Driver fined for extorting passengers

A driver attempting to illegally overcharge his passengers, including an renowned Olympian swimmer, during their road trip in Northeast China's Changbai Mountain scenic area was fined 30,000 yuan ($4,210), local authorities said on Saturday.

On Saturday morning, Fu Yuanhui, a Chinese swimming athlete and bronze medalist of Rio 2016 Olympics Games, posted on microblogging platform Sina Weibo, saying that during her trip in Changbai Mountain, she and her companions were extorted by the driver of their rented car since the driver demanded an additional fee on top of the previously agreed price.

The post has rapidly captured widespread attention on Chinese social media.

On Saturday evening, the management committee of the Changbai Mountain protection and development zone released a statement regarding the case, announcing that the driver was punished.

According to the statement, Fu had rented the private vehicle of a driver surnamed Pan via online platforms, while the driver "promoted tourism services with extra charge" to Fu and her companions during their trip to the scenic area.

"Both sides came into conflict and the vehicle stopped halfway," it said.

It noted that, upon investigation, Pan was found unqualified to provide related professional services and the vehicle involved was not properly licensed for operation, presenting severe safety risks. The driver admitted to operating illegally, it added.

In response, local transportation authorities imposed an administrative penalty on Pan, fining him the maximum amount of 30,000 yuan in accordance with laws and regulations, said the statement.