Ex-China ‘most beautiful fugitive' banned for promoting legal education via livestreams
A former member of a gang involved in a US$190,000 fraud racket claimed to have 'turned over a new leaf' after her release from prison. — SCMP
A woman dubbed the 'most beautiful fugitive' in China has been banned online for promoting anti-fraud education via live-streams following her release from prison.
Qing Chenjingliang, 26, from Mianyang in Sichuan province, southwestern China, was expelled from secondary school as a teen for poor grades.
Influenced by her boyfriend, she later joined a 10-person fraud ring.
Posing as bar staff, the group lured victims online with fake romantic approaches or friendly intentions and forced them into expensive spending, using threats or violence if they refused to pay.
In November 2018, police issued wanted posters for Qing and her accomplices.
Her striking looks quickly drew nationwide attention and earned her the nickname 'China's most beautiful fugitive'.
Qing later turned herself in and was sentenced to a year and two months in prison for fraud.
The authorities said the scam involved more than 1.4mil yuan (RM821,817 or US$190,000).
One of Qing's former classmates told The Beijing News that she was cheerful, lively, and kind, saying they were shocked that she turned to crime.
While in prison, Qing reportedly underwent ideological education, legal training, and labour reform.
Following her release in November 2021, Qing opened a bubble tea shop in Mianyang and appeared in a police anti-fraud video, which sparked controversy.
Some netizens criticised the move, saying it sent the wrong message by promoting the idea that 'beauty equals justice'.
In March, Qing set up a social media account under her full name, using her 2018 wanted photo as her profile picture, and quickly gained nearly 10,000 followers.
Her bio read: 'I was a headline figure in 2018 news. Now I have turned over a new leaf.'
She live-streamed twice a day, promoting legal knowledge and fraud prevention.
'I want to start over and help ordinary people avoid being scammed,' she said, often reminding viewers of her past as the so-called most beautiful fugitive.
Qing encouraged her followers to send virtual gifts if they wanted to hear more about her scam and prison experiences.
She emphasised that she had served her full sentence, adding: 'Getting a sentence reduction is very difficult.'
When asked if she had met any imprisoned celebrities, Qing said that male and female inmates were kept separate and she had not paid attention to such matters.
She also recently posted a video warning people about bar scams, saying: 'Do not believe in something for nothing.'
However, Qing's social media account was banned on April 27, her profile became unsearchable, and all her videos were removed.
The platform later said it bans content that exploits prison or criminal histories for attention or profit.
As of writing, Qing has not responded to the ban.
The incident has attracted widespread attention on mainland social media, with related topics racking up over 54 million views.
One online observer said: 'Qing has served her time. Becoming a live-streamer is her legitimate right. A prodigal who returns is more precious than gold.'
However, another person took a different view: 'She takes pride in being the 'most beautiful fugitive'. This mindset is deeply distorted.'
'We do not oppose former convicts rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society, but they should do so with humility and a strong sense of justice,' added a third. – South China Morning Post
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