Pro beggars seek new recruits

Young men are hitting the streets in search of beggar apprentices, promising room, board and annual bonuses.

A series of photos posted online May 13 shows a man in Dazhou, Sichuan province lying on the street beside a cardboard sign that reads "recruiting pro beggars."

"I graduated in 2011 from my professional training in Shanghai. I have been begging solo ever since and am looking for someone to cover the whole country together," read the sign.

Similar beggars looking for students have been spotted across the province, promising free food and accommodations - even year end bonuses - to potential panhandlers.

The reporter later contacted a recruiter through social networking platform QQ, who identified himself as 16-year-old Yang Xiaotao.

Yang said he and a beggar companion currently receive at least 200 yuan ($32) a day impersonating students in need of cash to return home.

After finding apprentices and teaching them the necessary skills, Yang would manage their income, he said.