![File photo source: Unsplash [Sportschosun Reporter Jang Jong-ho] A man who replaced the locks on an empty house and sold it by deceiving people into](https://www.sportschosun.com/article/html/2026/06/26/2026062601001860700122781.jpg "File photo source: Unsplash [Sportschosun Reporter Jang Jong-ho] A man who replaced the locks on an empty house and sold it by deceiving people into")
According to the Chinese media outlet Xinmin Evening News and the Hong Kong media outlet South China Morning Post, a man surnamed Sun, residing in Shanghai, was recently sentenced to 10 years and 3 months in prison and a fine of 100,000 yuan (approximately 23 million won) on charges of fraud. Sun had previously operated two shops but failed in his business ventures and had a criminal record of serving time for fraud.
After his release in 2017, he reconnected with a couple he had known for about 30 years. It is reported that this couple, who were not financially well-off, provided Sun with both material and emotional support, such as meals and loans for living expenses.
Sun habitually presented himself as someone with a wide network of connections and financial stability. He claimed to be a native of Shanghai who owned commercial properties and asserted that he could easily obtain real estate information.
The couple, who were looking to buy a home, asked Sun for help, and he sweet-talked them by promising to find them a house at a price lower than the market rate. Sun collected over 700,000 yuan (approximately 160 million won) from the couple, claiming that he needed the down payment and various loan costs starting in 2023.
Two years later, he demanded an additional 400,000 yuan (approximately 91 million won) to finalize the transaction, claiming he had secured an apartment for relocation due to redevelopment. However, the apartment in question did not belong to Sun.
He scouted a house that had been vacant for a long time and called a locksmith, claiming he had lost the key. After replacing the lock, he took the couple to show them the house, handed them a new key, and drew up a fraudulent sales contract.
The actual homeowner, Mr. Wang, had kept the house vacant for over three months to find a tenant.
Then, in May 2025, while visiting the house with a prospective tenant, he discovered that the locks had been changed and immediately reported it to the police. Sun, who was arrested, reportedly stated during the investigation that he had used most of the money he had already received for debt repayment and living expenses.
As a result, recovering the stolen funds is expected to be difficult.
As the incident became known, a wave of criticism erupted online in China.
Netizens reacted with comments such as, "It seems the couple trusted their long-time friend so much that they failed to verify the property ownership certificate," "He is a heartless person.
He should kneel before the couple who helped him, apologize, and atone for his sins for the rest of his life," and "One should not conduct transactions based solely on recommendations from acquaintances.
" Reporter Jang Jong-ho bellho@sportschosun.com
