CHONGQING: Billionaire Gong Gangmo, accused of operating a mafia-style gang armed with submachine guns and grenades, will stand trial in the Chongqing No 1 intermediate people's court today.

Gong, 48, along with the alleged co-leader of the 34-member gang, Fan Qihang, is facing nine charges in the southwest China municipality, including murder, illegal trade and possession of firearms, drug trafficking and operating gambling dens.

Gong's trial gripped the nation's attention when he accused his own lawyer, Li Zhuang, of instructing him to fabricate evidence to seek atonement.