A Sharp Edge Emerges From The Mist Chapter 38

judgment

Three months passed in tension, waiting and constant struggle.

These three months were an earth-shaking three months for the two cities.

Taking the “letter of investment” submitted by Shen Qingwu as the trigger and core framework, the task force joined forces with the Discipline Inspection Commission, Economic Investigation, Anti-Corruption and other departments to launch a fierce general attack on the “Underground River” network.

Dana Liu, the actual controller of “Changhe Trading”, was intercepted at the airport before absconding out of the country. A large amount of cash, gold bars and encrypted storage devices that had not yet been transferred were found in his luggage. Not only did it contain more detailed black accounts of the “New City Project”, but it also involved several old cases and many “protective umbrellas” that have not yet been exposed.Faced with the irrefutable evidence, Dana Liu quickly gave up her resistance and began another round of more in-depth confessions.

The retired “Director Li” broke down in his psychological defense under the continuous interrogation of the Discipline Inspection Commission. Not only did he confess the fact that he had accepted huge bribes and abused his power in the “New City Project”, but he also revealed a key piece of information: the final investigation report on the “accident” involving Shen Qingwu’s parents ten years ago was “hinted” by a supervisor at the time, and the key technical doubts and witness contradictions were deliberately obscured, and the case was concluded as an “accident”.The leader in charge was transferred to another province a few years ago and currently has a high position.

Following this line, the tentacles of investigation began to extend to higher-level, more secretive areas.The political and business landscape in the twin cities and even the province is quietly undergoing violent shocks.News continues to come out that officials are being interviewed, suspended, and under investigation, and companies that are involved in the “underdark river” are constantly being sealed up and their assets are frozen.Under the guidance of the government, the media began to carry out limited but continuous reports. Keywords such as “the shady story of the new city project”, “collusion between politics and business”, and “the hope of redressing injustice after ten years” gradually entered the public eye.

At the center of the storm, Shen Qingwu himself was in a relatively “quiet” state.She cooperated to complete all necessary inquiries and evidence fixation. Under the auspices of Qin Mo and a certain degree of official “concern”, Qingyuan Capital completed the asset reorganization and business division. Although the scale shrank, all connections with the “underground river” were eliminated and it was able to continue operating legally under supervision.As for herself, she is still under Lin Jianfeng’s “protective custody” most of the time, living in an upgraded safe house with limited movement, but basically a worry-free life.

During these three months, Lin Jianfeng was like a top spinning at high speed.On the one hand, she must assist the task force in sorting out massive amounts of evidence, coordinating the actions of all parties, and ensuring a precise and thorough attack on the “Dark River”; on the other hand, she must strictly protect Shen Qingwu’s safety and deal with possible retaliation from the remnants of the “Dark River” or some parties whose interests have been damaged; on the other hand, she must continue to use legal channels to strive for the most favorable judicial outcome for Shen Qingwu.She has lost a lot of weight, and her eyes are often bloodshot, but the light in her eyes has become firmer and sharper.

Finally, when the autumn wind swept down the first sycamore leaf, the judicial process regarding Shen Qingwu came to an end.

It is not a public trial, but a closed hearing jointly held by the court, procuratorate, and public security organs.The purpose of the hearing was to comprehensively evaluate Shen Qingwu’s merits and demerits in the “Underwater” case, and to make final sentencing recommendations accordingly.

As the main investigator of the case and Shen Qingwu’s security chief, Lin Jianfeng was allowed to attend as a witness.Wearing a neat police uniform, she sat at the back of the hearing room, her back as straight as a pine tree, and her eyes calmly staring ahead.

Shen Qingwu was sitting in the hearing room, wearing a simple plain shirt and trousers, with his hair tied neatly behind his head. There was no makeup on his face, which made him look slimmer, but he had a calmness that had been washed away.She lowered her eyes slightly and folded her hands on her knees, waiting for her “trial”.

The hearing process was serious and efficient.The prosecutor first stated several major illegal acts that Shen Qingwu was suspected of: illegally obtaining computer information system data, infringing on trade secrets (minor circumstances), and conducting illegal transactions with criminals.Every accusation is supported by corresponding evidence, although part of the evidence comes from Shen Qingwu’s own confession.

Then, Team Leader Liu of the task force, as a representative of the investigative agency, explained in detail Shen Qingwu’s “major meritorious performance” in detecting the “Underwater” criminal group case.He listed the list of core evidence submitted by Shen Qingwu on his own initiative and its irreplaceable value, emphasizing that it was this evidence that directly led to the rapid arrest and guilty pleas of core members such as Dana Liu and Director Li, promoted breakthrough progress in the entire case investigation, recovered huge economic losses for the country, and revealed the truth about many old cases.Team leader Liu’s statement is objective, specific, informative and of great weight.

Subsequently, several “intelligence dealers” and “middlemen” (who have been controlled) who had “gray transactions” with Shen Qingwu but in minor cases and without causing major harm, testified via video link, confirming that the purpose of Shen Qingwu’s transactions with them was purely to obtain criminal information about “Dark River”, and that the information was not used for other illegal activities after the transaction, and in some cases, it even prevented them from selling more sensitive information to “Dark River”.

Finally, Shen Qingwu himself made a brief final statement.She did not defend herself, but once again clearly admitted her mistake, expressed deep regret, and reiterated her willingness to accept all rulings of the law.Her voice was smooth and clear, without excitement or sadness, only a calmness after the dust had settled.

There was silence in the hearing room.The judges, prosecutors, and investigators all focused their attention on Shen Qingwu and the upcoming conclusion.

Lin Jianfeng’s heartbeat almost stopped at that moment.She clenched her fists tightly, digging her nails into her palms, using pain to maintain her superficial composure.Three months of running, fighting, and suffering, all the efforts will be condensed into the next few minutes.

After a brief adjournment for collegial proceedings, the presiding judge took his seat again and read out the conclusion of the hearing:

“After trial, it was found that the witness Shen Qingwu did commit some illegal acts in the process of tracing the truth about the death of his parents and fighting against the ‘Dark River’ criminal group. His behavior has violated relevant laws and should be punished according to law.”

Lin Jianfeng’s heart sank.

“However,” the judge changed his subject and spoke solemnly, “consider the following circumstances comprehensively: First, the main motive of the person being heard to commit illegal acts is to find out the cause of death of relatives and expose major crimes, and the subjective evil is relatively small; secondly, the person being heard took the initiative and thoroughly explained all illegal acts, and submitted the most critical and core part of this case.The evidence materials played a decisive role in detecting the case of the “Dark River” mega-criminal group, and constituted meritorious service, and it was a major meritorious service; thirdly, the person being heard actively cooperated with the investigation, and showed sincere confession and repentance;fourthly, his illegal behavior mostly occurred in specific situations, and some of his actions did not cause actual harmful consequences or the harmful consequences were minor.”

The judge paused, glanced at everyone present, and finally landed on Shen Qingwu, and announced clearly and forcefully:

“According to the Criminal Law of the People’s Republic of China and relevant judicial interpretations, and in line with the criminal policy of combining punishment with education, and balancing leniency with severity, this court believes that Shen Qingwu can be given a relatively large leniency in accordance with the law. The sentencing recommendations of the prosecutor’s office are adopted. The verdict is as follows:”

“The defendant Shen Qingwu is guilty of illegally obtaining data from computer information systems and infringing on trade secrets (the circumstances are minor). He is punished for several crimes and is sentenced to three years in prison and suspended for four years. During the probation period, he will be subject to community corrections in accordance with the law and accept relevant prohibition orders. In addition, in view of his major meritorious service, he will be exempted from part of the property penalty in accordance with the law.”

“Closed court!”

The gavel fell with a clear sound that echoed in the silent hearing room.

Three years, four years suspended.Community corrections.Exemption from some property penalties.

It is not an acquittal, but it is the most ideal and humane outcome that can be achieved within the current legal framework.This means that Shen Qingwu does not need to actually go to jail to serve a sentence, but only needs to comply with supervision regulations, report regularly, and receive community service and correctional education during the probation period.Her personal freedom is subject to certain restrictions, but she retains her basic rights to life and work.The exemption from part of the property penalty has preserved most of her personal and Qingyuan Capital’s “purified” legal property.

Shen Qingwu slowly raised his head, and there seemed to be a flash of water in his eyes, but he quickly regained his composure.She stood up and bowed slightly toward the judge’s bench.

Lin Jianfeng’s tense nerves finally relaxed at this moment.A strong torrent, mixed with exhaustion, relief, and unspeakable sorrow, broke down all her psychological defenses.She lowered her head, blinked hard, and forced back the turbulent emotions.

Don’t lose your composure.This is the solemn place of hearing.

But she knew they had won.Won an extremely difficult battle.

After the meeting, Lin Jianfeng waited for Shen Qingwu in the corridor.The two of them looked at each other a few steps away.

Shen Qingwu looked at her and slowly raised the corners of his mouth, revealing an extremely light but extremely real smile.In that smile, there was relief, gratitude, and… a trace of confusion about the future, but more of it was peace.

Lin Jianfeng also looked at her, with a thousand words stuck in his chest, which eventually turned into an equally light but firm smile and a gentle nod.

No hugs, no excited words.

But all the emotions were clearly conveyed in this exchange of glances.

The verdict has been passed.

The dark past finally came to an end that brought punishment but also left hope.

Although their futures are still shrouded in the remaining shadow of the “Dark River” and probation supervision, at least they can join hands and step by step towards a bright future that truly belongs to them.

The autumn sun outside the window is warm.