The Chinese government has launched a sweeping crackdown on criminal gangs in the southwestern city of Chongqing.br br The area, which is home to some 30 million residents, has been in the clutches of the mafia-style gangs for years.br br Recent trials have exposed the unseemly relationships between gangsters, police officers and several high-profile public officials.br br But as Al Jazeera's Melissa Chan reports, for some of the gangs' victims, the increased focus by law enforcement is too little too late. br br Warning: This report contains some graphic images.