In Liaoning Province, Wafangdian City, a man who purchased 2859.2 grams of gold products 30 years ago was arrested at Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport by the Gaizhou Municipal Public Security Bureau on suspicion of “smuggling crimes”. Despite being released on bail pending trial, the nearly 3 kilograms of gold confiscated by the police have since disappeared without a trace. Recently, this incident has once again attracted attention online.
According to reports from various media outlets including the “Beijing News”, on May 6, 1996, Pan Yongjia bought a total of 2859.2 grams of gold products, originally intending to use them for personal asset allocation. However, he was arrested at Dalian Zhoushuizi Airport by the Gaizhou Municipal Public Security Bureau on charges of smuggling, and a total of 21 packages of gold products including a 18k gold necklace and pendants were seized.
Pan Yongjia was held for 11 days for examination. After his wife paid a deposit of 50,000 yuan, Pan Yongjia was released on bail pending trial. However, he has not received any documents indicating the closure of the case such as a decision to withdraw the case, a decision to terminate the investigation, or a notice to release him on bail. The confiscated gold and the 50,000 yuan deposit have not been returned, and this asset has since “disappeared”.
Over the course of 30 years, Pan Yongjia has repeatedly visited the Gaizhou Municipal Public Security Bureau to inquire about the progress of the case and demand the return of the gold, but has never received a clear response.
On January 6 this year, the 76-year-old Pan Yongjia formally filed a criminal compensation claim through his lawyer, only to be rejected by the Gaizhou Municipal Public Security Bureau on the grounds of exceeding the statute of limitations.
Dissatisfied, Pan Yongjia then applied for a review with the Yingkou Municipal Public Security Bureau, requesting the return of the original items. If they cannot be returned, he demanded compensation based on the price of gold on the Shanghai Gold Exchange on the day of the application. Additionally, he requested the return of the 50,000 yuan deposit, plus interest over the past 30 years, and sought compensation for personal damages and reputation restoration for the 11 days of restricted personal freedom back in the incident.
The incident has sparked public concern online. Netizens have questioned, “Has it been embezzled long ago?” “Is this how taxpayers’ money is used, after 30 years…” “This is corruption.”
Under public pressure, on April 26, a lawyer representing Pan Yongjia stated that the Gaizhou Municipal Public Security Bureau had actively contacted the parties involved and arranged a meeting to discuss compensation matters.
On April 27, the case made headlines on Weibo’s hot search list due to the “30-year confiscation of gold by the police”.