In a recent incident that has ignited widespread outrage on mainland social media, a man in China’s Anhui province displayed a blatant disregard for ethical conduct by demanding a ransom for a lost iPhone he found. The incident, which took place in a buffet restaurant, involved a university student surnamed Zhang, who lost her iPhone 13 valued at 6,000 yuan. Her ordeal began when she learned that a man in his 30s, identified as Geng, had been caught on surveillance camera picking up her phone.
Zhang’s relief at finding the person who had her phone turned to shock when Geng demanded 2,000 yuan for its return. He callously threatened to reset the phone and erase all its data, including precious photos of Zhang’s deceased family members, if she did not comply with his demands. After Zhang explained her financial constraints as a student, Geng reduced his demand to 1,500 yuan, insisting that 500 yuan should be paid as a finder’s fee by the restaurant.
In desperation, Zhang agreed to Geng’s terms and paid a 500-yuan deposit from her limited monthly living expenses. However, Geng later reneged on the agreement, insisting on the full payment upfront, and eventually returned her deposit and blocked her on WeChat.
The restaurant staff also reported that Geng had contacted them seeking a reward, but they refused his demand. The police informed Zhang that they could not compel Geng to return the phone, suggesting she pursue legal action. They highlighted that keeping personal belongings of another person without consent could constitute embezzlement, especially if the item is of significant value.
Geng’s actions have caused a stir in China, where returning lost property is traditionally seen as a virtue. Netizens on Douyin have expressed their disdain for Geng’s behavior, with one user calling for legal action against him, and another labeling him as greedy and shameless, equating his actions to theft rather than merely finding a lost item.
This case not only highlights the ethical dilemma surrounding found property but also raises questions about the legal protections and responsibilities in such situations. The widespread reaction on social media reflects a societal expectation for moral integrity and a call for justice in the face of such blatant extortion. As the debate continues, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of ethical behavior and the potential legal ramifications of exploiting someone’s loss for personal gain.
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