Another member of the gang was also given death penalty while 20 others, including several former policemen, received various prison sentences.

According to the ruling handed down by Tieling Intermediate People's Court, Liu Yong was convicted of deliberately damaging property, illegal business operations, bribery, gun carrying and prohibiting law enforcement departments from carrying out duties.

Liu gathered enormous wealth through illegal means and violence, it was reported.

Police in Shenyang, capital of Liaoning, smashed the gang during a raid operation in July, 2000, arresting over 50 suspects.

The arrest of Liu Yong also led to the fall of a number of high- level officials.

(Xinhua News Agency April 19, 2002)