GANG MEMBERS CONVICTED IN CHINESE CRIME CASE

an organized crime boss was given a suspended death sentence in China. A gang in Kaifeng City, central China's Henan Province, was found to have used violence and threats to monopolize the sand quarrying business, robbing staff and setting up illegal toll gates since 1999. Sanmenxia Intermediate People's Court heard the gang's activities had seriously affected the local economy and social stability. Gang leader Yue Chongdong was sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve and 13 others were sentenced to prison for four to 20 years.