Chinese fugitive exposed after 19 years living as dead twin brother

A fugitive wanted in connection with a 2002 kidnapping and robbery case in eastern China has been exposed after living under his dead twin brother's identity for approximately 19 years, according to law enforcement sources.

The suspect had assumed his twin's identity following a 2007 car crash that killed his brother. By adopting the deceased sibling's name and personal details, he successfully evaded detection for nearly two decades while remaining in mainland China.

The impersonation was ultimately uncovered when the deceased twin's former girlfriend came forward to police and revealed which brother had actually perished in the accident, allowing investigators to determine the true identity of the fugitive.

The case highlights the challenges Chinese authorities face in tracking suspects across provinces and the potential vulnerabilities in identity verification systems, particularly in cases involving family members with similar physical characteristics. Investigations into the original 2002 kidnapping and robbery charges are expected to proceed following the suspect's identification.

Further details regarding the arrest and charges remain under review by local police departments in eastern China.