In what has become one of the most infamous contract-killing scandals in recent years, a Chinese businessman’s plot to eliminate a rival unraveled in almost comical fashion after a chain of subcontracted hitmen failed to carry out the job.

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The Plot Begins

In 2013, businessman Tan Youhui, based in Guangxi, China, reportedly offered 2 million yuan (approximately $282,000) to have his competitor murdered. Rather than committing the crime himself, the hired hitman decided to subcontract the job—keeping part of the payment as profit.

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The Chain of Hitmen

What followed was a domino effect of greed and negligence:

• The first hitman, instead of carrying out the assignment, hired another hitman, offering him a reduced fee.

• That hitman in turn hired yet another, passing down the responsibility while pocketing part of the money.

• This process repeated five times, with each new hitman earning less than the last.

By the time the contract reached the final man, the payment had been whittled down to a fraction of the original sum.

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A Twist in the Plan

Instead of attempting the murder, the last hitman approached the intended target directly. He proposed that the man fake his own death so that the job could be “proven” to the original client without actual bloodshed.

But the deception quickly fell apart. The target reported the scheme to the authorities, triggering an investigation that exposed the entire chain of subcontracted hitmen.

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Courtroom Consequences

All six men—including Tan Youhui and the five hitmen—were arrested and eventually brought to trial. The bizarre nature of the case sparked international headlines, with many labeling it a “dark comedy” that highlighted both corruption and incompetence.

The court convicted Tan of intentional homicide and handed down prison sentences to all involved, though exact terms varied depending on their role in the conspiracy.

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Why This Case Stands Out

Murder-for-hire plots are not uncommon in crime reports, but what makes this case extraordinary is its sheer absurdity: a deadly contract diluted through layers of subcontracting, until it reached a point where the intended victim was negotiating directly with his would-be killer.

The case underscores how greed and poor judgment can unravel even the most calculated criminal plans.

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Conclusion:
What began as a deadly business rivalry ended in humiliation and prison sentences. Instead of silencing his competitor, Tan Youhui’s plot exposed a chain of dishonesty that ultimately brought all parties before a judge.

This story remains a cautionary tale—showing that crime, especially when passed down like a bad investment, rarely pays.