A woman in Dalian targeted financially stable men, engaged consensually, then extorted 195,000 yuan using threats of suicide, false rape reports, and public harassment at workplaces and schools. She is now in criminal detention.

Social Context

Such ‘romance-based extortion’ violates Article 274 of China’s Criminal Law on blackmail and is prosecuted separately from sexual assault allegations. Judicial guidance issued in 2023 clarifies that consensual relations followed by coercive demands constitute distinct crimes—addressing loopholes previously exploited in plea bargaining.

Safety Tip

Preserve digital consent evidence (e.g., saved messages affirming willingness); report extortion threats immediately to police—do not negotiate or pay, as this escalates criminal exposure.