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Thirteen on trial for human smuggling
By Qiu Quanlin (China Daily)
Updated: 2005-10-27 05:50
GUANGZHOU: Thirteen people, including an airline employee are currently on
trial for human smuggling in the capital of South China's Guangdong Province.
Sources at the Guangzhou Intermediate People's Court said yesterday that the
alleged human smugglers known as "snakeheads" are accused of helping 200 Chinese
emigrate illegally to European countries last year.
The three-day trial ends today and the "principal defendants could face
serious punishment if they are found guilty," Li Zhongyuan, a spokesman for the
court, told China Daily. It is not known when a ruling is expected.
Sources at the court also indicate that a number of immigration officials
involved in the case but not charged are on the run.
However, Lin Chuanfeng and Zeng Weixing, the two principal suspects, denied
the charges.
The court quoted Lin Chuanfeng as saying that the real mastermind behind the
case is Lin Chuangan, who is at large. Meanwhile, Zeng told the court that he
was not involved at all.
Lin Chuangan is alleged to have provided fake passports for Chinese from
other regions.
Lin Chuanfeng and Zeng Weixing were allegedly responsible for organizing
accommodation overseas, securing visas and buying air tickets.
All three main suspects are from East China's Fujian Province; and it is
estimated that each of them made 1,000-3,000 yuan (US$123-369) for every illegal
emigrant they helped.
(China Daily 10/27/2005 page2)
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