On the morning of June 12, the Nanjing Municipal Public Security Bureau held a special press conference to announce the resolution of a major gold theft case, providing details on the investigation and returning the stolen property.

It was reported at the conference that a significant gold theft recently occurred in the Jiangning District of Nanjing, where 27 kilograms of gold were stolen from a commercial store, with the total value of the stolen goods exceeding 27 million yuan.

Following the incident, public security organs at the provincial, municipal, and district levels swiftly coordinated, establishing a special task force. The investigation was overseen by senior leadership from the provincial department and directly managed by municipal bureau heads.

The task force pursued leads across eight provinces and, utilizing the Lancang-Mekong cooperation mechanism, conducted a cross-border arrest operation. This effort led to the successful capture of all eleven suspects and the complete recovery of the 27 kilograms of gold. This case represents the largest gold theft by value solved in mainland China in recent years.

Nanjing Municipal Public Security Bureau Deputy Party Secretary and Executive Deputy Bureau Chief Li Dahai stated that this was a meticulously organized criminal group with clear roles and thorough premeditation. Over more than half a month of intensive work, participating officers worked around the clock, meticulously analyzing various leads and integrating intelligence. The case was successfully cracked by leveraging national cross-regional police cooperation mechanisms and international law enforcement collaboration. From the outset, the task force prioritized both solving the case and recovering the stolen property, aiming to minimize the financial loss for the victims.

Investigators quickly identified a suspect through data analysis and comprehensive assessment, pinpointing a man named Tong as the individual who carried out the theft. Tracking indicated that Tong disappeared near a remote village in Jiangning District after the crime. Analysis suggested he likely attempted to flee via highway.

Nanjing Public Security Bureau Jiangning Sub-bureau Criminal Investigation Brigade Captain Han Ting explained that after screening 2,273 passing vehicles, they found Tong had hitched a ride near the ring expressway around 5 a.m. on May 16. He changed destinations multiple times during the journey, eventually arriving in Nanning, Guangxi, around 9 p.m. on May 17.

The task force immediately deployed officers already on assignment in Guangxi. With the full cooperation of police in Nanning and Chongzuo, as well as border management authorities, Tong was apprehended in the early hours of May 18, just over 100 meters from the China-Vietnam border, as he was about to illegally cross. Approximately 8.75 kilograms of gold were seized on the spot.

During the investigation, detailed forensic examination and electronic data analysis revealed that multiple individuals had entered the crime scene to scout it on several occasions over a month before the theft. A man named Wang was identified as a key suspect.

Further investigation showed Wang had fled to Bangkok, Thailand, by plane on the afternoon of the theft day. The task force promptly activated international police cooperation channels. Through coordination by senior provincial public security leadership, Thai police successfully arrested Wang in Bangkok on May 23 and extradited him back to Nanjing on May 29.

Subsequent searches of Wang's residence and other hiding places led to the recovery of an additional 13.2 kilograms of gold.

As the main suspects were apprehended, the task force's deeper investigation revealed this was a carefully orchestrated group crime. The principal suspect, Wang, was responsible for overall planning, Tong executed the theft, and another suspect, Zhang, arranged logistics and support.

On the evening of May 21, the task force arrested Zhang, who was preparing to flee, at Wenzhou Longwan International Airport. Through analysis of vast amounts of data, individuals involved in handling the stolen goods were subsequently apprehended in multiple locations.

Nanjing Public Security Bureau Criminal Investigation Detachment Head Zhong Jun stated that over more than ten days of intensive effort, the task force employed a combination of traditional and modern investigative techniques. They meticulously unraveled clues, followed the trail, and conducted in-depth inquiries to solve this complex case, which was characterized by careful planning, covert connections, tight organization, distinct hierarchy, and novel criminal methods.

Concurrently with the intensive investigation, the Jiangning Sub-bureau took proactive steps to address security vulnerabilities exposed by the case. They organized personnel from public order, criminal investigation, and local police stations to conduct a comprehensive security assessment of the victimized store, promoting full coverage of intelligent early warning systems in key areas.

Jiangning District Deputy District Chief and Public Security Sub-bureau Director Li Xiang announced a month-long, thorough internal security inspection targeting key units across the district, including gold shops, jewelry stores, pawnshops, luxury goods recycling shops, and bank branches. The initiative involves implementing dynamic "one-enterprise-one-file" management, establishing rapid-response police-enterprise joint prevention groups, regularly distributing security alerts, and guiding key units in conducting anti-intrusion and anti-theft drills to substantially enhance internal security awareness and self-protection capabilities.

It was further reported at the press conference that this year, Nanjing police have been intensifying a special campaign against theft, robbery, and fraud. They have comprehensively integrated police resources, optimized working mechanisms, and reinforced accountability. To date, the city's clearance rate for traditional theft, robbery, and fraud cases has increased by 12.5 percentage points year-on-year.

Following the press conference, a ceremony was held to return the stolen property. The victimized enterprise presented the task force with a banner praising their swift action and dedication to recovering the stolen assets.

Nanjing Public Security Bureau Organization and Publicity Department Head and press conference moderator Li Ying emphasized that combating crime and safeguarding public safety are the enduring duties of the police. The principles of "swift detection and resolution, recovery of stolen goods, and apprehension of fugitives" represent not only a determination to eradicate crime but also a solemn commitment to public expectations. Moving forward, this case will serve as a new starting point for maintaining a vigilant stance and striking hard against crime. Regardless of where suspects flee or where stolen goods are trafficked, the pursuit will be relentless, demonstrating through concrete actions the commitment to combat crime and protect the well-being and safety of the people.