Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the tragic transformation of a successful tech professional into a criminal due to the pressures of unemployment and financial distress, illustrating the darker side of the tech industry's challenges and the consequences of economic downturns [16][17]. Group 1: Background of the Individual - The individual, Song, was a successful backend developer in a leading internet company, earning over 500,000 yuan annually after ten years of hard work [4]. - In 2022, he was laid off during an industry downturn, which led to a significant personal crisis and a failed attempt at entrepreneurship [5][16]. Group 2: Entrepreneurial Struggles - After being laid off, Song raised 2 million yuan by mortgaging his property to start a tech company focused on smart home hardware, but faced immediate challenges due to poor market research and product compatibility issues [5][6]. - By March 2023, the company had accumulated debts of 1.87 million yuan, leading to the dismissal of all employees except for his brother [5][6]. Group 3: Descent into Crime - Influenced by a casual remark from his cousin about drug dealing being more profitable, Song resorted to purchasing drug manufacturing tutorials online and invested borrowed money into illegal activities [6][10]. - He attempted to produce caffeine-based drugs, but initial failures did not deter him; instead, he became more determined to refine his methods [10][12]. Group 4: Criminal Operations - Song utilized his technical skills to create a structured process for drug production, including detailed operational manuals and even coding a monitoring system for chemical reactions [12][14]. - He adopted a "buried mine" strategy for drug sales, using encrypted communication and virtual currencies to evade law enforcement [18]. Group 5: Legal Consequences - In March 2025, Song was sentenced to seven and a half years in prison for drug-related offenses, while his brother received a four and a half year sentence for assisting him [2][14]. - The court rejected claims of mental distress due to entrepreneurial failure, emphasizing the premeditated nature of his actions and the potential societal harm of his drug production [14][15]. Group 6: Industry Implications - The case reflects broader issues within the tech industry, including the "35-year crisis" and the challenges faced by skilled workers during economic downturns, with a significant number of laid-off workers turning to entrepreneurship with low success rates [16][17]. - The article calls for improved unemployment support, targeted anti-drug education, and stricter regulations on chemical transactions to prevent similar cases in the future [17].