Chinese Man Executes Ingenious "Trojan Horse" Heist: Hides in Delivery Box to Steal Gold Worth Rs 25 Lakh

A 46-year-old man executed an audacious theft in Hunan province, China, by concealing himself inside a wooden delivery box to infiltrate a residential building. The incident, which occurred on October 9 in Yueyang city, resulted in the theft of 230 grams of gold and 2,000 Yuan in cash, valued at approximately 200,000 Yuan.

According to reports from South China Morning Post, the suspect, identified as Zhao, arranged for the box containing himself to be delivered to the building's exit passage, strategically avoiding security surveillance. Once inside, he emerged from his hiding place and followed his target, a female resident, claiming he was there to "recover a debt." Zhao subsequently coerced the woman into opening her safe, from which he stole the valuable items.

In a calculated effort to delay discovery of his crime, Zhao forced the victim to consume sleeping pills that rendered her unconscious. He then spent approximately four hours meticulously cleaning the apartment to eliminate evidence before returning to his wooden crate. The box was later dispatched from the building with him inside.

After the victim regained consciousness, authorities launched a comprehensive investigation involving more than 50 police officers. Investigators reviewed extensive CCTV footage and logistics data, eventually identifying Zhao, a Hunan native residing in Zhejiang province, as the perpetrator.

Police apprehended Zhao on October 18, just nine days after the robbery, and recovered all stolen gold items. During questioning, Zhao confessed that his elaborate scheme had been inspired by television dramas. He expressed surprise at how quickly law enforcement identified and captured him.

The suspect remains in police custody awaiting further legal proceedings. Authorities have confirmed that the delivery personnel involved in transporting the box were not implicated in the crime, though specific details regarding the shipping arrangements have not been disclosed.