Hanzi

Li, a 29-year-old Chinese international student, was studying at a university in the UK. In November 2024, she met a British police officer online. After they met in person, the officer drove her home, but they had an argument on the way. Feeling very angry, Li called the police and claimed the officer had raped her. Because of this, the officer was quickly arrested and was unable to go to work for over five months.

However, the police officer had secretly recorded audio during their meeting. The recording proved that Li was consensual at the time and was not forced. Later, the police also found on Li's phone that she had sent messages to the officer admitting she had lied. This evidence all suggested that Li had fabricated these stories to get revenge on the officer.

Li was prosecuted for lying. She refused to admit she was wrong and tried to fly back to China, but was eventually caught by the police at the airport. Since July 2025, she has been held in prison awaiting the judge's decision.

In December 2025, the judge found Li guilty. The judge stated in court that Li's behavior in lying was very serious. This not only ruined the officer's life but would also discourage real victims from coming forward to report crimes in the future.

On January 16, 2026, the court finally decided to sentence Li to six years in prison. For the next six years, she is also forbidden from approaching or contacting the police officer. After she leaves prison, she may be deported back to China.