3 held after gang intimidated motorist into buying ‘tiger paw’

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April 28, 2014

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By Ke Jiayun | April 28, 2014, Monday |

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THREE people said to have intimidated a frightened motorist into buying a “tiger paw” after he’d pulled over at a market have been held by police.

Police are now trying to trace more alleged victims of the trio.

The motorist, surnamed Yang, told police that the suspects approached him after he parked near a market in Songjiang District on April 18.

The gang asked him to buy an item which they claimed was a tiger paw, an ingredient in traditional Chinese tonics, for 200 yuan (US$32) per gram.

Fearing he was about to be attacked, Yang paid 6,000 yuan for the alleged big cat body part.

Police stopped the trio after they’d taken the cash and were about to flee.

Songjiang police said they have received several similar reports already this year.

Cases occurred in crowded places such as markets and bus stops, with passers-by who were walking alone or drivers targeted, said officers.

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