Hundreds Flock Due to Fake SNS Video
Classified as 'Group Looting'... Potential Penalties
An unbelievable incident occurred in China where a cabbage field the size of 20 soccer fields was looted due to a fake video that spread on social media. The farmer lamented, "Around 700 to 800 people flocked to the field," and added, "No matter how much I tried to stop them, I couldn't control the situation."
People who saw the news of 'Free Cabbage Giveaway' on social media are scooping up cabbages in the cabbage field. Weibo capture
According to China Central Television (CCTV) on the 13th (local time), a video titled "Free Cabbage" was recently posted on local social media platforms. The video claimed, "A cabbage field covering several hundred square meters has become useless," and "If you come to Chifeng City in Inner Mongolia, you can pick up cabbage."
Chaos Caused by Fake SNS Video... Damage Amounts to 200 Million Won
The video quickly spread through local communities and social media, drawing hundreds of people to the farm. Footage from the scene shows people arriving with sacks, or coming by car or bicycle, to uproot cabbages. The damaged area was about 13 hectares, equivalent to 18 to 20 soccer fields, and the financial loss was reported to be around 1 million yuan (approximately 200 million won).
The farm owner, Mr. Li, said, "At first, just three or four people came, so I told them to take a few cabbages. But as more and more people arrived, it became 700 to 800 people," adding, "No matter how much I tried to stop them, I couldn't control the situation." He continued, "I had no idea. I never said people could take cabbage for free," he said in frustration.
Regarding this incident, lawyer Wang Xue explained, "If someone spreads false information and causes direct losses to a farm, they are liable for civil damages," and added, "If there is deliberate manipulation or production of fake videos that disturb public order, criminal penalties may also apply."
Zhou Bingjian, a professor at Nankai University's Department of Law, pointed out, "Many people think that if they act together, they won't be punished, but this is a misunderstanding," and emphasized, "This constitutes 'group looting,' which can result in up to 15 days of detention and a fine." Authorities in Chifeng City have formed a joint investigation team to look into the incident.
Similar Incident in Poland
People who saw the news of the 'Free Potato Giveaway' on social media are scooping up potatoes in the potato field. Odyticentral
A similar incident sparked controversy in Poland last month. At that time, a fake video claiming "free potatoes are being given away" spread on Facebook, resulting in the theft of 150 tons of potatoes. Hundreds of residents rushed to the farm with sacks, buckets, and even excavators, and one vehicle alone carried away as much as 60 tons. The value of the stolen potatoes was reported to be about 14,000 euros (approximately 23.3 million won).
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
