Quote from: Inedible on August 02, 2012, 02:39:02 PM

Quote from: mlawrence on August 02, 2012, 02:22:28 PM

While all this may be true, it doesn't stop Zhou from filing a police report. However, no matter how corrupt, the police would probably ask simple questions like "What is his name?, what is his phone number? " etc. Since Zhou would be unable to provide this, the police would quickly realize Zhou is making this guy up. You and I can't demand Zhou provide proof, but they would certainly demand proof when Zhou filed an official report.

I agree with what you. I'd add that I don't think it's quite as simple as that for ZT. There might be a multitude of reasons why he doesn't want to go to the police (I could speculate those reasons but it would just be speculation).

Quote from: mlawrence on August 02, 2012, 02:22:28 PM

This is why until Zhou files a police report, a reasonable person has to assume he is making it all up.

I would agree too except if I were to assume he's making that up, it would be on the basis that I assume he's a liar which would mean I'd be as well saying he's guilty.

Instead, I'd rather say that this isn't any reasonable defence against why his accounts were used until he can prove Chen's existence.

The onus is definitely on him to prove that this person exists. Whilst a police report would provide the necessary proof, it certainly will prevent him from obtaining the rest of the stolen funds. Thing is, how else can Chen be proven to exist without turning Chen against him?

In terms of strategy, it's a case of what is the most important outcome?

1) Retrieving the funds only - keep Chen sweet
2) Punishing the thief only - Report to police
3) Both of the above - Keep Chen sweet, then make a police report once the funds are recovered

1) seems to be the route ZT wants to go
2) would result in fewer funds being returned but justice would be served
3) It's likely the bargaining chip in this would be that no police report is made if the funds are returned

Naturally this assumes that Chen exists.

I am okay for #1 only if 100% funds are restored. No bullshit "he sold it at 7.2" thats NOT our problem.