The figure Tian Jin gave shocked Ning Zhiheng. According to his calculations, the Japanese had at least thirty or forty radio stations set up in the Chongqing area.
Based on the scale of Japanese spy organizations previously captured, a working group uses one radio, and an action group consists of about six to seven people. Doesn't this mean that in just one year, the Japanese have already planted hundreds of spies and agents?
Of course, there are also high-ranking spies among them, each with their own dedicated radio, but such cases should be considered rare.
Ning Zhiheng turned his gaze to Bian Ze and Gu Zhengqi, who were in charge of intelligence work, especially Gu Zhengqi, who was in charge of internal counter-espionage.
"How is this possible? The Chongqing area is now riddled with holes. How could the situation have come to this?"
Faced with Ning Zhiheng's question, Bian Ze and Gu Zhengqi were speechless. Gu Zhengqi had no choice but to explain: "We have caught some such spies before. Apart from the core members who are real Japanese spies, most of them are Chinese. They can easily infiltrate the Chongqing area by impersonating someone else, and even impersonate former government officials. As long as they are willing to spend money to bribe their superiors, they can work openly in government departments. It is very difficult for us to find out these kinds of spies."
Now the area under Nationalist control is getting smaller and smaller, and our people have little power in enemy-occupied areas. We have no way to verify their origins and can only passively defend ourselves. Therefore, the situation is getting worse and worse, and I am exhausted from dealing with it. Otherwise, I would not have asked Zhiheng to take action. This time, we must eliminate these Japanese spies, otherwise the threat is too great.
At this point, Ning Zhiheng finally had a preliminary understanding of the entire cleanup operation. It seemed to be a considerable undertaking. He could not stay in Chongqing for long, and all the cleanup work had to be carried out swiftly without any delay.
The banquet lasted until very late before it ended. Ning Zhiheng and the heads of various departments had an in-depth discussion and gained a preliminary understanding of the situation.
Early the next morning, Ning Zhiheng was reviewing the suspect's case file in his office when Zhao Jiang came in and reported, "Chief, the on-duty guard called and said that Police Chief Liu Datong is requesting an audience."
"Let them in, I'm waiting for them!"
Shortly after, Zhao Jiang led Liu Datong and Chen Yanqing into Ning Zhiheng's office.
"Sir, we have come to report for duty!"
Upon seeing them enter, Ning Zhiheng stood up, took a few steps, and came to them. After looking them over carefully, he smiled and said, "It's been so long since I've seen you, Da Tou, you've gotten quite chubby! Your belly's bulging. Looks like you're doing well!"
Ning Zhiheng's teasing put Liu Datong at ease, and he chuckled in return.
Ning Zhiheng then looked at Chen Yanqing, who appeared much more composed and dignified. His already handsome appearance was now further enhanced by his refined demeanor, making him stand out even more.
Ning Zhiheng patted him on the shoulder and said with a smile, "Yanqing has changed a lot in the past year. By the way, how is your elderly mother at home?"
Chen Yanqing quickly replied respectfully, "Mother is in good health, and everything is peaceful at home. Thank you for your concern, Director!"
Liu Datong said from the side, "Chief, Yanqing had a son half a year ago, and now he's a father!"
Upon hearing this, Ning Zhiheng couldn't help but laugh and say, "Congratulations! It's a pity I've been too busy to congratulate you. I'll definitely make up for it with this gift."
"How could I dare let the Director go to such trouble!"
The three exchanged pleasantries and chatted for a while before Ning Zhiheng finally asked, "I called you here to report to me on the specific findings of your investigation. This time, my operation to wipe out the Japanese spy organization depends entirely on your investigative materials. Don't let me down!"
Liu Datong quickly replied, "Catching Japanese spies again? Chief, we didn't disgrace you back in Nanjing. We cooperated in catching quite a few Japanese spies. This time, we are at your disposal. Please don't hesitate to tell us if there's anything we can do for you!"
He had full confidence in Ning Zhiheng, knowing that as long as his superior took action, these credits were guaranteed, which was crucial for him to secure his position as the director of the Chongqing Police Bureau.
He was transferred from the capital Nanjing to Chongqing, a remote mountain city, by Ning Zhiheng. It was essentially a demotion and exile, which is why he got the position of Chongqing police chief.
However, Chongqing suddenly became the wartime capital, and its political status rose rapidly. As the police chief, he became very popular. With the help of the Military Intelligence Bureau, his position was finally stabilized. In just one year, the police station's rank rose again and again, and he eventually became the director of the wartime capital's police bureau. The huge change in his status left Liu Datong somewhat bewildered. He knew that many people were envious of his promotion and coveted his position, so he longed for some outstanding achievements and merits to consolidate his position.
Ning Zhiheng said with a smile, "This time we really need to rely on you. My Second Operations Division has only been targeting the military before, so we don't really know much about Chongqing. You'll be very busy this time!"
Liu Datong and Chen Yanqing replied loudly at the same time, "We are willing to serve you like dogs and horses!"
"Okay, show me the results of your investigation!"
Liu Datong gestured to Chen Yanqing, who then stepped forward and placed the two file bags on the table. He then took out six photos from one of the file bags.
"Chief, these are the six photos you gave us. We specially dispatched elite personnel from the police station and also organized some people brought from Nanjing to form a search team. After nearly a year of searching, we found a total of sixteen suspected targets. Later, based on the timeline you provided, we eliminated four targets, leaving a total of twelve targets. These are some investigation materials for the twelve targets!"
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