Shenzhen police bust fake bottled water operation worth millions

By Ryan Kilpatrick, October 16, 2014

Shenzhen police have unearthed an operation producing and selling fake bottled water.

Police have arrested eight suspects and seized assets of RMB 5 million. The fake water was mainly sold in nearby Huizhou and Dongguan.

Fortunately, Shenzhen police have provided us with this helpful side-by-side photo of the fake bottle and the real thing so you can make sure you're not swindled. On the left is the fake water, with the genuine article to the right:

OK, maybe not so helpful.

In case you weren't aware, fake water is indeed a thing in China — and a big one at that.

When this fake water operation in Beijing was exposed, one of the sellers involved channeled the spirit of Shanghai's Husi Food Company by arguing that "anyway, drinking it won't kill you." We're beginning to sense a pattern here...

more news

Fake celebrity prostitutes command fortunes in Shenzhen, police find

Sex trade ring created fake encyclopedia entries, filmographies and celebrity gossip articles to raise value of prostitutes.

Police misconduct and an endangered amphibian at Shenzhen police banquet

Wang Yuanping, the head of the Dongshen Branch of the Shenzhen Municipal Public Security Bureau, has landed himself in hot water after he ordered a police patrol for a private banquet.

Police bust car crash blackmail gang in Shenzhen

Shenzhen police have busted a car crash blackmail gang that faked car accidents and demanded compensation from drivers.

PHOTOS: Alleged police brutality sparks riot in Shenzhen

One person is claimed to have been beaten to death in riots that erupted in Shenzhen following an instance of alleged police brutality.

Naked man threatens to jump off fake Shenzhen Eiffel Tower

Visitors to Shenzhen's Window of the World theme park got a sight they weren't expecting: a naked man perched atop the replica Eiffel Tower threatening to jump.