On the morning of September 10, 2026, Yan Huainan, a senior partner at King&Capital Law Firm, accepted an invitation from China University of Political Science and Law to visit the university’s Jundu Mountain Campus. There, he delivered a lecture as part of the China Coast Guard’s 2026 Legal Affairs Training Program. Titled “Common Issues in the Case Handling Process by Investigative Authorities from a Criminal Defense Perspective,” the lecture was attended by over 100 frontline legal professionals from Coast Guard bureaus and grassroots stations in the East China Sea, South China Sea, and Bohai Sea regions.
Drawing on his many years of experience in criminal defense, Attorney Yan Huainan examined the investigative process from a defense perspective. He addressed six key areas—case jurisdiction, statute of limitations, safeguarding the right to meet with attorneys, electronic data evidence, exclusion of illegally obtained evidence, and recovery of illicit gains—to outline common procedural and substantive issues encountered during investigations.
He focused on explaining the legal basis for the Coast Guard’s maritime rights protection and law enforcement powers, as well as the distinction in jurisdictional functions between the Coast Guard and customs anti-smuggling operations; the rules governing the commencement and extension of the statute of limitations; and issues regarding attorney-client meetings during periods of residential surveillance. Regarding evidence and case-related property, Attorney Yan focused on “fund analysis as evidence” and electronic data. He explained the evidentiary nature of fund analysis reports and key points for cross-examination, methods for reviewing the authenticity, legality, and relevance of electronic data, as well as the rules for exclusion and admission when interrogation transcripts conflict with audio or video recordings. Drawing on practical examples, he also analyzed the distinction between direct and indirect proceeds from illegal activities and the boundaries for the recovery of investment returns.
The session lasted three hours and featured lively on-site interaction. Participants noted that the lecture offered a fresh perspective and was practical and useful, providing important guidance for standardizing law enforcement and case handling, as well as for mitigating legal risks.
