Guangzhou police catches a foreign suspect in an operation. (Screenshot from Guangdong TV)
(ECNS) - Guangzhou police took down a foreign criminal gang, arresting 18 suspects in three operations from January to April, a police spokesperson confirmed on Tuesday.
The gang called "Freedom Fighters" was first discovered by Guangzhou police in 2014 while investigating a robbery case.
After months of investigation, police collected intelligence on the gang's organizational structure, hierarchy and network.
Police arrested 16 foreign and two Chinese suspects, and confiscated marijuana, cocaine, and gang uniforms in two raids on February 6 and April 16.
The gang, established in 2009, had recruited 20 members, according to police. With a clear structure and close organization, it was divided into three levels. The leader was an accountant, and the gang gathered regularly to distribute uniforms, arm bands, scarves and caps with gang logos on them.
The gang generated income through entrance fees from new members, debt collections and robberies. They used axes, knives and bats.
The gang dominated many foreigners in Guangdong, said the police. Multiple victims said they had been too scared to come forward.
