Yang Gaiqing, a former heavyweight in smuggling circles, was brought to court for a public trial in Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court on Monday.

Judges could make a decision within a couple of days and, if convicted, Yang could possibly face a death sentence.

Yang, general manager of the former Shenzhen Huiwei Industrial and Trading Co Ltd, faces charges relating to the smuggling of 827,553.8 tons of edible oils to the Chinese mainland between June 1996 and June 1998.

Yang was also investigated on charges of tax evasion totalling more than 2.47 billion yuan (US$297.6 million) during the 1996-98 period.

There are also allegations that Yang offered bribes valued at 1.47 million yuan (US$177,100), plus US$30,000 and HK$7.27 million (US$936,855.6) to Zhao Yucun, former director of Shenzhen Customs between 1995 and 1998, and provided another 550,000 yuan (US$66,260) plus HK$2.04 million (US$262,886.5) to Zhu Haotang, former director of Huizhou Customs.

Both Zhao and Zhu were sentenced to jail terms last year.

In addition to Zhao and Zhu, Yang was investigated on allegations that he offered bribes to many other senior customs officials and their family members.

Yang was also said to have offered bribes to Wang Leyi, former deputy director of General Customs of China. Wang who at one time acted as Yang's protector has been removed from his post and sentenced.

He Xun, an official from Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court, said yesterday there is enough evidence to prosecute Yang.

He said the maximum punishment for Yang would be the death sentence.

He said the hearing would last for a couple of days before judges pass a verdict.

It is, so far, the biggest smuggling-related case that Shenzhen Intermediate People's Court has ever handled.

Yesterday's was Yang's first appearance in court after he was detained in 1999.

Close

Today's Top News		Top National News
+Investment growth slows down ( 2003-11-18) +Independence declaration leads to war ( 2003-11-18) +Intellectual property rights safeguarded ( 2003-11-18) +US visa hurdle turns students away from TOEFL ( 2003-11-18) +Miracle's ray of hope hits home ( 2003-11-18)		+Forecasting baby boom ( 2003-11-18) +Measles mini-outbreak under control ( 2003-11-18) +Smuggler brought to trial ( 2003-11-18) +Astronautics park slated for city ( 2003-11-18) +Independence declaration leads to war ( 2003-11-18)