Authorities suspect that the murders could be linked to a retaliatory strike stemming from a violent conflict between Chinese organized crime groups competing for dominance in the textile sector, particularly in Prato, a key center for fast fashion manufacturing in Tuscany.
A Chinese couple with suspected connections to Triad gangs was fatally shot in Rome, an incident that authorities believe may be linked to a gang-related assassination stemming from a territorial dispute within Europe’s fast fashion sector, according to the Italian police (Carabinieri) on Tuesday, April 15.
Zhang Dayong, aged 53, and his wife, Gong Xiaoqing, 38, were cycling in the Pigneto area of the city late on Monday night, April 14, when two unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire, hitting both individuals in the back of the head, as stated by the Carabinieri.
Reports indicate that at least six shots were discharged, and no arrests have yet been made, as reported by CNN.
Zhang, who went by the nickname “Asheng,” was involved in a prominent trial in Florence that included 79 defendants accused of orchestrating an extensive network of illegal trafficking operations across Italy, France, Germany, and Spain. He was anticipated to provide testimony in the upcoming weeks and was believed to hold a significant position within a major Chinese gang operating in Europe, according to court documents from Florence.
Authorities suspect that the murders may represent a retaliatory strike linked to a violent conflict between Chinese organized crime groups competing for dominance in the textile industry, particularly in Prato, Tuscany, a key center for fast fashion production.
This ongoing trial is a result of a 2018 investigation dubbed “China Truck,” conducted by Italy’s Anti-Mafia Directorate, which revealed alleged trafficking of individuals and goods associated with mafia-style Chinese organizations throughout Europe.
Although gun violence is uncommon in Italy, especially in organized crime cases due to stringent gun control laws, officials have observed an increase in violent incidents in recent months, including attempted murders, arson, and assaults in Tuscany, Madrid, and Paris. Law enforcement suggests that this rise may indicate shifting loyalties and heightened tensions among rival factions within the Chinese-dominated garment industry.
The inquiry into the double homicide that occurred on Monday is still active.
