A Shanghai man named Sun was sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for defrauding close friends of nearly 700,000 yuan (approximately ₹97 lakh) by selling a flat he did not own, according to livemint.com. The elaborate property fraud involved deceiving friends he had known for almost three decades, resulting in significant financial losses for the victims.
Sun, who had previously owned two shops that failed, used his close relationships to mislead a couple into believing he had the right to sell the property. The South China Morning Post reported that the man’s prior conviction did not deter him from committing this elaborate scam. The fraud caused the victims to incur debts and other expenses, highlighting the extent of the deception.
This case underscores risks in property transactions where ownership verification is critical. While property fraud is not uncommon in China, the scale of this case involving close personal connections and nearly ₹1 crore in losses is notable. It also reflects challenges in legal enforcement and the need for stronger safeguards in real estate dealings, especially among trusted social circles.
Sun’s sentencing marks a decisive legal response to property fraud in Shanghai. The case was reported on June 27, 2026, by livemint.com, which detailed the court’s ruling and the financial impact on the victims. The prison term exceeds a decade, reflecting the severity of the crime and its consequences for the defrauded parties.