Chinese Man Arrested 24 Years After Yuhuan Robbery Using Dead Twin’s Identity
A Chinese man who spent 24 years evading capture for a 2002 robbery by assuming the identity of his deceased twin brother has been arrested by police. The suspect, identified as Chen, now faces a prison sentence ranging from three to 10 years following his detention in June.
The case dates back to 2002, when a group of seven men carried out a robbery in Yuhuan, located in eastern China’s Zhejiang province. The perpetrators abducted a local man and stripped him of his money and other valuables. While local authorities quickly rounded up six of the suspects, Chen managed to slip away.
How the Decades-Long Identity Switch Unraveled
For years, police in Yuhuan searched for the fugitive. In 2007, investigators received a report from Anhui province in central China claiming that Chen had died in a traffic accident. Satisfied with the tip, the local police department closed the case.
The deception held for nineteen years until a routine check by law enforcement in Anhui flagged suspicious discrepancies. Investigators noticed that a resident appeared to be operating under the identity credentials of his deceased twin brother. Reviewing the anomaly, detectives pulled the 2002 robbery file.
A dedicated task force compared birthplaces, family ties, and personal records, confirming that Chen was actually still alive. Investigators discovered that it was not Chen who died in 2007, but his younger twin brother, Deng. Just nine days after Deng’s death was officially registered, Chen had his name changed to that of his brother. His own name appeared on the death certificate.
Family Cover-Up and Final Arrest in Anhui
When police traveled to Anhui to verify the suspect’s status, family members initially attempted to shield Chen by protecting the falsehood. Detectives ultimately broke through the deception by interviewing the ex-girlfriend of the deceased brother, who confirmed the identity swap.
Chinese media publicised the arrest after Chen was taken into custody in June. Chen now faces criminal prosecution for his role in the 2002 Yuhuan robbery.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2002 Yuhuan Robbery Case
When did the original robbery take place?
The crime occurred in 2002 when seven men abducted a victim in Yuhuan, Zhejiang province, and stole his money and valuables.
How did Chen convince authorities he was dead?
Chen exploited the 2007 death of his younger twin brother, Deng, by changing his name to that of his brother nine days after Deng’s death was registered in Anhui province.
What penalty does Chen face now?
Following his arrest in June, Chen faces a prison term of three to 10 years for his involvement in the crime.
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