If you’re a victim seeking compensation, use channels like 12315, file a lawsuit, or hire a lawyer. Never meet the offending party alone, and don’t phrase “paying money” and “I won’t expose you” as a single condition

Cost: No expense at all. You can file a complaint via 12315, take legal action in court, or hire an attorney. Make sure to record the entire meeting if you do meet in person. The real challenge is resisting the urge to negotiate directly with the other side on your own.

In plain terms: As a victim, you have every legal right to demand compensation from the party responsible for the harm — this doesn’t automatically make you a blackmailer just because your demands are high. Yet the consequences can be severe: Guo Li was initially sentenced to five years in prison for extortion before being later exonerated on appeal. Therefore, always use documented channels, avoid meeting the other party alone at a location they choose, and never link “paying money” with “I won’t go public” as one condition.

Benefit: Official precedent exists: after tests showed melamine contamination in certain batches of “Siren” brand milk powder in 2008, Guo Li’s daughter was found to have multiple bright echoes in her kidney tissue. Guo repeatedly demanded compensation from both the seller and Siren, and publicized the case via media. In June 2009, both parties reached an agreement: Siren paid 400000 yuan, and Guo signed a document waiving any further claims. Later, Siren filed a police report, and Guo was convicted of extortion and sentenced to five years in prison by the Chao’an County People’s Court. The Guangdong Provincial People’s Procuratorate then recommended a retrial, arguing that “existing evidence fails to prove Guo intended unlawful gain.” As a legal guardian, Guo “has the right to seek compensation from the milk powder manufacturer, and his actions are legally justified.” The recommendation also states that “consumers may expose and criticize any behavior infringing on their rights via mass media.” On April 7, 2017, the Guangdong Higher People’s Court acquitted Guo, ruling that “the original verdict lacked sufficient facts and evidence to prove Guo intended unlawful gain; his actions fell within the scope of civil disputes.” Guo was detained for 1826 days between July 23, 2009, and July 22, 2014 (Guangdong, retrial verdict 2017).

Evidence grade: B

Sources:广东省人民检察院 (2017). 广东省检察院再审建议对郭利案改判无罪. http://www.gd.jcy.gov.cn/jcyw2/201704/t20170411_1975029.shtml（广东省人民检察院官网）；广东省高级人民法院赔偿委员会 (2018). 郭利以再审无罪为由申请、广东省潮州市中级人民法院赔偿的国家赔偿案件（（2018）粤委赔 11 号）. https://www.gdcourts.gov.cn/caipanwenshuxuandeng/caipanwenshuxuandeng/content/post_1045709.html

Notes: This grade is assigned because only one case exists, so it can’t be generalized. It demonstrates two key points: seeking compensation is lawful, yet you may still face criminal investigation. The safest approach is hiring a lawyer or filing a lawsuit without any direct contact with the other party. Be especially cautious when they invite you to their location for “friendly talks” — such meetings often lead to police reports and criminal charges. Once a settlement is signed, any attempt to demand extra compensation can easily be interpreted as extortion. For guidance on handling criminal charges after such incidents, see sections 5, 34, and 35 (hire a lawyer promptly, lack of evidence warrants acquittal, and state compensation). Conversely, if the other party uses threats of reporting or leaking photos to demand money, refer to section 32.