 gang members and their 'protective umbrella' in the government and police departments have been detained. They range from foot soldiers to the vice-chief of police, a veteran of 16 years in law enforcement.
Yang, 35, was tried yesterday morning with eight other accomplices in a packed Chongqing Intermediate Court No1, as family members, media representatives and about 300 curious members of the public attended amid tight security.
'I had no work, and no income. So what could I have done but start a gang?' Yang reportedly told judges. He was implicated in a hired killing, illegal debt collection and loan-sharking stretching back to 2005.
Another gang boss Liu Zhongyong was tried simultaneously at Court No3.