Wang Fengyou was born into poverty in China, but developed an entrepreneurial streak selling potatoes before turning to running a bottling plant, a slaughter-house and a taxi business. In 1999 he founded Yilishen Tianxi Group, which manufactured traditional Chinese remedies, including an aphrodisiac, made from ants. These products were heavily advertised on Chinese television with endorsements from Chinese comedian Zhao Benshan, and Bao Xishun, China’s tallest man. The apparent success of the company won him a stream of awards, including a “model entrepreneur” award from the government, and he was photographed with many prominent officials, including the now disgraced Bo Xilai.
What was the scam?
What happened next?
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