19 geriatric Chinese Gangsters nailed

A group of 19 elderly gangsters who ruled their hometown in eastern China with an iron, arthritic fist have each been sentenced to up to 16 years in prison. Cops in Jiangxi province announced the 'Liu Family Elder Society' were convicted in the city of Yingtan for crimes including extortion, gang violence, attacking state organs, illegal detention, picking quarrels and provoking trouble. The boss, Liu, received the longest sentence at 16 years. Henchmen, whose average age is over 79, received between one and 11½ years each. The name Liu carries weight in Yingtan “when locals heard the name Liu, the color would run from their faces.”

Dealing with the decrepit detainees hasn’t been easy for Yingtan authorities. The Liu gangsters have used a litany of excuses to stonewall police, claiming to be sick, deaf, mute, short of breath, or simply forgetful.