I never understood why you wanted to protect the privacy of a person you claim framed you for a $500,000 theft. Do whatever you want Zhou, but I am posting right now to tell you this:
I don't think he's wanting to protect his privacy. He's simply playing the best strategy to ensure his $40K isn't under threat.
Scenario1 - He gives up the ID of the thief. The thief naturally won't return the funds because he's going to face consequences regardless. ZT stands to have the $40K (which is still in his name as it's in his account) used to pay back the stolen funds.
Scenario2 - He waits until the funds are recovered and then allows the community to wreak it's revenge. It sure does look like he's trying to protect Chen's identity but in fact is also operating in his own best interest.
With the interest I have received, we should be hiring a PI early next week. This PI will locate you in Australia and allow us to file an official theft complaint with the Australian police.
Why waste time and money hiring a PI? There's enough information here for the police to find him easily. If the local police are involved it could be done in a day. I'm surprised those with a stake in this haven't already called the Australian police. I can only guess that they haven't called the police because they would prefer to recover 100% of their funds in a few weeks rather than 45% (or whatever it would be once the police are involved) in a year or two when the case is finally wound up.
It will then be between you and the police to determine if "Chen" does indeed exist. If he doesn't, YOU will be the one going to prison for several years. If he does happen to exist, then you can be fully exonerated in the community, and we can turn our attention on him. Be advised that the police are not going to accept your wish to keep his identity secret.
This one simple step is going to flush all the bullshit stories that have been floating around this forum.
For certain, ZT will have to hand over Chen's info. It'll be the proof everyone is looking for. However, it means that those with a financial stake in this stand a good chance of losing financially for that immediate proof. For ZT, he might feel that he would never see his friend's $40K again and then he'd owe someone else $40K.
You're right about one thing though - it would definitively prove which side is bullshitting. Either the angry mob are lying (that they know for certain ZT has stolen their funds) or that ZT is a cunning linguist*
*stolen from James Bond
*Edited - Copy/pasted wrong quote tag. Apologies to LoupGaroux and mlawrence