Fake partying monks detained by police

Two fake monks who were pictured on the Internet drinking and flirting with women have been detained by police on April 7 for improper behavior, Beijing News reports.

Dressed in yellow robes and drinking beer on the subway, the two men were also photographed recently depositing large sums of money into a bank and attempting to check into a hotel, one with his arms around one of the women.

They also opened a micro blog under the name Beijing Monk Brothers.

It was only when they visited Fayuan Temple, situated in Xuanwu District of Beijing, that real monks became suspicious and called the police who detained the men as they could not provide any certificates to prove they are monks.

A person who pretends to be a staff member of a government department or uses another false identity to practice fraud shall be detained for no less than 5 days but not more than 10 days, according to China's laws.

Wang Guan, a lawyer in Beijing, says their improper behavior may lead to a public misunderstanding of religion or compromise fame of religion or even disturb public order.

A student with his Buddhist name Fohui in Buddhist Academy of China, said "they have broken the base line of Buddhism disciples and smeared the image of monks. Seeing Internet users vigorously spreading their photos, we don't want to go out anymore for fear of being misunderstood by others."

The micro blog Beijing Monk Brothers published three tweets and drew hundreds comments. Some Internet users suspect the move is a publicity stunt. Their motive is still under investigation.

Two fake monks are seen drinking and flirting with women on the subway. [Photo/bjnews.com]

Two fake monks try to book into a hotel with women. [Photo/bjnews.com]

Two fake monks deposit a large sum of money in a bank. [Photo/bjnews.com]

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Two fake monks are cornered by real monks in Fayuan Temple on April 7. [Photo/bjnews.com]