A Bold Scheme to Fund a Dream Home
A 24-year-old woman from rural China hatched an audacious plan to amass nearly Rs 11.7 crore (10 million yuan) by robbing affluent men in Shanghai. Driven by the desire to buy a home in the prestigious city of Shenzhen, she sought to secure a substantial down payment through unconventional means.
Reinventing Herself as a Socialite
Initially juggling jobs — from sales assistant to live streamer — she found these efforts insufficient for her lofty goal. By March 2021, working at a karaoke bar in Shanghai, she immersed herself in dating and social chat circles. Determined to attract wealthy suitors, she transformed her image, taking lessons in fine dining, wine tasting, and etiquette, alongside a strict fitness routine and significant investment in plastic surgery.
Manipulating Trust and Executing Thefts
With newfound confidence, she began dating prosperous men, gaining entry into their opulent homes. Seizing opportunities when her partners were away, she orchestrated elaborate thefts, sometimes hiring professional movers to clear out entire residences. From luxury handbags and designer belts to furniture and appliances, nothing was off-limits. She then sold these stolen goods through online secondhand marketplaces.
Financial Gains and Silent Victims
Over several months, she allegedly swindled around 200,000 yuan (approximately US $30,000) from eight men. Many victims chose silence, fearing public embarrassment or reputational harm.
The Fall: Caught in the Act
The scheme unraveled when her ninth partner grew suspicious, installing security cameras that captured her in the midst of looting. Authorities swiftly intervened, arresting her on charges of fraud and theft.
A Contrasting Reality
Despite orchestrating significant robberies, she maintained a surprisingly frugal lifestyle. Renting a modest basement room in Shanghai, relying on free makeup samples, and limiting daily expenses to under 30 yuan (around $4), she justified her actions as necessary sacrifices for owning a home.
Background and Motivations
Raised in impoverished conditions in rural Hunan province, her ambition ignited after attending a lavish wedding at age 18. Witnessing the trappings of wealth — designer attire, sprawling villas, and personal staff — stirred a yearning for a luxurious life, fueling the elaborate con that ultimately led to her arrest.
