Li Qiang, who was also the former deputy of the Chongqing People's Congress, was fined 5.2 million yuan for seven crimes including operating illegal businesses and disturbing social order, according to the No 5 Intermediate People's Court.

"The seven crimes Li committed count for 37 years in jail, but the court sentenced him to 20 years in prison, the maximum term of limited imprisonment according to Chinese law," judge Hong said.

Li's defense attorney, who had said earlier that the evidence provided by the procuratorate did not prove that Li had organized a mafia-style gang, refused to comment on the verdict.

Li did not ask for a re-trial.

The Chongqing No 2 Intermediate People's Court yesterday also fined Chen Zhiyi and Deng Yuping 30.61 million yuan and 31.9 million yuan, respectively.

Chen's lawyer, Liu Xiangshun, from the local Xiangshun Law Firm, called the punishment "extreme".

"The sentence is extreme and the fine is immense," Liu told China Daily.

"What's more, requests by 19 defendants to examine their wounds after the police tortured them for confessions, were not considered by the court," he said.

Chen has decided to appeal, Liu said.

Wang Xingqiang was fined 2.2 million yuan for crimes including abetting prostitution, racketeering and intentional injury to others.

"The four rich gang bosses face different consequences, from which I can tell that the courts have prudently considered the cases, and that is good for the rule of law," local restaurant owner Li Xing told China Daily yesterday.