Police crack down on flash wedding scams in southwestern China as reports surge

A rise in "flash wedding" scams in southwestern China has led to increased police reports. Since March 2023, 180 cases have been recorded in Guizhou province, where women marry men for money and quickly divorce, often absconding with the funds. Matchmaking agencies are involved, recruiting women in debt to lure victims. These agencies arrange marriages and encourage quick divorces, allowing the women to keep the bride money. One woman reportedly took over 170,000 yuan and a car from her victim. The scams have gained attention as a woman reportedly earned over Rs 35 lakh in just three months through these fraudulent marriages. Local authorities are now cracking down on these illicit matchmaking operations.