ATM knife robbery suspects arrested
Two men suspected of stabbing two ATM users and robbing them of 100,000 yuan were arrested in Hebei province by Beijing police on Saturday.
Police said they also recovered 92,000 yuan and returned it to the victims.
Li Jiang, a 23-year-old from Fengtai district, was a former employee of a local billiard hall before November. Gao Wu, the other male suspect, was Li's best friend.
The victims, Liu Yongyong and Lai Zhenjie, jointly operated a mobile business in Muxiyuan area, Xuanwu district.
On Wednesday morning, after settling their trade accounts, the victims took 500,000 yuan in a taxi to a Bank of Communications outlet in Fangzhuang, Fengtai district, to deposit the money.
According to the bank surveillance video, the victims had deposited 300,000 yuan in 10 minutes into the machines when a man entered the hall and pretended to operate another ATM machine. He was followed by another man. The two robbers then stabbed the two men who were using the ATM machine and money scattered on the ground.
The suspects grabbed a bag with 100,000 yuan inside and fled.
According to police, Liu called his brother after the robbery and his brother reported him to Fengtai police. Liu was stabbed four times in the neck, back and right ear - Lai had a fractured finger. Their condition is stable and they are undergoing treatment.
Police said the suspects and Li's girlfriend surnamed Qu hired an unlicensed taxi and went to Qu's hometown in Huailai county, Hebei province. They were arrested at an inn in Shacheng town, in Huailai, 72 hours after the robbery.
Police said Li confessed to the crime and said he did it because he did not have enough money to pay for an abortion needed by his girlfriend.
Ma Xichu, vice-head of the criminal investigation department with the Beijing public security bureau, warned people to be careful when using ATMs. He said people may want to withdraw large amounts because of the approach of Spring Festival. Ma suggested they contact their bank and, if necessary, ask the police for help.
(China Daily 01/25/2010 page26)
