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In his post, he said that he had extorted 30 million yuan from a company and that he had a submachine gun and 500 bullets.
The post amassed over 350,000 views and significant engagement within hours, the news outlet added. (Representative Image)
A Chinese man was temporarily taken into police custody last month after he issued a fake arrest warrant against himself on social media. On November 11, 2024, Wang pulled this rather eccentric act as a result of boredom and to attract attention.
According to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Wang, who created an account with the fake name “haoyunsuishiyou” (translated as “have good luck anytime”), shared a “Wanted Order” and identified herself as a Chinese actor Wang Yibo. In his post, he said that he had extorted 30 million yuan from a company and that he had a submachine gun and 500 bullets. The suspect promised a 30,000 yuan reward to anyone who led him to Yibo.
The post amassed over 350,000 views and significant engagement within hours, the news outlet added.
Qinyuan County police reportedly saw Wang’s post and began their investigation on November 12. In response to the inquiries, Wang could not produce any firearms and there was no evidence that he engaged in the alleged extortion. When he was interrogated, Wang admitted that he made the whole story up out of frustration and boredom.
Wang has sparked crucial legal questions on what happens when people disseminate fake news or information. In Chinese law, producing fake information which alarms the public may result in severe consequences. A “criminal coercive measure” was brought against Wang for his activities following which he may be detained or have his freedom restricted for a certain period.
In a statement obtained by the South China Morning Post, the police warned the public that “the internet is not beyond the reach of the law. Fabricating a story and spreading it are both criminal acts. Anyone who concocts or circulates rumours will face judicial consequences.”
