In brief
Xu Yao, a former lawyer who was once promoted by gaming tycoon Lin Qi, poisoned the billionaire in 2020 after a falling‑out over leadership roles. Convicted in 2024, Xu was executed on May 21, 2026, as announced by Lin’s company. The tragic event prompted industry shock, highlighted power struggles within high‑profile Chinese enterprises, and underscored the use of death penalty for severe crimes in China.
[ "In a stark reminder that the Chinese legal system will not hesitate to use the ultimate punishment for severe crimes, authorities executed former lawyer Xu Yao on 21 May 2026. Xu was found guilty of poisoning Lin Qi, the founder of the Shanghai‑based Yoozoo Games, in 2024.The case began in 2020 after Lin, who had been instrumental in securing a Netflix distribution deal for the company’s science‑fiction franchise, shifted executive power away from Xu. According to local media, Xu responded by disguising lethal agents as probiotic tablets and handing them to Lin. The billionaire suffered an illness later that month, was rushed to a hospital, and died nine days later at 39 years old.Lin was a key figure in the Chinese gaming sector; his company had secured film rights to the famed trilogy that Netflix adapted into the hit series *Three‑Body Problem*. The death shocked the industry, especially as Lin was posthumously named one of the series’ executive producers.After Lin’s hospitalization, police quickly apprehended Xu. He faced a serious trial that concluded in 2024 with a death sentence. The court described the plot as “extremely despicable.” Xu’s execution – confirmed by a statement from Li Qi’s firm of “justice has ultimately been served” – came after a statement from company executives who praised the impartiality of the verdict.While Lin’s illicit death was the primary focus, Xu’s scheme also sickened several other individuals. One of the affected persons, who posted a tribute to justice on social media, reflected on the case’s long‑term impact.Lin’s net worth, estimated at roughly 6.8 billion yuan (about $941 million), highlighted the scale of the loss. As the world watches the ongoing application of China’s capital punishment, the incident serves as a warning to business partners in high‑risk sectors that personal grievances can turn devastatingly extreme." ]
