A 24-year-old woman in China executed an elaborate scheme to accumulate 10 million yuan (US$1.4 million/~SGD$1.9 million) by targeting wealthy men through dating apps and systematically robbing their luxury homes.
Yin Xue grew up in poverty in central China’s Hunan province. At 18, she attended the lavish wedding of her boyfriend’s friend, where she witnessed the couple’s designer clothing, villa, and private staff.
This experience sparked her ambition for a luxurious lifestyle.
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“I realised I wanted that kind of luxurious life too. But I would have to earn it myself,” Yin stated.
She set a five-year goal to save 10 million yuan, with plans to buy a home in Shenzhen and bring her family together.
Yin’s Failed Career Attempts Before Turning to Crime
Yin initially pursued legitimate employment opportunities. She took a hotel job in Beijing on her teacher’s advice but quit after one year, frustrated by workplace restrictions.
Returning to Hunan, she worked multiple jobs including sales assistant, model, and live streamer. Despite her efforts, she saved up a modest amount that fell far short of her ambitious financial target.
In March 2021, Yin moved to Shanghai and began working at a karaoke bar. She joined local social and dating chat groups, marking the beginning of her criminal scheme.
Plastic Surgery and Socialite Transformation
Confident in her appearance, Yin reinvented herself as a socialite to attract affluent men. She followed a strict fitness routine and spent most of her savings on plastic surgery to enhance her looks.
Yin took classes in fine dining, wine tasting, and etiquette to perfect her sophisticated persona.
“My parents could not give me the life I wanted, so I built it for myself,” she explained to police.
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Yin targeted wealthy men on social media platforms, dated them, and eventually moved into their luxury villas in Shanghai. When her boyfriends were away, she hired professional movers to systematically clear out their homes.
She stole items ranging from designer belts to sofas and appliances, selling the stolen goods on second-hand online platforms. In just a few months, Yin stole more than 200,000 yuan (US$30,000/~SGD$40,500) from eight different men.
Most victims remained silent about the thefts, fearing public embarrassment over being duped.
“What I lost was not worth much, but I would be laughed at if people found out,” one victim said anonymously.
Yin’s ninth boyfriend, surnamed Zhang, installed security cameras in his home and caught her red-handed. On Valentine’s Day, Zhang witnessed her robbing his home and subsequently reported her to the police.
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“It was Valentine’s Day. Seeing my girlfriend rob my place shattered my entire world view,” Zhang told investigators.
Police arrested Yin in February 2022 on charges of theft and fraud. She was prosecuted, though her exact sentence remains undisclosed. In China, stealing less than 300,000 yuan (US$42,000/~SGD$56,700) can result in up to ten years imprisonment plus fines.
Despite her criminal activities, she maintained an extremely frugal lifestyle, spending less than 30 yuan (US$4/~SGD$5.40) daily, using free makeup samples, and renting a basement room in a Shanghai hotel.
“I only wanted money to buy a house. I did not spend recklessly,” Yin told police, adding that she never planned to depend on any man and believed financial power was key to attracting them.
On 6 Jun 2025, Yin’s case was featured on a mainland legal education television programme. The broadcast sparked social media debate, with related posts attracting more than 350,000 views.
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Netizens dubbed her “the most beautiful criminal” due to her appearance and slim figure.
One online observer commented: “Yin had drive, clarity and determination. It is a shame she used it for crime.”
Another added: “Her story is tragic. With the right education, she could have had a bright future.”
Would you be jailed for being half-naked in public? Well, the answer will shock you. Seriously. Watch this to the end and you'll understand:
