Owed money for 5 years with no assets available for enforcement? Court: Live streaming income withheld!

This article is reprinted from: Jinan Times

Recently, the Enforcement Bureau of Licheng District People’s Court in Jinan City has innovated enforcement methods, focusing on new property clues under the live streaming economy. By investigating and lawfully seizing the live streaming income of the debtor, they successfully resolved a long-standing private loan case that had been delayed for nearly five years. They turned seemingly “invisible” streaming income into real cash to fulfill the winning rights of the applicant through judicial means.

According to the case details, Zhang borrowed money from Zhao and has not repaid it. Zhao sued Zhang in Licheng District Court, demanding repayment. After the judgment was made, Zhang still did not fulfill his obligations. In June 2021, Zhao applied for enforcement. However, after online and offline investigations, the court could not find any assets belonging to Zhang that could be enforced, nor could they locate Zhang himself. The enforcement case was closed in November 2021 as a final case.

“Judge, I found out Zhang’s whereabouts. He’s working as a streamer on a certain live platform, and his income must be substantial. I have proof here. I hope you can investigate quickly…” In mid-January this year, Zhao, with a sense of urgency, told the court enforcement reception window and submitted relevant materials. The Jinan Licheng District People’s Court Petition and Enforcement Recovery Center, after analysis, believed that with the development of the live streaming industry in recent years, some individuals earn income through live streaming platforms, including tips, commission from product sales, and platform rewards. It was necessary to investigate Zhang’s streaming income. Subsequently, they contacted the legal personnel of the live platform company where Zhang streamed, found the company’s phone number through online search, and issued a “Help Investigation Letter,” “Enforcement Ruling,” and “Assistance Enforcement Notice,” explicitly requesting assistance in seizing all of Zhang’s income from the platform.

“Judge, how much do I still owe? Calculate it for me quickly. I will pay back every penny, hoping to lift the measures before the Spring Festival…” Afterwards, Zhang eagerly began to actively communicate with the enforcement judge, stating that because the court delivered enforcement documents to the live platform company, his streaming traffic was restricted, and his income could not be used normally. Especially with the approaching Spring Festival, which is peak season for live streaming, if the measures could not be lifted during this period, his income would be greatly affected. Considering Zhang’s situation, the court promptly calculated the amount needed for enforcement. After Zhang fully complied with the requirements, the enforcement measures were lifted. Ultimately, a long-standing case was successfully resolved through a new method of enforcing income from live streaming, fully protecting the legal rights of the parties involved.

The case official stated that with the deep development of new industries like live streaming economy, many new forms of income have emerged. These assets often differ from traditional bank deposits or real estate—being less direct and harder to detect. However, these assets also possess the core characteristics of legal property. Through certain methods, they can be effectively monitored and controlled, transforming “no property” into “property,” thereby ensuring the enforcement rights of the applicant are upheld.

(Jinan Times · Xin Yellow River Client Reporter Li Zhen)