Liu Han’s life story is one of dramatic twists and turns that led him from humble beginnings to becoming a Chinese billionaire businessman and chairman of the Hanlong Group, a conglomerate with interests in power generation and mining. His assets were officially valued at a staggering 40 billion yuan (US$6.4 billion). In this in-depth exploration, Zatrun.com delves into the intriguing journey of Liu Han, a man who rose to great heights while facing significant controversies.

Early Life and Family Hardships

Born on October 25, 1965, in Guanghan, Sichuan province, Liu Han emerged as the middle child in a family struggling with financial difficulties. His father, Liu Zhangke, a Korean War veteran turned physics teacher, and his mother, Li Wanzhen, a street vendor, worked tirelessly to make ends meet. Tragically, Liu Zhangke passed away in 1990, leaving the family to face even greater challenges.

From Small Ventures to Grand Ambitions

Liu Han’s entrepreneurial spirit began to shine in the mid-1980s when he started buying and reselling timber, construction materials, and petroleum. However, it was in the early 1990s that he took a bold step into the world of gambling dens in Guanghan, partnering with his brother Liu Wei. This venture marked the beginning of his ascent into the business world.

The mid-1990s witnessed Liu Han’s entry into the commodity market, where he engaged in trading soybeans and steel from 1994 to 1997. These ventures proved highly lucrative, earning him hundreds of millions of yuan. Yet, it was this period that set the stage for a sinister turn of events.

Assassination Attempts and Deadly Consequences

Liu Han’s commodity trading endeavors led to a bitter dispute with Liaoning billionaire Yuan Baojing. Yuan, who suffered substantial financial losses, believed Liu Han was responsible and took drastic measures. He hired a contract killer, Li Haiyang, in an attempt to eliminate Liu Han. In February 1997, Li Haiyang made an attempt on Liu Han’s life in a Sichuan hotel but narrowly missed his target. The failed assassination marked the beginning of a tragic chain of events.

Li Haiyang was apprehended and sentenced to life in prison, while Yuan Baojing resorted to blackmail. This eventually culminated in Yuan’s conviction for murder and subsequent execution in March 2006. These events revealed the dark underbelly of business disputes in China.

The Rise of the Hanlong Group

In 1997, Han established the Hanlong Group, a pivotal moment in his career. By 2000, he relocated the conglomerate’s headquarters from Mianyang to Chengdu, the capital of Sichuan province. Around 2002, Liu Han’s association with Zhou Bin, the son of Zhou Yongkang, a prominent political figure, added further complexity to his business dealings.

Under Liu Han’s leadership, the Hanlong Group ventured into diverse sectors, including energy, mining, real estate, finance, and securities. Notably, in 2009, the group acquired a controlling stake in Moly Mines, an Australian mining company based in Perth. However, the group’s bid for Sundance Resources, another Australian mining company, worth $1.3 billion, ultimately collapsed due to Liu Han’s arrest in March 2013 on multiple charges.

Liu Han: Controversy and Legal Consequences

Liu Han’s criminal activities eventually caught up with him. His involvement, along with his brother Liu Wei, in a violent incident in January 2009 drew the attention of the central government. The attack resulted in the deaths of three individuals, including a rival gang boss named Chen Fuwei.

As Xi Jinping assumed leadership in China, an anti-corruption campaign was launched. Liu Han and his brother were tried at the Xianning Intermediate People’s Court in Hubei province, where they received death sentences in May 2014. Han was convicted on thirteen charges, encompassing murder, running illegal operations including casinos, involvement in organized crime, and firearms sales. His political rights were revoked for life, and he was ordered to forfeit all his assets.

Despite appealing to the High People’s Court of Hubei, the original sentences were upheld in August 2014. The culmination of this legal battle resulted in the execution of Liu Han, his brother Liu Wei, and three associates on February 9, 2015.

The Philanthropic Side of Han

Before his arrest and trial, Liu Han was known for his philanthropic efforts. He gained recognition for his response to the devastating Great Sichuan earthquake of 2008. While numerous schools built by the state collapsed during the earthquake, the school built by Han remained standing, safeguarding all its students. Liu Han actively contributed to relief efforts, making substantial donations.

Beyond the business and controversy, Liu Han had some notable personal characteristics. He had a deep passion for luxury cars, boasting ownership of 80 such vehicles. He was also an enthusiastic gambler, known to engage in all-night gambling sessions. During his trial, he disclosed staggering losses of $128 million in Macau, $15 million in the United States, and millions more in Singapore and Australia.

In conclusion, Liu Han’s life is a captivating tale of success, crime, and controversy. His journey from a modest upbringing to the pinnacle of business, intertwined with criminal activities, showcases the complexities of the business world in China. The philanthropic side of Liu Han reminds us that even those embroiled in controversy may have multifaceted stories worth exploring.