Sat Jan 18 04:17:26 UTC 2025: ## Company Demands Lottery Winner Return 7 Crore Prize, Sparks Online Outrage
**Ningbo, Zhejiang Province, China** – A 2019 incident involving a Chinese company demanding a lottery winner return their 6 million yuan (approximately Rs 7 crore) prize has resurfaced online, sparking widespread outrage. The story, initially reported by the South China Morning Post, details how a Ningbo company, at its 2019 year-end party, distributed lottery tickets to employees. One employee won the top prize, but the company subsequently demanded the return of the winnings for redistribution among all attendees.
The winner refused, escalating the dispute to the local police station. Authorities confirmed involvement, classifying it as a civil matter and advising both parties to seek legal resolution. Further investigation revealed the lottery draw occurred two days *before* ticket distribution, and the company had instructed its finance department to prevent any winning tickets from being issued – the winning ticket was distributed due to an oversight.
The incident has reignited debate on social media, particularly as the Spring Festival approaches, a time when similar company events are common. Many online commentators criticized the company’s actions, deeming them unethical and highlighting the perceived hypocrisy of a company seemingly attempting to profit from a gesture intended to boost morale. The company’s actions have been described as “shameless” and “unethical,” with some speculating the story’s resurgence aims to promote lottery ticket sales. The ultimate resolution of the dispute remains unclear.
First Piper 