A minor living in a divorced family allegedly stole 100,000 yuan (US$12,000), spending the money extravagantly on hotel rooms, expensive meals, gifts for friends and giving out loans.
Prosecutors from the Pudong New Area Prosecutors' Office started an investigation on Xiao Ming. The 17-year-old will be sent to trial soon, prosecutors said.
His parents knew nothing about the incident until the boy was arrested.
On the night of April 1, Xiao was near a wharf in Pudong. He broke into a second floor apartment, allegedly climbing onto the second-floor balcony and smashing a window to gain entry. He allegedly stole 100,000 yuan.
With the money he rented a hotel room for more than one month. During the period, he returned home several times to let his mother know he was OK.
Xiao's parents were used to his absence and were therefore not suspicious.
The suspect became known as a "rich young master" in the hotel as he spent money freely. He bought name brand clothes and a motorcycle.
Every day he invited friends to dine in the hotel. Xiao gave one friend 3,000 yuan to buy a mobile phone.
Soon friends all learned the suspect was rich. Happy to be flattered and receive attention, Xiao started lending money to friends.
He also rented an apartment in Pudong and was seen with several "girlfriends."
Police received a report about illicit cohabitation in the apartment and asked Xiao about his girlfriends.
Police said Xiao's fingerprint matches those found at the apartment on April 1.