Law
Chinese Live-Streamer Arrested for Stealing 75kg Decorative Stone
A man in Wenzhou, China, was apprehended by police after stealing a 75kg decorative stone to use as a prop for his social media live-stream.
According to a report by Khaosod Online Thailand, a man in Wenzhou, Zhejiang province, China, was arrested following the theft of a 75-kilogram decorative stone from a village entrance. The incident, which occurred on July 29, 2026, was captured by local surveillance cameras. Footage shows the individual arriving on an electric scooter, lifting the heavy stone by hand, and transporting it away from the scene.
Local authorities were alerted to the missing stone on July 30. Upon reviewing the security footage, police identified the suspect and tracked him to his residence. During questioning, the man admitted that he worked as an online live-streamer. He confessed that he stole the stone to create content—specifically a video titled 'Lifting a 75kg stone to thank my fans'—in an attempt to boost his declining viewership and attract more followers.
For travelers or residents in China, this incident highlights the strict enforcement of public property laws, even for minor or unconventional thefts. While the individual has been apprehended, the specific legal penalties he faces remain to be confirmed by the local judicial system. This case serves as a reminder that social media trends do not exempt individuals from criminal liability regarding the destruction or theft of public infrastructure.