False title scammers detained

Ten university graduates have been detained for offering false honorary titles in the name of the Social Survey Institute of China (SSIC), police said.

Qi Yufei, a police officer at Shijingshan police bureau, said on Thursday that a nationwide investigation was needed since the 10 graduates were not from Beijing. He plans to find more victims before taking the next disciplinary step.

The suspects were allegedly caught red-handed making phone calls to victims across the country from the office building attached to Gucheng Hotel in April, following a police tip-off made in March. Qi said the group performed their business by searching online for industry and education experts.