237: Case closed

Director Li, who personally oversaw the investigation, looked at the preliminary case files.

The initial count of victims had exceeded a thousand, the cumulative amount involved was staggering, and the despicable nature of the criminal methods was outrageous.

He slammed his hand on the desk in his office, furious.

He hadn't expected that an investigation would uncover such a massive festering wound!

This was no longer a simple public order case, but a gang crime that severely damaged the image of a tourist city, infringed upon the vital interests of the public, and even threatened personal safety!

After the shock came an even firmer resolve and greater pressure.

This matter had become known nationwide, and public opinion was boiling.

If handled well, it would be his chance to atone for his mistakes and restore his image.

If handled poorly, or if there was any leniency, then his tenure as director would be over.

More importantly, facing Miss Lei, whose background was unfathomable, he had to produce results that would satisfy her.

"Investigate! Investigate thoroughly! Every person involved, not one missed! Every criminal act, not one omitted! The chain of evidence must be solid, making this an ironclad case that can withstand historical scrutiny!" Director Li issued a strict order to the special task force.

Under immense public pressure, the superior's determination to oversee the case, and overwhelming evidence, the investigation progressed rapidly.

Just two days later, Sanya police held another press conference and released a public announcement on the case investigation through official channels:

"...After days of meticulous investigation and a concentrated sweep operation, our city's public security organs successfully dismantled a criminal gang that had long been entrenched in areas such as Nanbianhai Sanya Cape and Lover's Bay, led by individuals nicknamed 'Baldy' and Brother Crow, carrying out illegal and criminal activities such as forced transactions and extortion."

"As of now, a total of 9 criminal suspects, including the gang's main members Baldy and Shoulder Dragon, have been apprehended, and 5 illegally operated diving sites have been shut down.

A batch of items involved in the case has been seized.

Preliminary investigations reveal that since 2013, this gang has forced tourists to accept high-priced photography and other services through intimidation, threats, and forcibly removing diving equipment, committing over a thousand offenses, involving a huge amount of money, severely disrupting our city's tourism market order..."

The announcement then revealed the handling of the 'protective umbrella'.

"Meanwhile, Liu Jianguo, the former Deputy Director of the XX Police Station, has been subjected to criminal compulsory measures in accordance with the law for suspected abuse of power, bending the law for personal gain, and accepting bribes, acting as a 'protective umbrella' for this criminal gang. His suspected criminal issues have been transferred to the procuratorate for review and prosecution."

Although the announcement did not provide specific judgment results, as it had not yet reached the court trial stage, its wording was severe, the nature of the crimes was clearly defined, and it revealed the preliminary ascertained number of cases and the amount of money involved.

According to relevant laws, for crimes of forced transactions and extortion, if the circumstances are serious, the amount is huge or especially huge, the sentences range from three years to over ten years of fixed-term imprisonment. With multiple offenses combined, Baldy, as the principal offender, is highly likely to receive a sentence exceeding ten years.

Other key members, such as Shoulder Dragon, will also face at least five years in prison.

As for Liu Jianguo, being a judicial official who broke the law he was sworn to uphold, with serious circumstances of bending the law for personal gain, plus bribery, a sentence of over seven years is entirely within expectations.

On the evening of the day the announcement was released, Director Li's call came through to Lei Jun's phone.

On the other end of the line, Director Li's voice carried a hint of fatigue, but more so a sense of relief after completing the task, and an undisguised respect.

"Miss Lei Jun, hello! Sorry to disturb your rest. Regarding the investigation of the Jin Lihong criminal gang and Liu Jianguo's case, our city bureau has just released the latest announcement. I believe you should have seen it already."

Lei Jun was currently sitting in the living room of her hotel suite, the police announcement displayed on the tablet in front of her.

Qin Yu and Lin Xiaoya were also nearby, discussing in low voices.

"Yes, I saw it," Lei Jun's voice was steady, betraying no emotion.

Director Li quickly continued, "For this case, we mobilized our most capable forces and fought continuously, and now we have achieved decisive results. All major criminal suspects have been apprehended, and the illicit dens have been completely eradicated."

"The facts of the case have been largely clarified, and the protective umbrella, Liu Jianguo, has also been severely punished according to law and transferred to the judiciary. We will closely follow up on the subsequent review, prosecution, and trial work to ensure that these criminals receive the law's most severe sanctions!"

He cautiously asked, "This... the handling results and speed, I wonder if Miss Lei... are you satisfied?"

Lei Jun's gaze shifted from the tablet to the sunset glow sinking into the sea horizon outside the window.

Satisfied?

Seeing the criminals brought to justice, the victims hopeful for redress, and the tourism environment potentially improved, she did feel much more at ease.

Director Li's actions this time, whether under pressure or out of public duty, at least in terms of results, gave her and the public an explanation.

However, she would not say the word 'satisfied'.

Once said, it might mean that the matter was closed for her, and the other party might then relax.

She wanted more than just the handling of this one case; she hoped it would be the beginning of a local rectification of the tourism market and a reorganization of law enforcement.

"Director Li..."

Lei Jun's voice was calm.

"It is your duty to handle cases according to law, combat crime, and maintain order."

"I hope this incident is not just an isolated case. Sanya is an internationally renowned tourist city, and tourists' sense of security and experience are crucial. There are probably more troublemakers like Jin Lihong than just this one group."

"I hope you can take this as an opportunity to draw inferences from one instance to others, strengthen daily supervision and patrols, and improve the complaint handling mechanism to truly create a safe and comfortable tourism environment. This is what is most important."

Director Li repeatedly agreed on the other end of the phone, his tone even more sincere.

"Yes, yes! Miss Lei, you are absolutely right! Far-sighted! We will certainly bear your instructions in mind and immediately deploy a special rectification campaign for the city's tourism market order and tourism-related illegal and criminal activities, resolutely eliminate all similar hidden dangers, and improve long-term mechanisms!"

"We will never allow such incidents to happen again! Thank you for your supervision and valuable advice!"

Hanging up the phone, Lei Jun placed it aside.

"Sister Lei, what did Director Li say? Did he ask if you were satisfied?" Qin Yu asked curiously.

"Mm." Lei Jun nodded, "I told him to pay more attention in the future."

Lin Xiaoya blinked, "Sister Lei, you didn't even say you were satisfied, won't he...?"

"No," Lei Jun said with certainty, "He understands what I mean. For them, the lesson from this incident is already profound enough."

Tony breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good. So, this matter of ours is completely settled? Those bad guys also got their retribution."

"Consider it a temporary conclusion," Lei Jun stood up, "Get ready, we're returning to Shanghai tomorrow."

There was no point in staying in Sanya anymore.