Zhou Zhenglong
Zhou Zhenglong (周正龙), a famer from Shaanxi Province, was released from prison upon completion of his sentence on Apr. 27, 2012. His scandal of faking wild South China Tiger photos made a big stir at the time.
Born in 1955 in Shangzhu Village, Zhenping County of Shaanxi Province, Zhou made a living by hunting at the age of 20. In 1980, he moved to Wencai Village and lived with his new bride's family. He then traveled to Guangdong and Shanghai to do construction work.
On Oct. 12, 2007, the Shaanxi Provincial Forestry Department claimed that Zhou took snapshots of a wild South China Tiger in field, with the photos numbering more than 70. The forestry department believed that the photos were real after "identification" and rewarded Zhou 20,000 yuan (US$3,170). However, the authenticity of the photos was questioned by netizens, zoologists, legal experts, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. The event drew nationwide and worldwide attention soon. On Dec. 19, the State Forestry Administration instructed the Shaanxi Provincial Forestry Department to re-examine the authenticity of the South China tiger photos.
On Jan. 14, 2008, the National University of Defense Technology announced the three-dimensional measurement result that Zhou's photos were a "paper tiger." On Feb. 4, the Shaanxi provincial government criticized its forestry department in an official circular. The forestry department apologized for its hasty publication of the so-called South China Tiger photos. On June 24, Zhou was detained for "illegal possession of ammunition" by police. He confessed that all the photos were fake. Thirteen local officials involved were punished.
On Nov. 17, 2008, the Shaanxi Provincial Intermediate People's Court conducted a public trial of the case and made a final ruling. Zhou was sentenced to two years and six months imprisonment for being guilty of fraud and illegal possession of ammunition with a three-year reprieve, and was fined 2,000 yuan. His 20,000 yuan reward was turned over to the Shaanxi Provincial Forestry Department.
On Apr. 30, 2010, the court ruled on that Zhou's probation had been revoked and that he had been imprisoned. The ruling was based on the fact that Zhou had violated relevant regulations during his probation period.
On Apr. 27, 2012, Zhou was released upon completion of his sentence.
