Death sentence for Chinese mining tycoon

Chairman of Sichuan Hanlong Group sentenced to death for leading criminal gang that killed rivals. Last updated: 23 May 2014 12:48

Forbes magazine estimated Liu Han's fortune at $855 million, making him the 148th richest person in China [EPA]

A former Chinese mining tycoon has been sentenced to death for leading a crime gang that killed rivals, a state news agency reported, in a case that revealed ties between organised crime and politicians. The death sentences for Liu Han and his brother Liu Wei were the first in trials of their 36-member gang by a court in the central province of Hubei, the Xinhua News Agency said. The penalties on Friday come amid an anti-corruption crackdown launched by Chinese President Xi Jinping that has ensnared senior politicians and influential businessmen. Liu Han had been chairman of energy conglomerate Sichuan Hanlong Group in the southwestern province of Sichuan, which owns stakes in Australian and US mines. He disappeared in March 2013, temporarily disrupting deals to finance mine development in Nevada and Australia, before police announced he had been detained. The Liu brothers and their associates have been charged with 15 crimes, including murder, assault, illegal detention, blackmail and operating casinos. Multiple murders Prosecutors say their criminal activities, dating to 1993, helped them amass $6.4 bn in assets with businesses in finance, energy, real estate and mining, Xinhua has said. The gang is accused of nine murders, according to earlier reports. Police seized hand grenades, a half-dozen submachine guns, 20 pistols and other firearms. Liu Han ranked No. 148 in 2012 on Forbes magazine's list of the richest Chinese businesspeople, with a fortune estimated at $855 million.  The group is accused of fostering ties with politicians in Sichuan that helped Liu Han win appointment as a delegate of the provincial advisory body for three terms, according to earlier Xinhua reports.