Porsche Driver in China Flees Without Paying Petrol Bill, Sparks Outrage
A Porsche driver in China is facing police investigation after failing to pay for petrol and speeding away from a service station. The incident, which occurred on March 12, has ignited a wave of criticism online after footage of the event was shared on social media.
The luxury vehicle, identified as a black Porsche, was captured on surveillance footage pulling into a petrol station located on a highway between Hubei and Shaanxi provinces. After filling the tank, the driver quickly sped away without settling the 502.29 yuan (approximately $70 USD) bill, according to reports in the South China Morning Post. Further complicating matters, the Porsche was also observed driving without a license plate, a violation of Chinese law.
The incident came to light when a staff member at the petrol station, identified as a woman surnamed Song, posted details of the event online. Song had inadvertently removed a barrier post assuming the driver would pay as usual. She stated that she was subsequently compelled to cover the unpaid bill herself as part of her work responsibilities. Fortunately, Song’s employer reimbursed her for the loss on March 14.
Her initial post included surveillance footage and expressed her frustration, hoping to identify the driver. Her efforts proved successful. Police in Shaanxi province located the man just four days after the incident.
Upon being apprehended, the unidentified man apologized to the police and transferred the outstanding amount to the petrol station. However, the authorities have not concluded the matter, and the man is required to report to the police station for further investigation.
The man’s actions are being investigated under China’s Public Security Administration Punishments Law. This law stipulates that failure to pay outstanding bills can result in penalties—up to 1,000 yuan (about $140 USD) and potential detention for a period of up to 15 days. The investigation is ongoing.
Social media users reacted with a variety of responses, many expressing shock. One user wrote, “What was he thinking? He cannot possibly be able to escape, with all the high-resolution surveillance cameras and the police facial recognition technology.” Another commented, “The police should not only punish him for not paying but also for driving without a license.”
