Shanghai Pudong New Area District People's Court has sentenced Wang Yihui, former deputy manager of Chinese online game company Shanda (SNDA), and his two pals to prison terms for embezzling in-game assets.

Wang, along with his accomplices surnamed Jin and Tang, were accused of pilfering the company's assets by taking advantage of their online game duties. They have been sentenced to five years, three years and two-and-a-half years imprisonment, respectively.

The three reportedly made a total of more than CNY2.02 million through revising the code of Shanda's computer games and then selling the virtual equipment necessary for winning in the games. Shanda's game equipment can usually be acquired by Shanda directly, won by playing a game or from buying from other players.

Of the three, Wang says he will appeal the verdict.