Bride scam exposed: Sex worker trap lands woman in jail - Here's what happened
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The Scheme Unfolds
The woman, identified by her surname Xiong, and her boyfriend, Li, found themselves in financial trouble earlier this year. Seeking a solution, they connected with two men, Zhou and Song, online. The duo claimed they could assist in securing loans but instead proposed a fraudulent marriage plot.
In traditional Chinese culture, a groom is expected to provide a bride price—a sum of money given before the marriage. Zhou and Song suggested that if the husband were caught in a compromising situation, such as visiting a prostitute, Xiong could file for divorce without returning the money.
Initially reluctant, Xiong testified in court, saying, «I was afraid and did not dare to join their scheme. But they kept persuading me, saying I could divorce smoothly and keep the money. My boyfriend also asked me not to panic.»
Marriage and Suspicion
Xiong soon met Bao, a man introduced by a matchmaking agency. Days later, the two registered their marriage, with Bao paying a bride price of 136,666 yuan (approximately Rs 13.7 lakh). He also spent 48,000 yuan (around INR 4.8 lakh) on jewelry for Xiong.
The couple held their wedding in Bao’s hometown in Jiangsu Province. A week later, they returned to Longli County, where Xiong and her accomplices set their plan in motion. During a dinner meeting, Li, posing as Xiong’s cousin,
