A man who planted a dead rat in his meal at China’s most popular hot pot chain pleaded guilty to extortion on Wednesday, Beijing Evening News reported.

The 41-year-old defendant, surnamed Guo, was investigated after a HaiDiLao restaurant in Beijing’s Fengtai District reported him to police on suspicion that he had planted the dead rodent in order to extort the company for 5 million yuan ($750,000). According to Guo’s court testimony, he had found the dead rat while visiting his home in Henan province and taken it back to Beijing with him in a plastic bottle.

Restaurant staff initially offered to change Guo’s hot pot and give him dining vouchers. When he refused, a staff member offered him 20,000 yuan in compensation — but Guo demanded 5 million yuan instead. According to evidence presented during the trial, Guo threatened a HaiDiLao staff member that he would take his case to the media.

With its legendary customer service and quirky offerings like manicures, shoe-shining, and board games, HaiDiLao is beloved by many in China. But the hot pot chain has also faced its share of food safety scares — some of them rat-related — and responded with improvements such as installing webcams in their kitchens.

The Fengtai District court has not said when it plans to issue a verdict. According to Article 274 of China’s criminal law, Guo faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. (Image: VCG)