Chinese Man Buys Coffin, Fakes His Own Death to Escape Arrest; Police Expose Elaborate Plot

In an extraordinary case that has captured widespread attention in China, a man allegedly purchased a coffin, staged his own death with the help of family members, and disappeared in an attempt to escape criminal prosecution. The elaborate scheme initially fooled local residents, but investigators eventually uncovered inconsistencies that led to his arrest months later.

The incident took place in Anyang, located in China's central Henan province. According to prosecutors, the man, identified only by his surname Si, was under investigation after being caught driving under the influence of alcohol. Authorities said he had previously been penalized twice for drunk driving and driving without a valid licence, making him vulnerable to criminal punishment under Chinese law.

Why He Decided to Fake His Death

Investigators said Si feared that another conviction would not only result in detention and financial penalties but would also make it impossible for him to rebuild his life. During questioning after his eventual arrest, he reportedly admitted that mounting debts and the prospect of a criminal record pushed him to devise the unusual escape plan.

To make the deception convincing, Si allegedly bought a coffin in advance and created the appearance of a suicide by scattering empty medicine bottles around his home. Prosecutors said he even used cooling equipment to lower his body temperature and held his breath while family members pretended he had died from poisoning.

Family Reported a Sudden Death

According to authorities, Si's mother and grandmother informed neighbours that he had died after consuming poison. They claimed his face had become severely disfigured, which they said was the reason it remained covered throughout the funeral.