"Regarding the source and origin of the private funds used to purchase the land, which are unrelated to the current case, I object to the opposing counsel's attempt to extend the discussion," Jiang Xingfan stood up and addressed the judge.
At the moment when the judge was about to strike the gavel to give his approval,
Ye Jinghuai interjected directly, "May I ask the prosecutor's counsel, both parties entered into a public contract and both would generate a tax revenue of 5 million. Why didn't my client directly sign a contract with Zhang Wenzhen instead of going through the trouble of creating an additional contract that would violate the law? Does the prosecutor's counsel think my client suddenly went crazy?!"
Jiang Xingfan was taken aback by Ye Jinghuai's retort, rendering him speechless.
He had fought numerous lawsuits and was known as one of the most prominent lawyers in Qing City, having charged exorbitant fees. Yet now, he found himself at a loss for words against Ye Jinghuai, a lawyer who had never been in court before.
He composed himself and countered, "On what basis do you claim that the total amount of these three contracts, which is one billion for the purchase of the land, was used? As far as I know, virtual contracts are common in various companies. In order to realize cash that cannot be obtained through legitimate contracts, An's Group might have used several virtual contracts. Isn't that a normal occurrence?"
"I have evidence," Ye Jinghuai's confidence remained unscathed in the face of Jiang Xingfan's presence. He presented a document, "Just now, the prosecutor's counsel mentioned the private transaction of one billion. It was transferred through five payments made on March 3rd, May 12th, June 18th, July 5th, and September 20th of last year. The transactions were conducted to several private accounts belonging to employees of An's Group. Interestingly, the amounts deposited into the account of Yuanyang Building Materials for the three contracts signed by Chang Deyue correspond exactly to these accounts, with payment dates on February 24th, June 8th, and July 1st. So, from a legal standpoint, is it merely a coincidence that the money and timing align so perfectly?"
Jiang Xingfan's gaze narrowed.
The pursuit of the law is based on facts and objective regularities, and such a blatant coincidence could not be dismissed as stated by Ye Jinghuai.
Even if Jiang Xingfan tried to maintain his composure, he couldn't find a reason to refute Ye Jinghuai at this moment.
"Your Honor, do you consider it a coincidence?" Ye Jinghuai turned to the judge.
Naturally, the judge needed to be more impartial. He solemnly responded, "According to the statement made by the defense counsel, it cannot be regarded as a coincidence."
"In that case, can I understand that the total amount of these three contracts was paid to Zhang Wenzhen?"
"For now, let's assume that," the judge allowed some leeway.
"In that case, could the prosecutor's counsel please explain why, given that both are public contracts, he didn't choose to directly sign a legitimate contract with Zhang Wenzhen instead of going through another company to transfer the funds and digging a hole for himself? Did my client suddenly lose his mind?!" Ye Jinghuai retorted to Jiang Xingfan.
An Nuan, sitting in the audience, was speechless.
Your father is the one who lost his mind!
Could Ye Jinghuai please use more appropriate language!
Clearly, Jiang Xingfan, who was always the one pushing other lawyers to their limits in court, found himself cornered by someone else.
"I have no idea what the person involved is thinking!" Jiang Xingfan's face turned extremely ugly.
"I know," Ye Jinghuai said confidently.
There was a kind of deliberate mystification in his recent words, just to showcase his intelligence by contrasting it with Jiang Xingfan.
Jiang Xingfan was infuriated.
"Because this matter has absolutely nothing to do with the person involved!" Ye Jinghuai stated firmly.
"You are simply assuming that your client has no connection to this case, as if the courtroom is a child's play..."
"While I am presenting my viewpoint and providing evidence, I kindly request the prosecutor's lawyer not to interrupt me. I don't possess your ability, so if you interrupt me, I might lose track of where I was. Please understand." Ye Jinghuai appeared modest in his words.
In reality, he was mocking Jiang Xingfan for using his position in the legal field to suppress his colleagues.
In the legal profession, Jiang Xingfan's reputation was surprisingly poor.
Jiang Xingfan gritted his teeth and coldly returned to his seat.
It seemed like he didn't want to stoop to the same level as Ye Jinghuai.
Ye Jinghuai glanced at Jiang Xingfan and his magnetic voice resounded in the courtroom once again, "This case of tax evasion and bribery is actually a long-planned commercial fraud. Shareholder Chang Deyue of An's Group wanted to gain personal benefits through An's Group and found Wei Daguo.
Firstly, An's Group did have the intention to purchase Hua Tan International to develop the An's High-end Residential Area. They had been negotiating the purchase with Zhang Wenzhen, but Zhang Wenzhen's asking price of 300 million was considered too high by my client. After careful consideration, my client decided not to make the purchase for the time being. In order to facilitate this transaction, Chang Deyue lied and said that they eventually settled for 200 million, prompting my client to immediately sign the deal.
Then, Chang Deyue used his contract approval authority and signed three fictitious contracts with Yuanyang Building Materials, a company he had good relations with, with the purpose of diverting 100 million from An's Group to pay for the private transaction with Zhang Wenzhen. After all, if they didn't pay, Zhang Wenzhen would create a scene and Chang Deyue would be exposed.
Finally, Chang Deyue instructed Wei Daguo to participate in the bidding process for the contractor of Hua Tan International. Through covert operations, Wei Daguo won the bid. After winning the bid, An's Group paid Wei Daguo a construction fee of 830 million. After receiving the money, Wei Daguo kept a portion for himself as agreed beforehand and handed over the remaining 600 million to Chang Deyue."
Ye Jinghuai said, "In conclusion, this is the true story behind this case."
"Words alone are not enough. Do you have any evidence to prove that it was a scheme between Wei Daguo and Chang Deyue?"
"I have the bank transaction records between Wei Daguo and Chang Deyue. Although there were multiple accounts involved, ultimately all the money transferred by Wei Daguo ended up in Chang Deyue's pocket!" Ye Jinghuai presented the list respectfully and handed it to the jury.
The jury received it and began examining the evidence.
"Your Honor, I believe the defense lawyer's argument is full of loopholes, and I have some points I would like to elaborate on," Jiang Xingfan couldn't hold back anymore.
"Permission granted," the judge promptly responded.
Jiang Xingfan looked at Ye Jinghuai and said, "Your reasoning holds no value whatsoever! Firstly, what is the relationship between the witness Wei Daguo and Chang Deyue? Why would Wei Daguo help Chang Deyue, and why would Chang Deyue trust Wei Daguo? Secondly, Wei Daguo has no grudge against the defendant. Why would he go to such lengths to frame the defendant with heavier charges? If he hadn't reported the defendant, he could have lived a carefree life. Lastly, the laws of the Northern Wen Kingdom require both testimonies and physical evidence. What you have presented so far are only material evidence and your logical reasoning, which cannot serve as valid grounds for a legal conviction."
