Chinese community hit by ‘ruthless’ gang - Scotland Yard smash oriental website scam that led to torture and extortion

Published: 10 December 2010
by DAVID ST GEORGE

A MARRIED woman from Westminster “begged for her life” as she was held prisoner with £30,000 demanded, a court has heard.

The 30-year-old from Soho was one of several victims of a ruthless Chinese gang smashed by Scotland Yard detectives. 

The gang, all illegally in the United Kingdom, preyed on fellow countrymen who answered bogus advertisements on an oriental website   offering work.

Once a victim applied for a job as a waiter  they were invited to a “stronghold” in Luton rented by the gang and held captive for days, said Judge Peter Thornton QC at the Old Bailey.

They were tortured into revealing family details in China and demands were made in calls to relatives for up to £50,000. 

“In most cases the victim was bound, gagged and beaten and threatened with death if their relatives in China did not pay,” said the judge.

Five victims were “drawn into the trap” when seeking jobs and they and their families suffered terrifying ordeals before they were released.

“It was merciless, the stuff of nightmares. 

“This was ruthless professional crime organised by dangerous people devoid of humanity and driven by greed,” Judge Thornton added.

He described how a student, 24, from Islington, was tortured with a burning cigarette and £50,000 demanded from his mother.

The judge said the police team involved in a two-year investigation which led to the arrests of five gang members deserved commendations. 

Four men, all living in Camden or the West End, were previously jailed for a total of 44 years for conspiracy to blackmail and plotting to kidnap. A fifth, Ming Yan, 19, from Wembley, was given eight years this week for similar charges.