Twenty-five key members of a mafia-like company, which has been accused of using violence and extortion to further its business interests, would go to trial in Luohu District, prosecutors announced Wednesday.

The company was allegedly a front for the gang headed by Chen Yifeng, Guanfenghua company chairman. They were charged with eight organized crimes including participating in the mafia and confronting government bodies.

Two of the leading members, Zhu Yeling and Liang Yaorong were among those charged.

Police investigations said members allegedly injured citizens and police, carried out illegal business operations, took property by force and organized illegal security forces.

Earlier reports alleged Guanfenghua's security guards injured more than 300 people, including a number of policemen. The company was also accused of confronting law enforcement officers in 13 incidents since 1995.

Chen also allegedly ordered the company's security guards to take over a number of buildings, including a commercial building in the Dongmen area, by force or by using forged documents.

The company frequently held armed rehearsals, police said.

Chen Yifeng, a member of the Guangdong Provincial Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, went from rags-to-riches after he came to Shenzhen to work as a laborer 20 years ago.

(Shenzhen Daily April 15, 2005)