High-end Singapore furniture dealer Da Vinci accuses a China Central Television (CCTV) reporter, Li Wenxue, of extortion. The charge was flatly denied by Li Wenxue. Analysts warned yesterday that the scandal could lead to public doubts over the media’s credibility.
Davinci is alleged to have passed on China-made goods as Italian imports. The reports were aired July 10 and 17. The reports alleged that the furniture were first manufactured in Guangdong Province and then shipped to Italy, before bringing them back to China to be sold at a higher price.
Doris Phua, Da Vinci’s founder and CEO, said that the company has filed a case to authorities accusing Li Wenxue of extorting 1 million yuan ($158,871) from the company.
