On October 17, CCTV News exposed an elaborate investment scam targeting the elderly in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu Province. The gang operated under the guise of an agricultural project dubbed "foliage grass" cultivation. They scouted wet markets and parks, handing out free eggs, rice, flour, and vegetables to lure seniors to company lectures. Promoters showered victims with daily affection, organized free tours, and even leased farmland for guided visits to make the venture look completely authentic.
Seniors were promised that a 3,000 yuan investment would return full principal plus at least 200 yuan in profit within 60 days. After early payouts arrived on time, many doubled down. A 76-year-old couple surnamed Zhang started with 3,000 yuan and eventually escalated their stakes to more than 200,000 yuan, losing every penny. Another 65-year-old victim, Ms. Liu, lost over a million yuan. In total, more than 90 elderly residents fell into the trap.
Zhenjiang police formed a special task force in December 2024, eventually tracking down a key suspect through a distinctive pair of jeans seen in a travel video. By February 2025, six suspects were arrested. In September 2026, the Runzhou District People's Court of Zhenjiang sentenced multiple defendants for fundraising fraud or illegal absorption of public deposits.
Authorities noted the pattern is always identical: small free gifts, emotional manipulation, early bait returns, and strict instructions to keep investments secret from children. For Chinese living and working overseas, keeping in close touch and watching over parents' savings back home is often the only real defense.
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