Li Jie wants the men who stole his virtual money, weapons and magical powers arrested but police say the four men who beat the university student and robbed him didn't commit a crime and won't be charged.

The problem, they say, is that Li's treasures consisted of online booty earned playing a computer game, and have no real value.

Li disagreed, telling police his game account was worth at least 500 yuan (US$60).

Li, 21, began playing the popular online computer game Legend of Mir in July. Players create online characters who engage in fights and accumulate experience points and treasure. Li was a skilled competitor rising to level 41 in three months -- a feat common gamers take seven months or longer to accomplish. But online success, like real-world achievements, can lead to jealousy.

After beating another player in battle in September, the defeated gamer asked to buy Li's account, offering 2,000 yuan (US$241).

Needing money, Li agreed.

He and the buyer, Li Yong, met in person, with the student agreeing to get in the buyer's car. The buyer and three friends took Li to Pudong, forcing him to stay in the car, and then beat him up in order to get his gaming password, which they used to steal his account.

Li got his account back, but police won't charge the four thieves.

"It's difficult to verify the value of Li's account," said Zhou Bin of the Zhangjiang Area Prosecutor's Office. "Actually, (gaming assets) are not seen as property by current Chinese law."

Police couldn't explain why the men weren't charged with kidnapping or assault.

Some players sell their weapons and spells for cash on Internet auction sites. Currently, hundreds on gaming points and assets are of sale at Eachnet for prices ranging up to 1,400 yuan (US$169).

(eastday.com November 20, 2003)