Liu Hongfu, the head of an organized-crime organization, was sentenced in Danyang, Jiangsu province, on Monday to 20 years in prison on nine charges, Modern Express reported on Thursday.

The 16 other members of the "Hongfu Group", named after the 43-year-old gang leader, received sentences ranging from 15 months to 16 years.

The nine charges against Liu included leading an underworld organization and illegal trade of firearms and ammunition.

Authorities said Liu recruited the 16 other gang members, most of whom were unemployed or had criminal records, in 2009.

They made money mainly by gambling, loan sharking and monopolizing casinos.

The gang bought three AK-47 rifles, two revolvers, three shields and body armor through illegal channels.