Man sentenced to 13 years for posing as wealthy suitor, defrauding over 40 women

A man in Jiangsu province was sentenced to 13 years in prison and fined 200,000 yuan ($28,000) for posing as a wealthy individual and defrauding over 40 women across the country, Redstar News reported Monday.

Identified only by his surname Gu, the man's elaborate ruse unraveled in February 2023 when he was assaulted by a husband suspecting an affair. Police in Tongjiang, Sichuan province, discovered during their investigation that Gu had swindled the man's wife and potentially others.

Investigations revealed Gu, a primary school dropout, fabricated a persona claiming to own luxury cars and properties, work in engineering, and seek marriage. He promised extravagant gifts and dowries to woo women, then used fabricated financial woes and investment scams to extract money.

Gu's father corroborated, revealing his son squandered family finances and had substantial debts. Gu had previously coerced his parents for gambling and tricked an ex-wife into mortgaging her house before a quick divorce.

Gu continued his charade by renting luxury cars, forging documents, and hiring a driver. He met women through online and offline channels, repeating his deceptive tactics until suspicion arose and forced him to flee.

Gu was arrested in September 2022 and eventually convicted of fraud in Tongjiang county court.