Vendors tell court about protection demands

A man has been charged with extortion after he allegedly tried to collect protection money from vendors at major electronics malls in Zhongguancun, according to Haidian district court.

The court said prosecutors believe the accused, Ye Dongdong, demanded protection money from more than 10 vendors at E Plaza Mall, Ding Hao Electronics City and Hilon in Zhongguancun.

So far, three of the vendors have stepped forward and agreed to testify.