Shanghai Woman Hides Millions Under Bed to Avoid Sharing Inheritance

A Shanghai woman has sparked widespread public debate after she was found to have concealed more than 2.4 million yuan ( US$342,427) in cash under her bed, refusing to share a 2.8-million-yuan housing demolition compensation payout she received as the eldest of six siblings.

According to a Thursday report by Jiefang Daily, the woman, surnamed Zheng, had her household registered at her mother's former residence, which was later acquired under a government redevelopment plan. Zheng pocketed the full compensation of 2.8 million yuan, prompting her mother to sue her.

The Hongkou District Court ruled that the compensation rightfully belonged to the mother and ordered Zheng to return the funds. However, after the mother passed away, the money became part of her estate, entitling all six siblings to a share. Zheng repeatedly refused to comply with the court order, offering various excuses to avoid payment.

During enforcement proceedings, the court seized Zheng's only property and twice imposed judicial detention on her for contempt of court due to her persistent non-compliance.

Based on an analysis of Zheng's living conditions and spending habits, enforcement officers suspected the money might still be hidden in her home.

A subsequent search by Hongkou Court enforcement officers uncovered 1 million yuan in cash under Zheng's bed. Further inspection revealed additional bundles stored in boxes and even milk cartons beneath the bed, bringing the total discovered to over 2.4 million yuan.

Zheng admitted the money was the original compensation sum, which she had withdrawn in cash and kept hidden since its receipt, with the original bank wrappings still intact.

Taking into consideration Zheng's personal circumstances and her prior contributions to her parents' care, the court facilitated a mediation. The five other siblings eventually agreed to a compromise, leading to a settlement between the parties.