Zhao Xinxin was sentenced in the first instance for extortion and blackmail.

On September 19, the Haidian District People's Court in Beijing publicly sentenced the defendant Zhai in a case involving the crime of extortion and blackmail along with civil litigation. Zhai was sentenced to twelve years in prison for extortion and blackmail, and was fined 100,000 RMB. The court also ordered Zhai to compensate the plaintiff Wei and others for a total of over 70,000 RMB in economic losses. Through investigation, it was found that in March 2017, Zhai and the victim Su entered into a romantic relationship. In May of the same year, they purchased a property in Hainan Province for over 3.19 million RMB, with Su paying over 1.99 million RMB as the down payment. They registered their marriage on June 7th. From July to September, Zhai demanded a divorce, threatened to report Su and her company, extorted 10 million RMB for mental anguish, and requested ownership of the Hainan property. On July 18, Su was forced to pay Zhai 6.6 million RMB, and later transferred the ownership of the Hainan property to Zhai. Despite receiving the money and property, Zhai continued to threaten Su for more money. On September 7, 2017, Su tragically fell to her death. Zhai has since returned all illegally obtained proceeds. After review, the court found that Zhai's actions constituted a serious case of extortion and blackmail. The evidence showed that Zhai and Su were married for only 42 days, had no shared assets, and the money Zhai demanded was solely Su's personal property. Zhai's actions of extortion and blackmail were not based on any legal rights for compensation or damages related to the divorce. Considering the nature, circumstances, and social harm of Zhai's crimes, the court sentenced him accordingly. The compensation claims made by the plaintiffs Wei and others were legally supported and approved by the court. Public prosecutors, plaintiff's representatives, defendants, and defense lawyers were all present for the sentencing.