China Executes Man for Poisoning Gaming Tycoon Lin Qi, May 28

Chinese authorities executed Xu Yao on May 21 for poisoning Lin Qi, founder of Shanghai-based Yoozoo Games, in December 2020. Xu, a former subsidiary head, killed Lin over being sidelined after helping secure Netflix’s adaptation deal for “The Three-Body Problem.” The execution closes a case that began six years ago and concluded with Xu’s conviction in 2024.

How the Murder Unfolded

Xu spent hundreds of thousands of yuan buying highly toxic substances online, including alpha-amanitin, a lethal compound found in poisonous mushrooms. He disguised the poisons as probiotic pills and placed them inside coffee capsules, water containers, and whiskey bottles. Xu then shared these items with Lin and other company employees. Lin was hospitalized in December 2020 and died days later at age 39. Several others fell sick but recovered.

The Professional Dispute Behind the Crime

Xu held the position of former head at a Yoozoo Games subsidiary. He became disgruntled after Lin sidelined him shortly after he helped his superior secure the Netflix deal for “The Three-Body Problem.” According to local media, this professional rejection motivated Xu to carry out the poisoning. The sci-fi trilogy, written by Chinese author Liu Cixin, has been translated into more than 40 languages and adapted into Netflix’s popular 3 Body Problem series released in 2024.

Justice Confirmed by the Company

Xu was convicted in 2024 and executed on May 21, according to local media. Yoozoo Games confirmed the execution in a statement on Weibo on Tuesday. The company said, “Recently, the case concerning Mr. Lin Qi, the founder of Three-Body Universe, has finally reached its conclusion, and justice has ultimately been served.” The Shanghai High People’s Court did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Impact on Business and Legal Precedent

The case highlights China’s swift legal process and capital punishment for murder. Lin’s death disrupted Yoozoo Games operations and left the company without its founder during a period of major international media expansion. The execution signals that China enforces severe penalties for premeditated murder, regardless of the victim’s business status or international profile.

Final Thoughts

China executed Xu Yao for murdering billionaire Lin Qi in a poisoning dispute over professional sidelining. The case demonstrates China’s swift legal process and enforcement of capital punishment for premeditated murder.

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