Profile: Guo Meimei

Guo Meimei tarnished reputation of Red Cross by showing off her extravagant lifestyle online

An undated photo of Guo Meimei. [Photo from web]

Guo Meimei, 24, became notorious at home and abroad in mid-2011, when she claimed on social media that she was operating an organization under the auspices of the Red Cross and publicly flaunted her wealth and extravagant life style.

At that time, she often publicly showed off her luxury possessions like Hermes handbags and Lamborghini sports cars.

Her extravagant lifestyle and related posts triggered concerns on how the State-owned charitable organization used its donations.

After the case, the Red Cross said that some institutes and people had made up rumors against it, and decided to improve supervision of its members.

It said in a statement that it would continue to strengthen its brand-building capability, information sharing and management, and supply better services for the public.

After being arrested by Beijing police in August last year, Guo pleaded guilty and said that she had nothing to do with the Red Cross. She apologized to the group and the public.