Chapter 1017: Clue Analysis

The meeting room gathered together again to begin reporting on the inspection findings.

It was Sun Biao’s side.

Sun Biao’s side conducted a detailed inspection of the building where the crime occurred, mainly including whether the windows in each room on the first floor had any signs of entry or lighthouse signals, checking for any personnel coming and going.

"Now it’s winter, and the weather is quite cold, so during our inspection, we specifically checked that the windows in each room are basically locked."

Due to the season, almost all the windows in the office building are not open. Sun Biao and his team only found one office window on the east side of the fifth floor that wasn’t locked, although it was closed.

"The entire building is five floors high, with 20 offices on each floor. We have thoroughly checked all the offices on the first floor, and the windows show no signs of damage, nor did we find any signs of entry on the exterior walls."

Although it hasn’t snowed yet, the soil outside is dry. If there had been any traffic, traces would certainly have been left behind.

Sun Biao couldn’t have missed it, so according to Sun Biao, it’s unlikely that the suspect entered the stairwell from other first-floor offices.

"Impossible?"

Others raised their doubts.

Wang Zhaokai looked at the others: "Old Sun, based on what you’re saying, is the suspect a ghost who sneaked in unknowingly? The point is, 10 million is not a small amount, trying to sneak out that much money without leaving any traces is highly unlikely."

Wang Zhaokai was right, and Sun Biao thought so too at first. The suspect relocated 10 million from the building, even if not through the main entrance, they should have left some clues if they used other windows.

But the problem is, Sun Biao really didn’t find anything.

Lu Chuan pondered: "Since we haven’t found anything, let’s put this clue aside for now. How were the two security guards who were unconscious due to ether?"

Lu Chuan looked at Wang Zhaokai.

The two security guards have already woken up, and Wang Zhaokai’s team sent someone to investigate their situation.

"In the afternoon, I had Old Chen specifically inquire about their condition. It has stabilized, with no aftereffects, just unconsciousness."

Wang Zhaokai continued to report: "Thanks! According to the doctors’ tests, both individuals had traces of ether in their bodies."

"Regarding the situation of fainting yesterday, we have conducted a detailed inquiry. Neither of them discovered any intrusion. They were merely sitting in the hallway talking until they fell asleep, after which they knew nothing."

Ether?

Chen Jiang looked at Wang Zhaokai: "In general, if ether is used to cause unconsciousness, the dosage should be significant. Usually, it requires direct contact with the victim’s mouth or nose to induce unconsciousness. How did these two faint without seeing anyone?"

Wang Zhaokai explained: "Old Chen raised this question during the investigation. According to the doctors, the ether diffused in the air forming a high-density space in a certain range. With decreased oxygen and increased ether, despite its large usage, the entire area could cause all victims to become unconscious."

"Additionally, we conducted a preliminary investigation into these two security guards’ interpersonal relationships and family situations."

Wang Zhaokai turned on the projector, displaying related information about the two security guards.

"These two security guards have worked at the coal mine for a long time, one of whom is even a retired soldier."

"Old Chen conducted detailed inquiries on both individuals. During the crime time last night, according to the security guards, they noticed nothing unusual."

"Throughout their cash guard duty, no one visited them, such as bringing food, water, or intentionally engaging them in conversation. From the time they guarded the cash until their unconsciousness, no one came to see them."

Lu Chuan carefully examined the projection screen featuring brief introductions of the two security guards’ interpersonal relationships and specific situations.

Both have simple interpersonal relationships, having worked at the mine for a long time, and they usually live on-site. One is divorced, while the other’s wife, a retired soldier, resides locally in Haizhou City, albeit in the suburbs, with two children.

"What about their usual behavior?"

Lu Chuan pursued the question.

"Not bad."

Wang Zhaokai used most of the day to visit and investigate some of the mine’s personnel.

Although the two security guards were unconscious during the incident, whether they were involved in the theft, serving as inside help in this matter, remains uncertain.

Wang Zhaokai, as a policeman, surely considered this possibility, so he conducted detailed investigations focusing on these two individuals.

"According to the miners, these two have decent relationships, especially the retired soldier who enjoys helping others and knows many people at the mine."

"Have their banking records been retrieved? Any problems, such as large transactions?"

Lu Chuan kept probing.

Wang Zhaokai continued to shake his head.

"So far, nothing unusual has been found. After Old Chen returned from the hospital, he went to the bank to retrieve the transaction logs for both individuals. Apart from salary income, their expenses are normal, with no significant financial exchanges."

Wang Chaohai knew that Lu Chuan was asking this to uncover any major financial issues, such as gambling or high-interest loans, potentially causing them to urgently need money.

"Moreover, a rough investigation of their family situations has been carried out. We found no severe illness or emergencies among their immediate relatives, and the current investigation results appear normal."

The work conducted by Wang Zhaokai was thorough, as the security guards were potential suspects, requiring more in-depth investigations compared to other personnel.

But based on current findings, the guards seem improbable suspects.

At least, the investigation results and clues from Wang Zhaokai suggest they lacked motives to steal 10 million, although this is a preliminary exclusion of them as suspects.

"What about others?"

The coal mine has over 300 regular workers, most of whom rest in dormitories due to shift patterns, generally not returning home. Given the upcoming celebration conference, and the temporary halt after the conference, nearly everyone is present at the mine during this period.