Lei Chunian, who was heralded as a “heroic youth” for saving seven classmates from a collapsing building in the deadly 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake in Sichuan, has now been charged with fraud for allegedly cheating 21 people out of RMB 463,000.
The former “hero” and one-time local celebrity stands accused of forging government seals and corporate seals, reports the Chengdu Business Daily. He could face jail time of up to more than 10 years due to the amount of money involved in the case.
Lei, whose named was once known nationwide for his daring and selflessness in the wake of the catastrophic earthquake that took nearly 70,000 lives, enjoyed many perks over the past six years: being one of the torchbearers in 2008 Beijing Olympics, being admitted into a key high school without having to sit the exam or pay fees, and even being paid just to play poker with people.
Lei went around promising others he could help them get things (such as landing a job, getting people’s children into key middle schools, and buying driving licenses) using high-power “connections” that he didn't even have. The amount of money he took from people for doing these “favors” is estimated at RMB 463,000, including RMB 10,000 from his erstwhile girlfriend.
Lei girlfriend of one year, surnamed Hao, told the reporter that Lei barely went to school when they were dating but was a big spender.
“He spends more than RMB 10,000 every month, though he doesn’t come from a rich family,” she recounted. “He also likes traveling. We went to Sanya three times, and we also went to cities like Beijing, Xiamen, Lijiang, etc. Every time we travel, Lei would have us stay in four- or five-star hotels and rent luxurious cars. He used to upgrade to first-class despite only buying plane tickets for economy, which was made possible because he had the title of an “earthquake relief hero.”
Lei asked Hao for RMB 10,000, telling her he could get her a flight attendant job when he had no connections whatsoever in the aviation industry. He also threatened not to give the money back when she asked for a break-up.
If this doesn’t land him the title of the world's biggest 'Scumbag Hero,' then taking his girlfriend’s laptop, left by her late mother, on top of the RMB 10,000 must.
Lei has been prosecuted and will go through criminal trial in Sichuan capital Chengdu.
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