IKEA Hustled by Employee Who Stole RMB 90,000 Worth of Furniture

原创 Charles L. theBeijinger

As an international retailer, IKEA holds a unique position in China. At the same time as it attracts major crowds and spending, it also happens to attract less savory elements to its stores. And yet, owing to its unique position, it's not likely to act out against those who would exploit its hospitality.

And so, for years, we've regularly seen IKEA become overrun with visitors sleeping in its beds (despite a temporary ban), or serve as hosts to elderly get-togethers who complement their meetings with free coffee, two things so common that they are literally commonplace.

READ: Beijing Woman Sues IKEA RMB 1 Million Over Exploding Glass Cup

In such an atmosphere, you'd think that the only ones not benefitting from this open door attitude are IKEA's own employees. And yet, you'd be wrong.

A former IKEA cashier is currently on trial in a Chaoyang court for stealing RMB 90,000 worth of goods at the checkout line, reported Beijing News.

The employee, named Guan, had enlisted the help of his cousin to bring a cart full of products to his check-out line. But instead of ringing up his purchases, Guan simply let his cousin through without charging him.

READ: China's Leftover Women Outraged at Satirical Ikea TV Commercial

Between December 2017 and January 2018, Beijing prosecutors say Guan is responsible for stealing RMB 91899.9 (USD 14,349) worth of merchandise from IKEA's Siyuanqiao location in Beijing.

As a scam that has been happening in China for years, Guan's cousin said he got the idea from his girlfriend and encouraged him to do the same after he joined IKEA in September of last year. Unfortunately for Guan, he simply had no way to say no.

"It was all my cousin's idea. I tried to object after he brought it up, but due to our family connection, I could not reject his offer," explained Guan to a Chaoyang courtroom.

The pair had conspired to sell off the stolen IKEA merchandise instead of using their ill-begotten gains to decorate their apartment as some sort of self-reflexive meta-commentary, were Fight Club more popular in China. Maybe it's just as well, seeing that the things you own end up owning you.

Prosecutors recommend both Guan and his cousin to jail sentences lasting between six and 18 months.

Images: The Cine-Files.com, EbaumsWorld.com