Quote:Criminal 'monks'
Tuesday, 5th December 2006, 23:53
LIFE STYLE EXTRA (UK) - A group of nineteen Chinese men have been detained by police after conning people out of money by impersonating monks.

The detainees are part of a group of 50 men who have been selling fake or shoddy goods in the district of Wuhou, in the city of Chengdu.

The group have shaved heads and wear monk robes and claim to be from the "Shaolin Temple Martial Arts Performing Troupe".

A local police officer said: "They aren't monks, they are con artists."

Intimidated residents notified police of the group's activities, and when they arrived on the scene they found the gang attacking journalists who had been trying to film them.

Around 180 officers were called to the scene and gave chase when the 'monks'

sped off in two vehicles. Only 19 members were detained and the others are under investigation.