By Cathy Locke
clocke@sacbee.com
Five people were arrested today by agents of the California Department of Justice's Bureau of Gambling Control in connection with a suspected loan-shark ring. A sixth person was arrested on an immigration hold.
Michelle Quinn, a department spokeswoman, said all the suspects are Chinese national's living in Sacramento.
The suspect are accused being involved with a network of people who illegally loaned money to people at casinos and then tried to extort more money from them when they didn't repay the debt fast enough.
Quinn said the victims sometimes were charged as much as 5 percent interest per week, and some were threatened with harm.
Quinn said more than 40 people are known to have received loans, and several are believed to have been threatened. Some people were forced to sign contracts.
The activities had been going on for about 18 months.
The Department of Justice investigation was carried out with the cooperation of a number of casinos. Quinn said agents especially credited the Red Hawk and Thunder Valley casinos for their assistance.
Among those arrested today was Weixiong Kuang, 44, the suspected ringleader, who is accused of felony extortion, conspiracy and assault, Quinn said.
Arrested on suspicion of felony conspiracy were Jian Liu, 43, Zi Zhen, 23, Yezhi Lei, 46, and Zhi Huang, 23, Quinn said.
The sixth person, Yuerui Wu, 31, was arrested on an immigration hold, Quinn said.
Call The Bee's Cathy Locke, (916) 321-5287.









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