Mafia kingpin sentenced to death in Hainan

The head of a mafia gang with the most members that had committed crimes across the longest time span in Hainan province, was sentenced to death in his second trial on Wednesday.

Huang Hongfa, wearing a protective gown, a mask and goggles, as the novel coronavirus epidemic has not ended, listened to the verdict as it was delivered by the Hainan Provincial Higher People's Court.

Huang was charged with 17 crimes, including organizing and leading an underworld organization, intentional injury and bribery. He was deprived of political rights for life and all his personal assets were confiscated.

The gang had 196 members and committed crimes over 30 years, grabbing some 2 billion yuan ($287.83 million) and making a great negative impact on society, the court said. Two people were killed and 21 were injured by its members.

The gang was involved in various criminal activities, including casino operations, illegal mining, forced transactions and extortion.

Huang received a death sentence in his first trial on Jan 31 but appealed.