Chapter 550: Guidance and Instruction

Lin Sicheng finally understood what Department Head Chen meant by "thanks to you."

To the Anti-Smuggling Bureau, this case was at most a new type of large-scale international smuggling case. But to the Port Management Unit, even if it wasn't a breakthrough from zero, it could definitely be called an epoch-making influence.

The reason for this lies in the special nature of Hong Kong: high autonomy and its status as an international free trade port.

There are many benefits, but also many drawbacks; just to mention one: Hong Kong is the largest transshipment point and "wash goods" station for smuggling groups targeting China.

From large items like grain, energy, and special materials, to small items like fruit, clothing, and frozen fresh goods.

To give the smallest example: every year, up to 300,000 tons of pig trotters are smuggled from Hong Kong into the mainland. And over 80 percent of them enter through Customs via regular channels after being "washed" in Hong Kong.

To put it simply: change the packaging + forge the place of origin, package pig trotters from epidemic-stricken and prohibited areas like Europe and America as products from permitted and preferential policy areas, and pass them into the country through Hong Kong's border trade preferential policies to slip through.

The key is that it is hard to investigate; unlike grain, where the origin attributes are extremely obvious and easy to distinguish, this stuff has absolutely no difference once the packaging is changed.

To eradicate it, one can only cut off the "money laundering" channel at the source: by strictly inspecting and strictly prohibiting products from prohibited areas from flowing into Hong Kong.

But to be honest, with such a large port and so few Customs staff, they can't even check all the special materials, let alone the tiny pig trotters?

More importantly, due to considerations of system, politics, economy, and even international influence, the mainland finds it difficult to intervene or interfere too much. Therefore, the relevant departments have had a headache over this matter for a long time.

The one with the biggest headache among them is Customs.

But no one expected that, inexplicably, a gap would open in this impregnable fortress?

On the surface: it is just a small equipment smuggling case with a value of no more than ten million; in a free port with a daily throughput of hundreds of thousands of tons, it doesn't even count as a drop in the ocean.

But at a deeper level, it involves several world giants: Sciex, Keyence, Bruker, and Rigaku. And, a "Computer Patent Fraud" case of a magnitude never before seen in Hong Kong.

Not to mention anything else, just the backdoor reserved in the system software of the XRD and the digital display machines involves an economic loss of at least ten billion. Parentheses: Euros or US dollars.

Moreover, this is not just an economic loss; the factors involved are too many and too sensitive, forcing the free port to seek help from relevant domestic departments. In such cases, they used to communicate with Guangdong Customs, and it just so happens that the General Administration is running a pilot program in Guangdong. Therefore, the joint effort between the province and Hong Kong is no different from being led by the General Administration.

More importantly, the smuggling mode of this equipment smuggling case: changing packaging, labeling, forging the place of origin... it almost covers more than 90 percent of the modes of "money laundering" cases using Hong Kong as a transshipment point.

Since they can cooperate once, they can cooperate a second time; slowly, it will become a convention... believe it or not, the leaders of Customs could wake up laughing in their dreams. For Chen Feng, it is even more than that: like a terminally ill patient who is inexplicably fed a miraculous medicine, not only coming back to life but gaining an extra life.

Just imagine, could he be anything but happy to see Lin Sicheng?

To be honest, it is only because he is a leader. If it were someone else, he might have hugged Lin Sicheng and spun him around twice.

In an instant, Lin Sicheng had filled in most of the blanks; he was both bewildered and feeling strange.

After a long while, he scratched his forehead: "Leader, can this case really develop into this?"

Li Shichen laughed as soon as he heard this: "Why else would I say you kid are a bit uncanny?"

It was originally a bad thing, but inexplicably, it turned into a good thing?

The key is that it hasn't happened just once: it was like this with the Inverted Pot, it was like this with that batch of porcelain from Hu Dahai, and this batch of equipment is like this again? Some General Administration leaders even joked: why not invite Lin Sicheng over to tour the various ports.

After laughing for a while, Li Shichen lowered his voice: "I'll give you a heads-up in advance, there is a high probability that your batch of equipment can be transferred to the country!"

Lin Sicheng's heart stirred: what Director Li was talking about was that batch of new equipment hidden in Hong Kong by the smuggling group.

According to past practice, cases are handled where they are discovered. If it is seized by Hong Kong Customs, it is naturally handled by Hong Kong.

But this time it is different: this case is hosted by the Anti-Smuggling Bureau, the victim is a domestic enterprise, and the stolen goods involved will definitely be transported to the country. Regardless of the lawsuit regarding Sciex's commercial fraud and how the Court will rule, criminal judgments in smuggling cases generally advocate Property Rights Priority: if Lin Sicheng files a Criminal Incidental Civil Litigation and claims ownership of the new equipment, there is a high probability that the subject matter will be judged to be returned to him. This is what Li Shichen meant.

"Thank you, Leader!"

"Lin Sicheng, don't be in such a hurry to thank me, I said high probability!"

Li Shichen had experienced how difficult Lin Sicheng could be; although he was 90 percent sure, he still added a caveat, "It will still depend on how the Court rules at that time!"

"Leader, I know!"

"Alright, then you go to Old Zhao first, and if you have time later, come to my office to sit for a while!"

After a slight pause, Li Shichen said half-jokingly, "The Criminal Investigation Detachment has praised you to the skies; since you're here, you should show off your skills too. If there's anything wrong, you give them some guidance!"

How much courage did Lin Sicheng have to dare to come to this place to give guidance?

Look, look at what is written on the sign at the entrance: General Administration!

"Leader, you are overstating it; as long as I can do it, I will cooperate to the best of my ability!"

That was exactly what he was waiting for; Li Shichen nodded with a smile: "Doing your best is enough!"

After saying a few more words, he hung up the phone. Seeing Lin Sicheng put away his phone, Wang Qi Zhi looked suspicious.

He didn't know what the two had said, but he could tell from Lin Sicheng's expression: the result was definitely good.

Although curious, Wang Qi Zhi didn't ask. After exchanging glances, the three of them followed the police officer into the lobby.

Perhaps because they had reported in advance, as soon as they stepped out of the elevator, they saw two police officers with flowers on their shoulders.

They had met both: one surnamed Zhao, Division Chief Zhao of the Anti-Smuggling Division, and the other surnamed Hu, Branch Captain Hu of the Criminal Investigation Detachment.

Before they even stepped out of the elevator, four hands reached out: "Teacher Lin, welcome!"

Lin Sicheng was flattered.

This was not the Criminal Investigation Detachment, where six out of ten people with ranks owed him a favor.

This was Customs, the anti-smuggling department.

Although he could be considered to have helped a little with this case, it was more about the deeper level of influence. The anti-smuggling department didn't get many benefits, and the bulk of it went to the Bureau level.

Moreover, he was the victim in the case, and cooperating with the investigation was his duty.

Lin Sicheng hurriedly shook their hands: "Leader, you are overstating it; if there is anything I can help with, just give your orders!"

"With Teacher Lin saying that, we can rest easy!"

As they spoke, the two shook Lin Sicheng's hand, and then greeted Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng.

They had met before at the Criminal Investigation Detachment and were no strangers, so the group went to the Reception Room.

After drinking a cup of tea, they said there were some materials they wanted Lin Sicheng to supplement. Lin Sicheng followed Division Chief Zhao and Branch Captain Hu to the room next door.

They were just here to tag along, so Wang Qi Zhi and Zhao Xiuneng were very tactful and stayed honestly in the Reception Room.

With just the two of them, they had no scruples about speaking. Wang Qi Zhi looked emotional: "General Manager Zhao, did you see that?"

"I saw it!" Zhao Xiuneng sighed, "You have to admire him!"

First look at this place: Ministry.

Look again at the people Lin Sicheng is in contact with: Division Chiefs, Branch Captains, Department Heads, and Bureau Chiefs.

Being polite is one thing, but the key is the trace of respect revealed in these people's words and actions: it comes from the heart, sincere and genuine. More importantly, Lin Sicheng did not go through anyone, did not use any connections; he relied entirely on his own ability. Isn't this more reliable and solid than the kind of fake relationships where one is introduced to friends or relatives through Wang Qi Zhi, or seemingly leaps in social class through marriage while actually having to watch everyone's expressions at every turn?

What Wang Qi Zhi finds most moving is Huang Zhi: this person is not like him, having to lower his status to maintain the persona of a "scholar."

Huang Zhi is a typical Second Generation, the kind whose eyes are fixed on the top of his head. He seems amiable, but in reality, there is an impenetrable wall between him and ordinary people. Yet, before knowing Lin Sicheng's true background, and before knowing his relationship with the Tang family was so good, the two had already become buddies. The reason for this is that ability is certainly one aspect, but more so, it is Lin Sicheng's personality and the quality he possesses: it makes Huang Zhi feel that Lin Sicheng was born to be his friend.

Just like Wang Qi Zhi back then.

Let's count them on our fingers again: Xiao Heng, Wu Hui, Tang Dingping, Tang Ding'an, and today's Li Shichen and Chen Feng.

In terms of quantity, he certainly cannot compare to Wang Qi Zhi, who was born with a silver spoon in his mouth. But the way he interacts with these people, and the appreciation these people have for him, three Wang Qizhis couldn't compare.

Wang Qi Zhi finally understands a little of what Ye Anning whispered to Ji Wangshu: the longer she spends with Lin Sicheng, the greater her pressure. "I don't care!" Zhao Xiuneng leaned back lazily, "Anyway, I've already latched onto this big thigh for good!"

Wang Qi Zhi is noncommittal: latching onto a thigh isn't quite it, but as his teacher... he had long since laid flat!

No choice, he has good luck; it's only right that he, Old Third Wang, enjoys the blessings!

The two are very optimistic, but Lin Sicheng is grumbling to himself: truly, Division Chief Zhao and Branch Captain Hu are far too enthusiastic.

When things are abnormal, there must be a demon; he has a feeling that having him come over today is not as simple as just supplementing materials.

While pondering, the three left the Reception Room and took the elevator up one floor. There were more people on this floor, with police officers coming and going, and the sound of greetings was constant. The two kept responding, their feet not stopping, leading Lin Sicheng forward.

Arriving at the door of an office, Lin Sicheng looked at the door sign: Command Center.

His heart skipped a beat: just to supplement some materials, and they come to a place like this?

Just as he was suspicious, Zhao Zongmin pushed open the door: "Teacher Lin, please!"

Since he was already here, could he really not go in?

Lin Sicheng said thank you and stepped over the threshold.

Suddenly, a sound of chairs moving erupted in the hall: men and women, old and young, from anti-smuggling to the Economic Investigation Division, people he knew and didn't know, twenty-some people in total, all stood up.

While Lin Sicheng was stunned, Zhao Zongmin introduced him: "This is Teacher Lin, everyone welcome him!"

Then, "Clap clap clap clap clap..."

No... I just came to be questioned and supplement some materials?

Lin Sicheng raised his hands in a prayer gesture and turned in a circle.

The applause stopped, Zhao Zongmin pressed his hands down, and the officers returned to their duties.

After bringing him to an office desk and asking him to sit, Zhao Zongmin brought over two case files and placed them in front of Lin Sicheng: "Teacher Lin, please take a look at these materials and be sure to provide some guidance!"

Lin Sicheng was completely bewildered: what on earth?

Looking at the materials in front of him: one was labeled "Fang Yin," the other "Liu Anhua"... aren't these interrogation transcripts?

In an instant, his eyes widened: no... is this something I am allowed to see?

Let's be clear, I am an involved party... even if I am a victim, or even a plaintiff, I am still an involved person.

You're showing me this?

Lin Sicheng blinked his eyes, subconsciously recalling what Bureau Chief Li Shichen said on the phone earlier:

Lin Sicheng, the Criminal Investigation General Team has praised you to the skies; since you're here, show us what you can do. If there's anything wrong, you provide the guidance! Was coaxing him over today aimed at this?

He sighed: "Branch Captain Hu, didn't you say it was to supplement materials?"

"Teacher Lin, that's not urgent, you can supplement it anytime!" Hu Poyuan didn't change his expression, not being polite at all, "This belongs to a difficult case, please help us take its pulse first!"

Zhao Zongmin reached into his pocket and took out a piece of paper: "Teacher Lin, this is the receipt from the Municipal Public Security Bureau. Inviting you this time is in the capacity of a Consultant to participate in the case; the procedure is absolutely in line with the process."

Lin Sicheng glanced at it, looking at the red seal of the Municipal Public Security Bureau at the bottom, not knowing what to say.

Since there is a receipt, there must be a request letter.

But why, with all the back and forth, and both units having coordinated, was he, the person involved, completely unaware?

Seeing what he was thinking, Zhao Zongmin spoke the truth: "After the case stalled, Bureau Chief Li coordinated with the General Team leaders, and General Team Leader Li and General Team Leader Sun unanimously suggested inviting you to participate."

"But Bureau Chief Li was afraid you wouldn't agree, so he didn't notify you in advance..."

If he had known, he certainly would have disagreed: when he was at the General Team, he could still understand things in the capacity of a Consultant, but now that the case had reached the anti-smuggling unit, he had to avoid suspicion.

Say what you will, he is an involved party, and furthermore, he has no subordinate relationship with the anti-smuggling unit.

But the letter had already been sent?

The key is, what does the anti-smuggling unit want him to do?

If it were a Cultural Relics case, he could still help a bit, but this is a high-end equipment Smuggling Case.

Looking at the two case files in front of him again, Lin Sicheng had a guess: "Can't get a confession?"

Zhao Zongmin gave a thumbs up: "Fang Yin is a bit better, she selectively confessed a portion. But Liu Anhua, up to now, is still zero confession." Hearing this, Lin Sicheng sighed: no wonder General Team Leader Li and Deputy General Team Leader Sun recommended him?

During the Wang Chun Case back then, Lin Sicheng had used his ultimate techniques.

People like Wang Chun and Yang Jisheng were a bit better; at least there were places to learn from and draw lessons from.

But when interrogating Ma Shan and Song Qiu, it was truly like an antelope hanging by its horns—a stroke of genius.

Especially Song Qiu: the lead interrogator at the time was Division Chief Wu Qiuhua, who had studied abroad in the United States and was a student of the internationally renowned forensic expert Consultant Li Changyu; she was considered an interrogation Expert registered with the Ministry.

But after that time, she was dying to call Lin Sicheng "Teacher."