Chapter 126 Deployment: Be careful! Maintain contact.
Jiang Ling stood in front of the central control console, her eyes sharp, and spread out the printed information on Zhang Qiang, Li Meng, and Wang Bing.
Her fingers slammed heavily on the documents: "Targets locked: Zhang Qiang, Li Meng, Wang Bing. Our core mission is to pinpoint them before they make a move. The 'Three-Fixed Investigation Method' focuses on pursuing the culprit after the crime has occurred; now we're going to do the opposite—predict their movements and methods, and nip it in the bud!"
"Understood!" Li Zhenliang was highly focused. He immediately pulled over a whiteboard, took a red pen, and wrote the names of the three people on the whiteboard, waiting for Jiang Ling's further analysis.
Time was of the essence, so Jiang Ling spoke very quickly: "Judging from the three men's records, they are filled with requests for criticism and education, and strict parental control. From petty theft and fighting to now scouting banks, their behavior patterns have undergone a qualitative change. Zhang Qiang's grandmother spoils and protects him, and Li Meng's father has some influence in the local area. Every time they commit a crime, their parents always cover for them, which gives them the illusion that they are lawless and makes them bolder and bolder."
Li Zhenliang wrote down a few keywords on the whiteboard.
Jiang Ling pondered, "Considering their focus on the back alley and employee passageway after the armored truck left, we can deduce that their intention is very clear. They want to avoid the armed escort of the armored truck and take advantage of the bank's laxity to violently break in through the back door or employee passageway and steal the cash! They must have crowbars or hydraulic shears to break down doors. Where did they get these tools?"
Liu Haoran reacted quickly: "Didn't Jiu Shan say that their accounts have been frequently withdrawing cash recently? Is it possible that it's being used to purchase tools for committing crimes?"
Li Zhenliang patted Liu Haoran on the shoulder: "That makes sense. Then let me ask you, where do you buy hydraulic shears and crowbars?"
Liu Haoran didn't hesitate: "Let's check the secondhand market?"
Jiang Ling nodded: "Okay, I'll write it down first."
After noting this down, Li Zhenliang began to ponder another important piece of information: "Director Jiang, when was the crime likely committed?"
“The reconnaissance is concentrated between 2 and 4 pm on weekdays, and the armored truck usually leaves around 2:30 pm. They will definitely choose this golden window of opportunity to make their move, as quickly as possible…” Jiang Ling’s memories of the specific dates from her previous life were rather vague, so she could only try to go as far forward as possible, “It could be tomorrow afternoon, or it could be today!”
Today? The thought that there were only six hours left until the possible time of the incident made everyone's breathing quicken and their hearts beat faster.
Zhou Wei quickly took out a map of the northern part of the city and hung it on the whiteboard: "What about transportation?"
Jiang Ling quickly scanned the map: "If they want to escape, they will definitely choose a mode of transportation that is convenient for movement and difficult to track down."
Zhou Wei’s voice carried a hint of certainty: “Motorcycles, especially old motorcycles without license plates, are the most suitable means of transportation.”
Jiang Ling quickly marked on the map: "We need at least two motorcycles. Focus on the area around the North City Credit Union, especially the back alleys and old residential areas. Wherever it's convenient to hide motorcycles, that's where they might become their springboard or temporary hideout. Dawei, hurry up and find their usual locations and overlay them on the map for further analysis."
Zhou Wei responded loudly: "Yes!"
Li Zhenliang frowned: "If it's a gang crime, how do they communicate? They don't have cell phones." Cell phones weren't widespread back then; most people still used pagers to communicate.
Jiang Ling's thinking was clear: "They have a habit of gathering in groups, and the overlap during their reconnaissance is a signal. Haoran, you notify Team Leader Zhao to focus on monitoring the three men's residences, the area around the credit union, and public phone booths, especially in the afternoon! Also, they always buy things in cash, so keep an eye out for ATMs or bank branches near banks where they've withdrawn cash!"
Liu Haoran immediately replied, "Yes!"
Jiang Ling quickly issued instructions, which were clear, logical, and focused on the objectives.
"First, predict the target's behavioral patterns and criminal methods. Zhenliang, you and I will be in charge of the core analysis. Find the criminal records, secondhand market purchase lists, and reconnaissance behavior characteristics of these three people in the database."
"Second, thoroughly investigate their social relationships and recent activities. Haoran and Dawei, immediately contact the police stations in the jurisdictions where the three have criminal records—focusing on the Hongqi Road Police Station in the west of the city and the Xiaoheyan Police Station in the north of the city. I need to know their detailed activities over the past six months, their frequented locations, their friends and acquaintances, any unusual sources of income or debt disputes, and especially the recent activities of their families! Act quickly and be discreet."
"Third, image fixation and feature enhancement. Xinwan and Jianbai, your main task is here! Carefully review the unusual surveillance footage provided by Jiushan, looking for clear images capturing the three scouting the location, especially evidence of them lingering in the back alley for an extended period. I know the surveillance footage is blurry, so you need to use your sketching skills, combined with the known photos, to draw the most likely combination of body shape, gait, and clothing features. This will allow the brothers ahead to follow the map, and it will be the most direct way to issue a wanted poster!"
"yes!"
"clear!"
"receive!"
The response was short and forceful, carrying the tension of an impending major battle.
Soon, the data from all aspects were compiled again.
The lights were blazing in the temporary analysis area set up in the data center.
The information provided by the investigators at the secondhand market was very valuable: "On the afternoon of March 7, Zhang Qiang registered to purchase a license plate-less Jialing JH70 secondhand motorcycle at the Lao Liu Tou Secondhand Market in the west of the city, paying in cash. On the morning of March 8, Li Meng registered to purchase the same model of license plate-less secondhand motorcycle at the same market; the frame number was partially worn, and he paid in cash. On the afternoon of March 8, Wang Bing purchased three large hydraulic shears, three black headgear, and three pairs of work gloves at the same market, paying in cash."
Su Xinwan pointed to the blurry surveillance footage spliced across several screens, her voice tinged with excitement: "March 10th, 3:15 PM, east entrance of the back alley. Although it's blurry, the man in the dark blue jacket, who walks with his toes slightly turned out, matches Wang Bing's height and build. He stood next to this trash can for a full forty-two minutes, his eyes constantly glancing at the iron gate of the employee passage and the tire tracks of the armored truck on the ground."
Zhuang Jianbo quickly sketched on the white paper: "Feature enhancement map is out. Zhang Qiang, buzz cut, square face, habitually frowns, sways shoulders when walking; Li Meng, slightly chubby, round face, short neck; Wang Bing, tall and thin, walks with a slight outward turn, likes to wear dark jackets or sports jackets."
Clear portrait features and key image screenshots were scanned and printed out immediately.
Surrounding these surveillance images and photos are densely packed criminal records, recent bank statements, and photocopies of secondhand market registration forms for Zhang Qiang, Li Meng, and Wang Bing.
Jiang Ling stood at the head of the table, her gaze sweeping over each document. Li Zhenliang, Su Xinwan, and Zhuang Jianbai sat on either side, their expressions focused, each holding a pen and notebook.
"Time is of the essence, let's cut to the chase." Jiang Ling spoke, his voice low but carrying a powerful sense of control. "The targets are three people: Zhang Qiang, Li Meng, and Wang Bing, who are plotting to rob the Chengbei Credit Union. Our mission is to complete a preliminary profile analysis, clarify the internal relationships, division of labor, behavioral characteristics, and potential risks of the gang, and provide technical support for Captain Zhao's on-site deployment."
She picked up a photocopy of a registration form from a flea market and pointed to the purchase record: "Let's look at the time and method of purchasing the tools. Wang Bing, on the afternoon of March 8th, purchased three large hydraulic shears, three headgear, and three pairs of work gloves by himself. One-time payment, cash only. What does this indicate?"
Li Zhenliang immediately added, "The fact that the tools of operation were procured in a unified manner indicates that Wang Bing had the lead in the group's material preparation, or at least was the executor. He was familiar with these tools and had clear requirements on the quantity."
Jiang Ling shook his head: "No, it's not just these. Li Meng just bought a motorcycle this morning, and Wang Bing went to buy sabotage tools and cover items this afternoon. Everyone, pay attention to this order. The procurement of supplies for the operation is likely to revolve around the core violent tools and cover items. Wang Bing is the last person to directly control the two key links of breaching the door and cover."
Jiang Ling picked up Wang Bing's photo; his fierce face looked even more sinister under the light: "Let's look at his criminal record."
Jiang Ling quickly pulled out several yellowed photocopies of interrogation records, pointing to one of them: "Look here. Seven years ago, Wang Bing was 17 years old. He and others stole from a hardware store. When the store owner tried to stop them, Wang Bing used a wrench he grabbed to break three of the owner's ribs. The victim's exact words in the record are: 'That tall, thin guy was the most ruthless, like a mad dog!'"
She raised her head, surveyed the crowd, and said in a heavy tone, "He has a clear tendency towards violence, acts ruthlessly, and disregards the consequences! It's no coincidence that he was in charge of procuring powerful demolition tools like hydraulic shears. If this kind of person gets his hands on a gun..."
Jiang Ling didn't continue, but the image of splattered blood from her past life seemed to flash before everyone's eyes, and the atmosphere in the conference room instantly became more tense.
Jiang Ling summarized: "Therefore, Wang Bing's role in the gang is: breacher and violent enforcer. He is responsible for the most dangerous assault, and is also the most unstable and likely source of deadly force. The gun is very likely in his hands, or he is in charge of its use. He is the primary target for control and suppression!"
Li Zhenliang drew a heavy circle around Wang Bing's name in red pen, and wrote next to it: Danger Source, Weapon Point.
"Okay, next, Zhang Qiang!" Jiang Ling's gaze turned to the photo of the square-faced man with a buzz cut.
She picked up several copies of surveillance screenshots, which were the valid images that Su Xinwan and Zhuang Jianbo had selected: "Let's take a look at these surveillance videos and see what useful information we can find?"
Jiang Ling laid out several screenshots side by side. The images were blurry, but the same person with a buzz cut and square face could be identified, appearing in different locations in the back alley of the credit union, all between 2 pm and 4 pm on weekday afternoons.
Everyone examined the picture carefully, remaining silent.
Jiang Ling pointed to the picture with the tip of her pen, prompting, "Zhang Qiang went for five consecutive days, rain or shine. His locations were all concentrated in the back alley, the side entrance of the employee passage, and that inconspicuous blind spot where armored trucks sometimes temporarily stopped. His daily behavior consisted of standing and observing, sometimes pretending to make a phone call, sometimes squatting down to tie his shoelaces, his gaze always fixed on the bank exit, the structure of the passageway door locks, and the entrances to the surrounding alleyways. And—"
Jiang Ling raised her voice slightly: "Please pay attention to his clothing. The first day, a dark gray jacket; the second day, a black tracksuit; the third day, a navy blue cotton-padded coat... He kept changing his outerwear. Look at this picture again, when he turns to the side, there's something on his face—it's a mask. He's intentionally concealing his facial features."
Su Xinwan, who had been searching through the surveillance footage, immediately realized: "I understand! He's observing systematically, and his target is very clear: the credit union's logistics passages and security weaknesses. Five consecutive days at fixed times indicate that he's trying to figure out the internal staff's activity patterns and security shift changes during the afternoon. Changing coats and wearing masks are counter-surveillance measures; he's trying his best to avoid being identified and tracked. This patience and caution..."
"Far beyond ordinary thugs." Zhuang Jianbai interjected, with a hint of surprise, "This way of scouting locations is as regular as going to work."
Jiang Ling nodded affirmatively: "That's right. Let's look at his criminal record. Although it's all about fighting and petty theft, almost every time, the records mention that 'Zhang Qiang seemed relatively calm,' 'he was the one who came up with the idea,' and 'he was the one who ran away the fastest after the fight.' What's even more interesting is this neighbor's interrogation record."
Jiang Ling turned to one of the pages: "It mentions that Zhang Qiang grew up with his domineering grandmother. The old lady was extremely protective of her sons, but Zhang Qiang himself was thoughtful and didn't like to talk much, but he thought a lot."
Jiang Ling put down the materials, his gaze sharp as he scanned every face in the portrait team: "A meticulous person who habitually frowns and scrutinizes his surroundings, walks with a swaying shoulder as if he's casual but actually observing, has a long history of evading punishment, and has demonstrated exceptional patience, goal-orientation, and counter-surveillance awareness during reconnaissance operations—what role do you think he would play in this gang?"
“The mastermind! The brains!” Li Zhenliang blurted out, marking the name next to his name. “He was likely in charge of everything from gathering information on the reconnaissance site, formulating action plans, developing risk avoidance strategies, and planning escape routes. He was the key to this gang’s ability to escape unscathed after multiple illegal activities, and he was also the mastermind behind the progress of this plan.”
Recalling his memories of his past life, Jiang Ling was certain that the key to their successful escape lay in Zhang Qiang's extraordinary caution, far exceeding that of ordinary criminals.
"Finally, let's analyze Li Meng." Jiang Ling's gaze fell on the photo of the slightly chubby, round-faced man. "Looking at his records, he basically followed Zhang Qiang and Wang Bing. The statements show that he 'mainly did the physical work,' 'was strong,' and 'did whatever he was told.' Purchase record: On the morning of March 8th, he bought an unlicensed Jialing motorcycle alone, in cash. But the key point is here—"
Jiang Ling pulled out the bank statements: "He and Zhang Qiang both made several small cash withdrawals a few days before buying the motorcycle, but Wang Bing has no withdrawal records. What does this mean?"
Zhuang Jianbai, with his sharp mind, quickly replied, "This means that the money Wang Bing was responsible for using to buy the special tools was probably either from the group's public funds or from his own pocket, while the money Li Meng and Zhang Qiang used to buy the motorcycles was taken by themselves!"
Liu Haoran added, "Li Meng was in charge of purchasing vehicles and was the one who carried out the actual work. He was sturdy and strong, which fits the characteristics of an executor."
Jiang Ling hummed in agreement. "He has a short neck and shifty eyes. His criminal record mentions that his father is very arrogant, but Li Meng himself is often described as 'a bit slow-witted' and 'not very quick-witted.' In this triangular structure, he is most likely in a relatively passive position, an obedient executor. He is responsible for specific operations, such as driving, moving things, or following and controlling or looting after Wang Bing violently breaks down the door."
Li Zhenliang circled Li Meng's photo and labeled it: "Main executor, physical laborer."
Jiang Ling put down her pen, placed her hands on the table, leaned forward slightly, and scanned the three photos and the densely packed analysis records with intense gaze, creating the final integrated portrait.
"Based on the analysis of existing data and behavioral patterns, in this three-person gang, Zhang Qiang's role was to plan the case and avoid risks; he was the core decision-maker. Wang Bing's role was to carry out the violence and prepare weapons; he was the perpetrator of the violence and the most dangerous member. Li Meng was responsible for execution and physical labor; he was the main force in the operation."
"Based on this profile, the following suggestions are made for on-site control."
"The primary task is to suppress Wang Bing. We must assume he is armed. Special police should keep a close watch on him, and the firepower configuration must ensure that his ability to resist is suppressed immediately and absolutely. When making the arrest, we should prioritize controlling the armed man."
"Closely monitor Zhang Qiang, and be alert to the possibility that he may be providing support from the perimeter, observing and alerting the authorities, or directing the retreat. He has a strong counter-surveillance awareness, so the deployment must be completely concealed. Once the operation begins, his external communications must be cut off immediately!"
“If we control Li Meng, he is relatively less dangerous, but as the main executor, we need to prevent him from driving a motorcycle to ram into other vehicles or assisting Wang Bing in resisting.”
"Next, we need to completely block their escape routes. We should focus on the location of the two unlicensed Jialing JH70 motorcycles and set up hidden interception points in all possible alleys and intersections around the credit union. Zhang Qiang's planned escape route must be a blind spot of the surveillance or a complex alleyway that is easy to get rid of the tracking."
"Finally, there's the timing of the operation. Based on their reconnaissance patterns, the operation is most likely to occur between 2 and 4 PM on a weekday afternoon, a relatively relaxed period inside the bank after the armored truck leaves. We strongly recommend that all personnel be fully in place before this window of opportunity!"
Jiang Ling spoke very quickly and clearly, and after she finished speaking point by point, Li Zhenliang quickly organized her words into a document.
Jiang Ling looked at Li Zhenliang: "Liangzi, take all the analysis materials and come with me to the temporary command post. We need to communicate face-to-face with Captain Zhao to ensure that this profile is etched into the minds of every member of the operation."
Li Zhenliang immediately stood up and quickly organized the key documents on the desk. Jiang Ling grabbed the reports and files, turned around, and strode towards the door.
A crime is about to occur, and everyone only knows that it might happen, but no one dares to say for sure how it will happen or when it will happen.
At this moment, time is life!
A silent, swift operation has begun in the area surrounding the Chengbei Credit Cooperative.
Lei Xiao, captain of the Municipal Public Security Bureau's Criminal Investigation Detachment, and Zhao Tiezhu, captain of the Economic Crime Investigation Division, two experienced veteran criminal investigators, personally oversaw operations from inside a command vehicle disguised as a telecommunications repair truck. The interior was cramped, the radio indicator light flickered, and the atmosphere was heavy.
The command vehicle was parked in a secluded corner two blocks from the back alley of the credit union. Zhao Tiezhu stared intently at the detailed map of the northern part of the city spread out on his lap, densely marked with red and blue pencil marks. Lei Xiao, holding a walkie-talkie, issued clear and authoritative commands in a deep, authoritative voice:
"One group, disperse into the main square of the credit union and the shops opposite, disguised as customers, vendors, and migrant workers waiting for work. Keep your eyes peeled, and focus on identifying the three people sent by the sketch team. Once you spot a target, keep an eye on them but don't arrest them, and report their location immediately!"
"Group Two, control both ends of the back alley and all connecting side streets. Pay special attention to corners and abandoned sheds where motorcycles can be hidden. If you find a suspicious unlicensed Jialing JH70, report it immediately!"
"Three groups. The special police will split into two teams. One team will covertly occupy the high ground opposite the credit union to establish sniping and observation positions. The other team will break up into smaller groups and ambush the designated assault point in the back alley. Weapons will be checked and live ammunition will be loaded. The target is extremely dangerous and highly likely to be armed. If necessary, decisive action can be taken!"
"Group Four, target the residence of the three individuals, keep a 24-hour watch, we must know where even a fly goes! Notify the local police station to send a familiar officer to assist, under the guise of a security check, to avoid alerting the suspects."
"Attention all units: Operation codename 'Silence.' No sirens allowed! Minimal communications! Do not reveal yourselves without orders! Repeat, our objective is to catch them red-handed before they can act!"
The order was given, and the invisible net tightened quietly.
Plainclothes investigators blended into the crowd like water droplets, disappearing in an instant. SWAT team members moved in the shadows, their movements as swift as cheetahs. Observers on high ground set up high-powered binoculars and observation equipment, their field of vision covering the entire target area.
Meanwhile, surveillance cameras were quickly set up at the three people's residence, with vigilant eyes peering through the gaps in the curtains.
The area around the Xinhe branch in the north of the city appears calm and normal, with elderly women buying groceries, children playing after school, and office workers rushing by. But beneath this calm surface, undercurrents are lurking.
Data centers are where information is constantly collected, analyzed, and transmitted.
Liu Haoran and Zhou Wei's phones rang and hung up almost simultaneously. The two quickly reported to Jiang Ling and Li Zhenliang:
"Hongqi Road Police Station reports: Zhang Qiang has rarely been home for the past two months. According to neighbors, he often hangs out with two men, one fat and one thin, whose descriptions match Li Meng and Wang Bing. They frequent the billiard hall and arcade in the west of the city, and his whereabouts have been uncertain for the past week. His grandmother was bragging to someone a few days ago that her grandson had found a big business deal!"
"According to Xiaheyan Police Station: Li Meng's father has been acting strangely lately. He used to be quite arrogant, looking down on everyone he met, but these past few days he's been more evasive and low-key. The landlord of Wang Bing's rented room reported that Wang Bing hasn't returned for the past two days, and the house is quiet."
"Key locations have been marked: Storm Billiards Hall in the west of the city and Star Game Hall. This has been synchronized with Team Leader Zhao."
That evening, the monitoring team reported: "Zhang Qiang and Li Meng are currently at home. Wang Bing has disappeared. His last known location was near the StarCraft Game Center in the west of the city. Report! Wang Bing is out of contact!"
Wang Bing has gone missing?
These four words made Jiang Ling's heart jump instantly.
He might be making final preparations before taking action, or going to retrieve a weapon!
Jiang Ling grabbed the power line leading to the command vehicle and spoke rapidly: "Team Leader Lei, Team Leader Zhao, Wang Bing has lost contact. He was last seen near the StarCraft Game Center in the west of the city. Zhang Qiang and Li Meng are at home. Request that we immediately intensify the search in the area where Wang Bing was last seen, and at the same time increase security at Zhang and Li's residences to prevent them from suddenly going out to meet up!"
Inside the command vehicle, Zhao Tiezhu and Lei Xiao exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes.
"Team Leader Lei, I'm taking men to the western interstellar area. You keep a close watch on Xinhe and those two guys' homes!" Zhao Tiezhu grabbed his sidearm, a cold glint in his eyes.
"Be careful! Stay in touch." Lei Xiao nodded emphatically.
Zhao Tiezhu led several elite police officers and, under the cover of darkness, rushed towards the west of the city.
Inside the data center, everyone's hearts were in their throats, their eyes glued to the screens and communication equipment, waiting for the next signal.
Time ticked by, second by second, in the tense atmosphere.
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