Stealing is not fighting graft

Some people have hailed a woman, surnamed Tang, as an "anti-corruption heroine" because she stole only from the offices of provincial-level or higher-ranking officials in Hefei, Anhui province. After being arrested, she exposed many corrupt officials by presenting photographs of their ill-gotten wealth hidden in their offices. But the woman should not be seen as an anti-corruption crusader, says an article in Yangtze Evening News. Excerpts:

After her arrest, Tang said that stealing from government officials was "safer" because they wouldn't dare to report the crime to police and that she had no remorse for spending corrupt officials' money.

Tang took photographs of the bribes and embezzled funds of corrupt officials so that she could use them to earn leniency in court if she was caught. To judge an action right or wrong, one has to take into consideration not only the results but also the means. Tang stole for nothing but personal gain. Had she not been caught, she would never have reported against the corrupt officials to police.

Stealing and fighting corruption are two separate things. Stealing is a crime and the person committing such a crime deserves punishment.

Only law enforcement officers and the judiciary have the right to seize the ill-gotten wealth of corrupt officials. If Tang is hailed as an "anti-corruption heroine", other people may be encouraged to follow her example and commit a crime. Therefore, her actions should not be lauded.

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