Chinese 'Godmother' Arrested

Chinese police say 46-year old Xie Caiping ran illegal gambling dens and nightclubs as well as various protection rackets, protected drug users, and bribed corrupt police and officials to keep it all quiet. She also allegedly took some 16+ young lovers, an aspect of the case which kept the public riveted.

A recent crackdown in Xie's province of Chongqing resulted in the arrest of hundreds, including six district chiefs of police and other, high-ranking officials. One of these officials was Xie's brother-in-law and former head of the judiciary, also accused of running gambling dens, protecting drug users, unlawful imprisonment, bribery/corrupting officials, and racketeering. He is due to be sentenced for a string of crimes, including rape, money laundry and illegal lending, bribery, and others.

Xie is thought to have made nearly $300,000 through her illegal operations. She was fined about $160,000 and sentenced to 18 years in jail. Some 21 alleged associates were sentenced to between one and 13 years. Six people have been sentenced to death for blackmail and murder.

Western reporters have been allowed to cover the story. Chongqing's population is approximately 30 million.

© C Harris Lynn, 2009