Dozens of fake antiques sellers busted
By Ni Yinbin |
May 22, 2012, Tuesday
|
Print Edition
Print Edition
MORE than 70 suspected con artists who sold counterfeit antiques made of cheap materials have been caught, police said.
The 74 suspects from Anhui Province had scammed more than 30 people, mostly middle-aged residents, from across the city. They took in tens of thousands of yuan, police said.
Victims paid from hundreds to many thousands of yuan for the fake antiques, mostly made of cheap stones and metal worth no more than a couple of yuan. Some fake antiques such as stone rabbits and tigers had mud glued to them to look as if they'd just been dug up.
"The suspects set up street stalls for fake antiques and once a victim came to inquire, some suspects would work to lure the victim into believing the antiques were real and buying it," said Wei Gang, director of an economic crime corps of Zhabei police. "Usually five or six suspects worked as a group, with one of them setting up the stall, one pretending to be a buyer, and the others convincing the victims and looking out for police."
The stalls usually were set up around such busy areas as markets, hospitals and commercial complexes in Zhabei, Putuo, Hongkou and Yangpu districts.
The police said they raided four hotels, caught the suspects and confiscated a room of nearly 10,000 fake antiques.
In the biggest case, a man in his 50s paid more than 40,000 yuan (US$6,321) for three fake antiques worth only about 40 yuan, said police, who are looking for more victims.
The 74 suspects from Anhui Province had scammed more than 30 people, mostly middle-aged residents, from across the city. They took in tens of thousands of yuan, police said.
Victims paid from hundreds to many thousands of yuan for the fake antiques, mostly made of cheap stones and metal worth no more than a couple of yuan. Some fake antiques such as stone rabbits and tigers had mud glued to them to look as if they'd just been dug up.
"The suspects set up street stalls for fake antiques and once a victim came to inquire, some suspects would work to lure the victim into believing the antiques were real and buying it," said Wei Gang, director of an economic crime corps of Zhabei police. "Usually five or six suspects worked as a group, with one of them setting up the stall, one pretending to be a buyer, and the others convincing the victims and looking out for police."
The stalls usually were set up around such busy areas as markets, hospitals and commercial complexes in Zhabei, Putuo, Hongkou and Yangpu districts.
The police said they raided four hotels, caught the suspects and confiscated a room of nearly 10,000 fake antiques.
In the biggest case, a man in his 50s paid more than 40,000 yuan (US$6,321) for three fake antiques worth only about 40 yuan, said police, who are looking for more victims.
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