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Clarifying Identities: The Truth About Zhang Jiakai and Yang Jiayan in the Pioneer Power Engineering Scandal
In continuation of our commitment to transparency and justice, Pioneer Power Engineering Company (SL) Limited (PPE) presents the second installment of our news series, focusing on the identities of Zhang Jiakai and Yang Jiayan. Based on verified court rulings, documented evidence, and applicable laws of China and Sierra Leone, this report aims to dispel misinformation and uphold the truth amidst a web of deceit orchestrated by Zhang Jiakai and his associates.
Following the recent High Court ruling in Sierra Leone that vindicated Mr. Zhou Wenjie from baseless allegations (as detailed in our first news release), it is crucial to address the core identities at the heart of this dispute. Zhang Jiakai (the self-proclaim next of kin to Mr. Zhang Ke) and Yang Jiayan (younger son of Zhang Ke) have been central figures in a scheme involving fraudulent documentation and illegal takeover attempts. This news piece draws from DNA evidence, Chinese court judgments, and Sierra Leonean legal standards to clarify their roles and expose the irregularities.
The Identity of Zhang Jiakai: A Pattern of Fraudulent Claims
Zhang Jiakai has positioned himself as the legitimate heir to Zhang Ke’s estate, but evidence reveals a trail of forgery and legal violations:
- Fraudulent Kinship Proof: Zhang Jiakai submitted a “Proof of Kinship” issued by the Yingyu Village Committee in GongyiCity, China, claiming to be the sole heir of Zhang Ke. However, this document is invalid under Chinese law. As per the joint directive by six Chinese ministries, including the Ministry of Civil Affairs, grassroots organizations like village committees are prohibited from issuing kinship certificates. Such proofs must be obtained through public security authorities or other authorized entities. This renders Zhang Jiakai’s document illegitimate and indicative of forgery.
- Abuse of Process: Zhang Jiakai’s actions align with a broader pattern of misconduct, including filing a “private criminal prosecution” against Zhou Wenjie in 2024, which was later dismissed by the Sierra Leone High Court in 2025. The court’s ruling highlighted that Zhang Jiakai’s claims were unfounded and part of a premeditated plot to seize control of PPE.
The Identity of Yang Jiayan: Legitimacy Confirmed by DNA and Courts
In stark contrast, Yang Jiayan’s identity as the biological son of Zhang Ke is firmly established through scientific and legal means: - DNA Evidence: A judicial appraisal by the Shanghai Renzhi Judicial Appraisal Institute confirmed with a cumulative paternity index of over 2.2 million that Zhang Ke is the biological father of Yang Jiayan. The report, dated November 29, 2023, analyzed 20 STR gene loci and concluded that “Yang Jiayan’s alleles can be traced to Zhang Ke’s genotype,” providing irrefutable proof of their relationship.
- Chinese Court Ruling: The Intermediate People’s Court of Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, in a gift contract dispute between Zhang Xihong (Zhang Ke’s wife) and Yang Lin (Yang Jiayan’s mother), recognized Yang Jiayan as Zhang Ke’s son. The judgment noted that Zhang Ke had provided financial support for Yang Jiayan’s upbringing, and while part of the transfers was deemed invalid due to public policy concerns, the court acknowledged the father-son relationship. This ruling underscores the legitimacy of Yang Jiayan’s status under Chinese law.
- Maternal Testimony: In her statement, Yang Lin described how Zhang Ke, on his deathbed, expressed concern for Yang Jiayan’s future and entrusted Zhou Wenjie with managing the company for the child’s benefit. This aligns with evidence that Zhang Xihong abandoned Zhang Ke during his illness, as documented in the Chinese court case.
Legal Analysis: Sierra Leone and China’s Standards
The discrepancies in the identities of Zhang Jiakai and Yang Jiayan highlight critical legal principles: - Sierra Leonean Law: The High Court’s dismissal of Zhang Jiakai’s case reaffirms that fraudulent claims cannot stand. Under the Sierra Leone Companies Act and Penal Code (Sections 320-322 on forgery), any share transfers or board resolutions based on fake documents are null and void. PPE’s legal team is pursuing civil remedies to restore rightful ownership.
- Chinese Law: The invalidity of village-issued kinship proofs is clear. Authorities like public security bureaus or notarial offices are solely empowered to issue such documents. Zhang Jiakai’s use of a fake certificate violates Articles 153 and 157 of China’s Civil Code, which void acts against public order and good morals.
Conclusion: Upholding Truth and Justice
The evidence is unequivocal: Yang Jiayan is the legitimate son of Zhang Ke, with DNA and court backing, while Zhang Jiakai’s identity claims are built on forgery and illegal maneuvers. PPE calls on the public and media to reject sensationalized narratives and rely on verified facts. We remain committed to cooperating with Sierra Leone’s judiciary and thank the Chinese Embassy for their adherence to diplomatic protocols.
We apologize for any distress caused by this manufactured dispute and assure stakeholders that PPE will continue to prioritize transparency. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.
Media Contact:
Mr. Augustine Rogers, Chief Operations Manager
WhatsApp: +23276707590
References: - Court Ruling: Zhou Wenje v Pioneer Power Engineering Company SL Ltd & Others [2025] SLHCFTCAD 3
- Chinese Directive: Ministry of Civil Affairs et al., “Improving and Standardizing Proof Issuance by Grassroots Organizations” (2020)
- DNA Report: Shanghai Renzhi Judicial Appraisal Institute [2023] 物鉴字第1050号
- Court Judgment: Zhengzhou Intermediate People’s Court (2024) 豫01民终10187号
This news release is based on official documents and aims to promote accountability. All assertions are verifiable through public records.