The Dark Side of Justice: A Journalist’s Account of a Corrupt Investigation and a City’s Loss

This article delves into a firsthand account of a high-profile case in China, highlighting the alleged abuse of power within the judicial system and the devastating consequences for those involved. It explores the story of a city official, a valuable mine, and the web of political intrigue that ensnared them.

The Case of Sun Shanwu and the Luanchuan Molybdenum Mine

In 2006, Sun Shanwu, the Party Secretary of Luoyang, Henan, initiated an investigation into the city’s assets. This audit revealed a startling discovery: the Luanchuan molybdenum mine, a highly valuable resource estimated at nearly 400 billion RMB, had been sold to a private Hong Kong entity for a mere 180 million RMB. Molybdenum is a rare metal essential for manufacturing high-strength steel used in industries such as aerospace.

Aerial view of a large open-pit mine, focusing on the scale of the operation and the machinery involved.

The Price of Integrity: Facing Political Backlash

Sun Shanwu’s determination to address this discrepancy led him into a confrontation with powerful political figures. It was alleged that the mine was connected to the family of Luo Gan, a former high-ranking official in the central government’s political and legal affairs apparatus. This revelation placed Sun Shanwu in a precarious position, as his insistence on a fair resolution to the mine sale put him at odds with influential individuals.

The Investigation: Coercion and False Confessions

The article details the alleged tactics used by the disciplinary authorities to build a case against Sun Shanwu. A real estate developer, referred to as “Old Wang,” became a central figure in the investigation. The account describes how Old Wang was allegedly subjected to physical and psychological torture to force a confession of bribery involving Sun Shanwu.

Old Wang was allegedly detained and interrogated for days.
He was allegedly subjected to sleep deprivation and physical abuse.
He was allegedly forced to consume uncooked meat.
He was ultimately coerced into providing false testimony implicating Sun Shanwu.

Close-up of a man's hands bound by iron shackles, emphasizing the feeling of confinement and injustice.

The Aftermath: Imprisonment and Injustice

Based on the coerced confessions, Sun Shanwu was convicted and sentenced to imprisonment. The article highlights the devastating consequences for Sun Shanwu’s family, as his children and in-laws were also allegedly implicated and prosecuted. This outcome effectively silenced any potential outcry against the perceived injustice.

The Resolution: A Corrupt Bargain

The article alleges that the dispute over the Luanchuan molybdenum mine was ultimately resolved through a corrupt bargain. The Luo family allegedly paid the Luoyang government one hundred million RMB, allowing them to retain control of the mine, despite its estimated value of hundreds of billions of RMB.

A gavel slamming down on a sounding block in a courtroom, symbolizing the weight of a legal decision.

A Reflection on the Rule of Law

The article concludes by reflecting on the state of the rule of law in China during the period in question, highlighting the alleged influence of powerful political figures and the vulnerability of individuals who dared to challenge the status quo. The narrative raises questions about the fairness and integrity of the legal system and the potential for abuse of power.