Gang brothers and 22 others on trial in Chongqing

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As part of a series of prosecutions to crack down on gang activity, a local court in southwest China's Chongqing municipality has opened a trial in a case involving 24 suspects. The defendants are accused of committing organized crime.

Zhang Bo and his brother Zhang Tao are standing trial with another 22 suspects. Prosecutors accuse them of leading a mafia-like organization and setting up casinos, intentional injury, intentional destruction of property and illegal detention.

A police investigation determined that the Zhang brothers have been recruiting mobsters since 2007. The gang has a strict hierarchy system and gives out salaries to its members.

Police records indicate that the gang mainly profited through organizing gambles and loan sharking.

Before the trial, the Zhang brothers repeatedly denied the allegations, saying they are not a mafia-like organization. More than 20 lawyers have been hired as defense attorneys.

The court says that due to the large number of suspects and the unique nature of the case, the trial is expected to last two days.