Man Spends $1.2 Million to Be Called ‘Brother’ by Livestreamer
Man Steals Millions in Copper to Earn Streamer’s Affection
A Chinese man’s obsession with a female live streamer has landed him in hot water after he stole millions of dollars worth of copper to fund lavish virtual gifts.
Hong, a hardware worker from Ningbo, Zhejiang province, became enamored with the streamer earlier this year. He began showering her with tips and donations, initially draining his family’s savings. When access to those funds was cut off, Hong resorted to desperate measures.
Starting in May 2024, Hong began stealing copper during deliveries for his family’s business. He sold the stolen metal to scrap yards, amassing a staggering 4 million yuan (approximately $8.7 million) to fuel his online spending spree.
His elaborate scheme unraveled in October when a copper factory reported a series of thefts. Police traced the stolen material back to Hong, who initially confessed to only two recent thefts. However, financial records revealed a pattern of unexplained income and significant outlays to the live-streaming platform.
Confronted with the evidence, Hong admitted to stealing copper over 40 times as May, spending roughly 2.3 million yuan on virtual gifts for the streamer.
“I didn’t want to meet her,” Hong confessed, according to reports. “I just wanted to hear her call me ‘brother’.”
Hong’s story has gone viral in china, sparking a wave of online commentary.Many expressed disbelief at his actions, questioning the value of a single word from a stranger.
“Four million yuan just to be called ‘brother’? Maybe he needs to see a therapist,” one netizen remarked.
Another commenter expressed astonishment at the value of the stolen copper: “What kind of copper is worth over 2 million yuan? This is truly shocking.”
hong is currently in custody facing charges of theft. over 1 million yuan worth of stolen copper has been recovered and returned to the factory.
Obsession Costs Millions: Man Steals Copper to Win Favour From Online Streamer
ningbo, Zhejiang Province – in a bizarre tale of online infatuation and criminal activity, a Chinese man has confessed to stealing millions of dollars worth of copper to purchase lavish virtual gifts for a female live streamer.
Hong, a hardware worker, developed an obsession with the streamer earlier this year, showering her with online tips and donations.After exhausting his family’s savings,Hong turned to increasingly desperate measures.
Starting in May 2024, Hong began stealing copper during deliveries for his family business. He sold the stolen metal to scrap yards, earning an estimated 4 million yuan (approximately $8.7 million) to fund his online spending spree.
Hong’s elaborate scheme unraveled in October when a copper factory reported a series of thefts. Police investigations traced the stolen material back to Hong, who initially confessed to only two thefts. Though, scrutiny of his financial records revealed a pattern of unexplained income and ample outlays to the live-streaming platform.
Confronted with the evidence,Hong admitted to stealing copper over 40 times as may,spending roughly 2.3 million yuan on virtual gifts for the streamer.
“I didn’t want to meet her,” Hong confessed. “I just wanted to hear her call me ‘brother’.”
Hong currently faces charges of theft. Police have recovered and returned over 1 million yuan worth of stolen copper to the factory. His case sparked nationwide conversation, with many expressing disbelief at the magnitude of his actions and questioning the value of online validation.