According to the local prosecutor’s office, the arrests were made in the context of the investigation of the incident, and the main suspect in the attack, which occurred in June, is among the prisoners.

The 15 imprisoned officials, including the director of Tangshan’s Public Security Bureau and officers from different police stations, are accused of having links with criminal organizations, abuse of power, and other corrupt practices.

Meanwhile, the other inmates face charges of opening casinos, robbery, cybercrime activities, and public disorder.

Since June, Tangshan city has been under the spotlight following the beating by gang members of four women sitting in front of a barbecue restaurant.

The police initially arrested nine people for that case, which caused great uproar across the country, sparked calls to crack down on the existing criminal gangs and also on the need to increase protection for women.

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