The fraudster, identified as Yang, worked for a technology firm where he exploited his control over hiring and payroll to invent 22 non-existent staff members, funneling their salaries into his own accounts for eight years, TownFlex reports.

The scheme, uncovered in late 2022, unravelled when the finance department noticed a “perfect” attendance record for an employee, Xiao Sun, who no one had ever seen. Subsequent investigation revealed Yang’s elaborate fraud, which had netted him 16 million yuan (c. £1.8 million).

Despite returning a portion of the stolen funds, Yang was sentenced to 10 years and 2 months imprisonment, alongside a fine and deprivation of political rights.