Lawsuit Demanding Return of 844 Grams of Gold Confiscated 36 Years Ago Undergoes Hearing

In Shandong Province, China, a hearing has begun for a lawsuit filed by an individual demanding the return of 844 grams of gold confiscated by authorities 36 years ago. In 1990, Miêu Thắng Cường was apprehended by the Longkou Public Security Bureau along with his father while attempting to sell gold he had refined at home. The authorities confiscated the gold, weighing 844 grams, and a motorcycle on suspicion of speculative trading. Miêu was subsequently released, but the gold was never returned, and he never received any official documentation regarding the case. In December 2025, upon learning of a similar case where confiscated gold was returned, Miêu applied to the Longkou Public Security Bureau for state compensation. The bureau rejected his claim, stating it fell outside the scope of state compensation. Dissatisfied, he appealed to the Yantai Public Security Bureau, which acknowledged that the Longkou bureau's decision was not incorrect but that the reasoning was flawed. Ultimately, his request was denied, citing that the statute of limitations for compensation had expired after two years and lacked justifiable grounds. Miêu then filed a lawsuit with the Yantai Court, seeking compensation from the state. During the hearing on July 29, the judge questioned the Longkou Public Security Bureau on why the confiscated gold was not returned after the case was dropped. The bureau argued that Miêu's actions constituted speculation and profiteering, involving a significant sum, and that the confiscation was lawful. They further asserted that the gold was obtained through Miêu's illegal refining and processing and should have been confiscated and sold to the People's Bank of China. Additionally, they stated that the criminal case against Miêu at the time remained unresolved even after the supervisory order was lifted. Miêu and his legal team countered by arguing that the police failed to provide evidence of the gold's destruction, disposal, or transfer to the People's Bank of China, nor did they issue a decision on the handling of the seized property as required by law. Therefore, they contended, the gold remained under police custody and should be returned to Miêu as the statute of limitations for prosecution had expired. The police maintained that the seizure of assets was conducted correctly and legally. The court is currently deliberating and is expected to issue a verdict soon. This case highlights issues of procedural delays, transparency in asset confiscation, and the challenges individuals face in asserting their rights against state power in China. From a Vietnam correspondent's perspective, such legal disputes within China underscore the need for continued attention to the independence of administration and judiciary, and the protection of citizens' rights under its one-party system.