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Dubai: Authorities in Jiangsu province, eastern China, have arrested a man for running a large-scale operation to cheat live-streaming platforms. Identified as Ma, the suspect was found using over 400 mobile phones in a garage within a residential area in August, according to The Star.
The unusual activity was first noticed by an elderly passer-by, who suspected foul play and alerted the police. Upon investigation, authorities uncovered a sophisticated setup in which Ma operated hundreds of devices linked to separate live-streaming accounts.
The cheating method
Ma explained that the phones were used to participate in live-streams featuring “lucky bags.” These bags offered prizes to viewers who clicked a button and sent specific messages. The prizes, determined by the live-stream hosts, ranged from everyday items to high-value goods.
Profiting from the scheme
The Star reported that by leveraging his setup, Ma managed to win various items, including electronics such as printers and iPhones. He then resold these items on second-hand e-commerce platforms, earning an estimated 10,000 to 20,000 yuan (USD $1,400–$2,800) per month.
To bypass the need for individual SIM cards for each device, Ma purchased pre-registered accounts containing other people’s personal information. He now faces charges of infringing on personal information, which violates Chinese law. Convictions for such offenses can lead to fines or imprisonment of up to three years.
This case underscores the lengths some individuals will go to profit from live-streaming platforms, raising questions about security and ethical practices. By Balaram Menon, Gulf News
