Chinese police allege property empire built on fake IDs

Chinese police have arrested a rural bank officer for allegedly using fake documents to build a property empire.

State media reports the arrestee used three fake national identity cards, as well as a genuine one, to buy 45 properties worth millions of US dollars. Police issue national identity cards, and the focus is now shifting to see if corrupt officers were complicit in creating the fake documents.

Corruption is common in some areas of Chinese life, the Associated Press reports, but the fake identification case has attracted particular attention because of its link to property. House prices in China are soaring, and many blame speculation by the wealthy and corrupt for the trend.

A member of the Communist party and former police chief is also being investigated for allegedly using fake identification papers to buy 192 houses. State media reports the man admitted to having a fake identity card, but claimed he was just managed properties owned by his brother.