A shocking scandal has rocked Nanjing, China, after a well-known internet figure — known online as “Sister Hong” or “Brother Hong” — was arrested for allegedly deceiving thousands of men into engaging in unprotected activites under false pretences. The accused, a 38-year-old man surnamed Jiao, allegedly posed as a woman for years, using heavy makeup, wigs, beauty filters and voice-altering software to trick male victims into thinking he was female. Jiao was criminally detained on 6 July for allegedly distributing obscene materials, and the case remains under active investigation by authorities.
1,691 Alleged Victims, Hidden Cameras, and Paid Content
According to a statement from the Jiangning branch of the Nanjing Public Security Bureau, Jiao — a non-local resident — cultivated an online persona as a glamorous woman to lure men into private encounters. He would allegedly invite victims to his home by offering “free” in exchange for items like fruit, cooking oil, or milk. After establishing trust, Jiao engaged in unprotected acts with the victims, some of whom later discovered his biological gender and reportedly reacted violently upon learning the truth.
Disturbingly, authorities say Jiao filmed these encounters without consent and monetised the content by uploading it to adult platforms. Leaked clips have since circulated online, adding to public outrage.
While many victims were outraged, reports also suggest that some individuals willingly returned for repeated encounters even after learning Jiao’s true identity — a disturbing element that has fuelled national conversation on consent, virtual identities, and health.
HIV Rumours Denied, Legal Consequences Could Be Severe
Following the arrest, widespread online rumours claimed that Jiao may be HIV-positive, with some posts alleging at least 11 victims had contracted the virus. However, China’s Douyin fact-checking platform officially denied these claims on 8 July, stating that the circulating figures — such as “237 victims identified” and “11 confirmed HIV cases” — were fabricated.
Health authorities in Nanjing have since stepped in, encouraging anyone who had close contact with Jiao or feels at risk to undergo screening at designated health facilities. They have reiterated that Jiao’s medical information is private and will be disclosed only through official channels.
Under Chinese criminal law, knowingly engaging in unprotected S with multiple individuals while infected with a transmissible disease can constitute a threat to public safety. If found guilty under such provisions, especially in cases involving a large number of victims, offenders may face life imprisonment or even the death penalty.