Too Bad I Take Things Seriously-Chapter 529 - 215: Liu Qiao, this Number Six, has hidden too deeply_2

According to information currently held by the public prosecution authorities, while Zhang Kuang was the one who carried out the bribery, the money belonged to Liu Qiao. After the first-instance judgment was issued, Liu Qiao’s bank account was frozen. However, Liu Qiao somehow procured another million yuan and gave it to Zhang Kuang. Ultimately, Zhang Kuang used this money in an attempt to bribe officials but was discovered by the public prosecution authorities. Also discovered at that time were other accounts belonging to Liu Qiao that had not yet been frozen. Upon investigation, in addition to the ten million yuan already found to be involved in bribing Han Dongting and suspected of money laundering, Liu Qiao’s other hidden accounts were also suspected of money laundering.

"Heaven can attest! Zhang Kuang is the real instigator! I’ve been locked up this whole time; how could I possibly have instigated this?" Liu Qiao said hurriedly, his face tense.

Before his words even faded, Zhang Kuang quickly retorted, "Bullshit! It was clearly you who found me and asked me to use any means necessary to help you overturn your case. If it weren’t for your money, I would never have taken your case! Why don’t you ask around Jin City? Which lawyer dares to take your case now? It’s practically a death sentence! Regarding this bribery, I discussed it with you, effectively seeking your approval. You readily agreed, which means you consented to this plan. If you’re not the instigator, who is?"

He unleashed a barrage of questions. In that instant, his survival instinct flared intensely.

Back in his early years of studying law, he had heard of many seniors in his field who had ended up in prison due to their involvement in criminal defense. But he never imagined that one day, something like this would actually happen to him.

"Judgment Chief, I... I have audio recordings from that time!" To prove he was merely a "courier," Zhang Kuang threw out another key piece of evidence. When he met Liu Qiao in the detention room, he had shrewdly taken the precaution of recording their entire conversation.

BANG—

In the courtroom, the Judgment Chief and the collegiate bench all wore strange expressions. The scene of the defendant and his lawyer turning on each other grew increasingly absurd. Subsequently, the collegiate bench examined the audio evidence provided by Zhang Kuang and confirmed that the voices indeed sounded like the two men.

"Judgment Chief, members of the bench, I have other evidence here. To my knowledge, Liu Qiao has many private accounts, including several overseas accounts..." From the lawyer’s bench, Zhang Kuang simply steeled his heart and completely sold out his client. He laid out the information he possessed about Liu Qiao’s other money laundering accounts. For this bribery, he had used Liu Qiao’s other accounts. These accounts were more covert and had not been previously discovered or frozen.

"You!" From the defendant’s dock, Liu Qiao trembled with rage as he watched Zhang Kuang. He stared at Zhang Kuang, wishing he could rush forward and tear him limb from limb. These accounts of his... these were the ill-gotten gains he had painstakingly amassed over the years. He had poured his blood, sweat, and tears into amassing every cent. Originally, he had prepared for the worst. Even if he went to jail, with this money, he could still live comfortably in his old age after a decade or so. But now... if his accounts were traced due to Zhang Kuang’s report, then everything would be over. He had toiled for the better part of his life, and now all the money he’d earned was vanishing into thin air because of this case!

The Judgment Chief frowned upon hearing this. He has even more ill-gotten gains? The fact was, this case had already undergone trial and judgment by the district court, and the sentence was currently being carried out. Liu Qiao’s accounts had been frozen, and over 30,000,000 yuan in assets had been confiscated. But it now appeared this sum was merely the ’legal’ income from the pharmacy. Secretly, Liu Qiao likely possessed other illicit sources of income.

BANG—

After a brief consultation, the Judgment Chief once again struck the gavel, his gaze sweeping over everyone in the courtroom. He declared in a deep voice, "New criminal evidence has emerged in this case. It must be reinvestigated to clarify the facts. A new trial date will be set. Today’s session is adjourned!"

In front of everyone, he solemnly made the announcement and hastily concluded the current hearing. As for the two individuals in the defendant’s dock and at the lawyer’s bench, several bailiffs stepped forward and escorted them from the courtroom.

A major court session thus came to an abrupt end.

Meanwhile, in the public gallery, Zhang Qingyuan and the others stared wide-eyed, blankly watching this sudden development. This turn of events had been too sudden. The trial hadn’t been underway for long before a series of major revelations unfolded. It appeared Liu Qiao was implicated in even more criminal activities. Further investigation by the public security and prosecution authorities would be required before the trial could proceed.

Furthermore, because the lawyer had "fallen from grace" and become a defendant himself, the accused now lacked legal representation. For the next court session, both men would need to hire separate lawyers to represent them in this criminal litigation.

"I admit, I underestimated Liu Qiao," one observer murmured.

"I thought he was just small-time, nothing compared to Meng Lei. I didn’t expect him to be even more deeply hidden than Meng Lei."

"Meng Lei was just particularly adept at borrowing money. But Liu Qiao even has overseas accounts? How much ill-gotten money has he made over the years?..."

After the hearing concluded, Zhang Qingyuan and the others were still reeling in shock, their minds racing. The sudden interruption of the trial didn’t disappoint them; instead, it heightened their anticipation. Because what had been discovered so far was merely the tip of Liu Qiao’s iceberg. Behind Liu Qiao, many more criminal activities lay hidden.