On the morning of June 12, the Nanjing Municipal Public Security Bureau held a special press conference to announce the successful investigation of the major 'May 16' gold theft case in Jiangning District, providing details on the case resolution and the return of the stolen property.

A major gold theft recently occurred in Jiangning District, Nanjing, where 27 kilograms of gold were stolen from a store, with the total value of the case exceeding 27 million yuan. Following the crime, public security organs at the provincial, municipal, and district levels quickly mobilized, forming a special task force. Senior provincial leaders oversaw the overall command, while municipal leaders directly managed the operation. The task force pursued leads across eight provinces, utilized the Lancang-Mekong Cooperation mechanism for cross-border apprehension, and successfully arrested all 11 suspects, recovering the entire 27 kilograms of stolen gold. This case represents the largest gold theft by value solved in China to date.

This was a meticulously organized criminal group with clear division of labor and thorough premeditation. Over more than half a month of continuous effort, all officers involved worked tirelessly day and night, meticulously analyzing various clues and conducting comprehensive assessments. Relying on national cross-regional police cooperation mechanisms and international law enforcement collaboration, they successfully cracked the case. From the outset of the investigation, the task force prioritized both solving the crime and recovering the stolen property, integrating apprehension with restitution. Maximizing the recovery of losses for the victims was the core objective of the operation, according to Li Dahai, Deputy Secretary of the Party Committee and Executive Deputy Director of the Nanjing Municipal Public Security Bureau.

Investigators quickly identified a suspect and apprehended the primary thief as he was attempting to flee.

After the crime, the task force used data analysis and comprehensive investigation to swiftly identify a suspicious man, confirming him as the perpetrator, Tong. Tracking and analysis indicated that Tong disappeared near a remote village in Jiangning District after the theft. The task force concluded he was highly likely attempting to flee via the highway system.

We examined 2,273 passing vehicles one by one and ultimately found that Tong hitched a ride near the ring expressway around 5 a.m. on May 16. He changed his destination multiple times during the journey and arrived in Nanning, Guangxi, around 9 p.m. on May 17, explained Han Ting, Captain of the Criminal Investigation Brigade of the Nanjing Jiangning District Public Security Bureau. The task force quickly dispatched officers already on assignment in Guangxi. With the full cooperation of police in Nanning and Chongzuo, as well as border management departments, they captured Tong at a location just over 100 meters from the China-Vietnam border in the early hours of May 18, as he was about to illegally cross the border. They seized 8.75 kilograms of gold on the spot.

Through international cooperation and sustained effort, all 27 kilograms of gold were recovered.

During the investigation, meticulous technical 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. Assessment identified a suspect, Wang, as having major involvement. Further investigation revealed that Wang had fled to Bangkok, Thailand, by plane on the afternoon of the theft day.

The task force promptly activated international police cooperation mechanisms. Through strong coordination by senior provincial public security leaders, Thai police successfully arrested Wang in Bangkok on May 23 and extradited him back to Nanjing on May 29. Searches of Wang's residence and several other hiding places led to the seizure of 13.2 kilograms of gold.

As the main suspects were apprehended, the task force delved deeper, uncovering that this was a carefully planned gang crime. The principal offender, Wang, was responsible for overall command; Tong carried out the theft; and another suspect, Zhang, was in charge of arranging reception and escape. On the evening of May 21, the task force arrested Zhang, who was preparing to flee, at Wenzhou Longwan International Airport. Through analysis of massive data, they subsequently apprehended individuals involved in handling the stolen goods in multiple locations.

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

Combating crime and safeguarding peace are the enduring duties and missions of public security organs. 'Rapid investigation and solution, relentless pursuit of stolen goods, and determined capture of fugitives' are not just our resolve to eradicate evil, but also our most solemn commitment to the people's expectations. Moving forward, we will take this as a new starting point, keeping our swords high and striking with heavy blows. No matter where suspects flee or where stolen goods flow, we will pursue them to the end without leniency, using concrete actions to combat crime and protect the safety and well-being of the people, said Li Ying, Director of the Organization and Publicity Department of the Nanjing Municipal Public Security Bureau and host of the press conference.