Ex-Yoozoo Executive Executed In China
Xu Yao, the former executive convicted of poisoning gaming entrepreneur Lin Qi, has been executed in China, the Shanghai company that he worked for confirmed Tuesday. Xu Yao was sentenced to death by a Chinese court in January after he was found guilty of murdering 39-year-old tycoon Lin Qi, the founder of Yoozoo Games.
Mr Lin Qi became known for his ambitious plan to take Chinese stories into the mainstream global market following his acquisition of film adaptation rights to the science fiction series Remembrance of Earth’s Past. The film was subsequently transformed into the hugely successful Netflix show The 3 Body Problem.
Following this success, Xu Yao, previously an employee of the firm’s legal department, was placed in charge of the development of projects associated with the adaptation project in 2018.
Netflix then released The 3 Body Problem, which broke a world record on the streaming giant with over 30 million households tuning in to watch it.
Poisoning Plot Inside the Company
The case brought by the Shanghai-based company was one of China’s most infamous corporate crimes, where they explained that relations between both Lin and Xu began to sour after plans were drawn up and approved to restructure the business after the Netflix contract. Prosecutors accused Xu of developing an envious outlook towards Lin’s work.
Authorities explained how Xu purchased lethal poisons from an illegal supplier, which were then made to resemble probiotics and eventually given to Lin in the form of a drink by Xu.
After becoming suddenly sick, the businessman initially self-medicated but was later admitted to the hospital and died a few days later. Investigations uncovered that other staff had also been poisoned, but survived.
A Rising Tech Mogul Cut Short
It is estimated that Lin Qi was worth approximately $1 billion when he passed away, as placed on the Hurun China Rich List. He was hailed by many of China’s technology and entertainment firms for his progressive way of integrating Chinese narrative in mainstream entertainment.
Following confirmation of Xu’s execution, Yoozoo Games released a statement saying “justice has ultimately been served,” while also mourning Lin and expressing condolences to his family.
