Thirteen suspects from a criminal gang that smuggled people to Brazil will soon appear in court for a public trial in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong province, Southern Metropolis Daily reported.

The gang, which was active in Guangdong and Fujian provinces, was busted by border police in Guangdong at the beginning of August after 18 months of investigation.

The gang, which allegedly counterfeited Brazilian visas and bought off immigration officers in airports in Brazil, are suspected to have sent 493 Chinese to Brazil illegally in less than two years.

It is the largest case involving people smuggling uncovered in Guangdong province and involved more than 30 million yuan ($4.88 million).

The gang collected $17,000 to $18,000 from every person they helped get into Brazil.