An influencer in China known for his raising cattle videos has been exposed as an ex-convict, sparking mixed reactions online. -- Photo: SCMP composite/YouTube/Baidu/Douyin
SHANGHAI (SCMP): An online influencer who shares videos of himself raising a cow in a rural area in southwestern China has been revealed to be a convicted fraudster.
The revelation has triggered a heated discussion among internet users.
The man, surnamed Luo, was sentenced to 10 months for fraud in 2015 for manufacturing fake methamphetamine and selling it to drug addicts, according to the Yangtze Evening Post.
On a leading social media platform where he has 210,000 followers, Luo has posted 300 videos of his countryside life in Dayi county, Sichuan province, most of which are about his interactions with a calf.
Luo named the one-year-old calf Niuniu, a common nickname for a little girl, while calling himself Niuniu’s Dad.
“I will not slaughter, sell, or beat my Niuniu. I will accompany her for life,” Luo said on his account.
Luo’s online videos about raising cattle have attracted tens of thousands of followers to his social media account. Photo: Baidu
He has racked up 2.5 million likes for his 300 videos so far, with many viewers expressing appreciation for his care for the animal and leaving encouraging comments for him.
However, in April, Luo was exposed to be a former fraudster.
He used crystal sugar to make fake methamphetamine, commonly known as “Ice” before selling it to drug addicts. Some of his customers reportedly used so much of his product that they developed diabetes.
At the time, Luo said he did not fear getting caught because he believed his customers dared not call the police.
After serving 10 months in prison he returned to his hometown of Dayi county.
When asked by some netizens about his criminal background, Luo said: “Yes, it is me. That was what happened 10 years ago.”
“What I am doing now conveys positive energy. A person with a record of misdeeds is not necessarily unkind. It does not necessarily mean he does not like animals.
“I beg the public to be merciful and leave me an opportunity to survive,” he added.
The former fraudster has begged his online fans to give him a second chance. -- Photo: Baidu
The news brought mixed reactions on mainland social media.
“Despite his criminal past, I do not think we should launch online violence against him. He treats Niuniu well, and Niuniu is lucky to have such a good owner,” one online observer said.
However, another person said: “I am afraid he will use his previous experience to attract traffic. If youngsters see this, their awareness of legal consequences will be diminished.”
In April, a woman who served 14 months in jail for fraud years ago was banned online after she used her previous experience to promote herself.
Her wanted photo issued by Sichuan police in 2018 went viral thanks to her good looks, with many people dubbing her the “most beautiful fugitive” in China. - South China Morning Post/ANN
