Chinese online celebrity detained over multiple burglaries

DALIAN -- A Chinese online celebrity who has confessed to numerous burglaries was detained Thursday by police in the city of Dalian, northeast China.

The man, who has only been identified by his surname Zheng, is alleged to have forced entry into numerous homes since June 2016. He is accused of targeting homes with the sole intention of stealing cash, cigarettes, electronics and watches. The missing items have been valued at more than 20,000 yuan (around $2,900), according to police.

Last year, online videos and pictures of Zheng roller-skating while wearing crocodile and bee costumes earned him the nickname "Roller-skating Brother."

Police recognized Zheng on surveillance footage from one of the burglaries in late 2016, and caught him at a sports shop in late April.

In his statement to police, Zheng said he had committed 30 burglaries to cover his living expenses and purchase skating equipment.

The investigation continues.