Law graduate swaps QR codes at Buddhist temples with his own, diverts over Rs 3.5 lakh

The incident came to light after the release of surveillance footage from Famen Temple. (Representational)

A law graduate from a top Chinese university has been arrested for a scheme involving the theft of temple donations across several provinces in the country. The accused, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly siphoned over 30,000 yuan (approximately Rs 3.52 lakh) from Buddhist temples in Sichuan, Chongqing, and Shaanxi this year, South China Morning Post reported.

The scandal came to light following the release of surveillance footage from Famen Temple in Baoji City, Shaanxi. The video shows the man manipulating the temple’s donation process by covering the official QR code with his own, diverting funds meant for the temple. After placing a small donation in the box, he is seen bowing three times in front of a Buddha statue, feigning piety while stealing money.

The suspect, who holds a master's degree in law from one of China’s top institutions, confessed to the authorities that he had employed the same method at other Buddhist sites across the country.

Theft from religious institutions is not uncommon in China. Earlier this year, a man in Jiangxi province was arrested for repeatedly breaking into a temple donation box, and another incident involved a Shanghai resident who claimed divine permission for his theft.

Authorities have confirmed that all the stolen funds have been recovered.