Shanghai Police Bust Two Laptops Fraud Rings Over 27 Million Yuan

Shanghai police have dismantled two criminal networks that exploited e-commerce subsidy programs by manipulating laptop serial numbers. The operation resulted in the arrest of suspects who collectively defrauded the system of more than 27 million yuan, a sum that reflects the scale of organized retail fraud. This crackdown highlights the vulnerabilities in digital subsidy tracking and the serious legal consequences for those who attempt to bypass them.

Two criminal networks dismantled for manipulating serial numbers to claim subsidies

The fraud relied on altering the unique serial numbers printed on laptops to make single devices appear as multiple distinct purchases. Investigators found that one specific laptop with a single serial number had been used to claim platform subsidies up to eight separate times. This technique allowed the gangs to bypass automated duplicate order detection systems that normally prevent such abuse.

One of the arrested groups, led by individuals named Xue and Zang, operated five separate stores to facilitate these fraudulent transactions. A second group, headed by Huang and Zhou, specialized in reselling laptops with already altered serial numbers to further distribute the fraud. The two groups operated in a coordinated manner to maximize the number of subsidy claims processed through e-commerce platforms.

The Shanghai Changning Public Security Bureau Cyber Security Detachment confirmed the extent of the scheme through detailed investigations. Police stated that the evidence clearly showed the same serial codes being reused across multiple subsidy applications. The suspects are currently held in criminal detention as authorities continue to process the case and determine additional charges.