A gang pretending to be former soldiers to sell "high-quality" army supplies were arrested and may face charges of swindling by faking to be soldiers.

Police in Jinshan, where the gang is based, along with Chongming and Jing'an districts, received a complaint from a man named Qian, who bought items from the gang that was easily destroyed. He bought three pairs of leather shoes from two men in military uniform, but the shoes fell apart easily.

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Qian purchased the three pairs of shoes for a total of 300 yuan and also got three free pairs from the men posing to be retired soldiers who were using an army green SUV to deliver the items. They claimed that the shoes and belts in their car were top quality military products.

Police investigation showed that the 12-member gang profited 100,000 yuan since February. They also learned that the supposedly high quality belts and shoes were bought online for 5 to 15 yuan each. 

The gang was arrested on Sunday in Jing'an and Jinshan. Police also confiscated a large amount of fake products. The men also never served in the army.

The suspects can face up to three years of jail time if convicted.

Tagsgang crime in China, organised crime in China, fake items in China, swindling, fake soldiers, retired soldiers in China sell stuff, police, arrest, purcahse, three pairs of shoes, bought shoes, shoes and belts