A disturbing case from Nanjing, Jiangsu province, has sent shockwaves through Chinese social media after authorities arrested a man accused of secretly recording sexual encounters with hundreds of men and distributing the footage online.
On July 5, police detained a 38-year-old man, identified by his surname Jiao, on charges of disseminating obscene material. Nicknamed “Uncle Red of Nanjing,” Jiao allegedly used his apartment as a location to meet male partners, where he had installed hidden cameras to covertly film the encounters. These videos were then uploaded to a private online group, where Jiao charged a membership fee of 150 yuan (approximately US$21).
Local reports claim Jiao boasted of having had sexual relations with 1,691 men—a figure police have labeled as exaggerated, though they have not released the confirmed number of victims or the total profit he made from sharing the content.
Jiao, often seen in heavy makeup, wigs, long skirts, and employing a disguised voice, presented himself in a way that misled some of his partners into thinking he was a woman. Instead of demanding money, he would ask visitors to bring small gifts such as milk, fruit, or even half-used household items like cooking oil.
The case went viral online, topping trending topics across various platforms. Despite warnings from law enforcement against sharing explicit content, some clips and still images continued to circulate. Several individuals in the videos were reportedly identified by their acquaintances, leading to significant personal consequences. One was recognized as a kindergarten English teacher, and in another case, a woman discovered her fiancé among the leaked images.
The scandal has sparked a wide public debate, with many voicing concerns over health risks and the psychological impact on victims and their families. “You never know if someone close to you could be involved,” one user commented, highlighting the anxiety now felt by many.
Others expressed anger over the implications for women’s rights. Jiao originally called himself “Sister Red,” but public outcry prompted the media to adopt “Uncle Red” to avoid reinforcing harmful stereotypes against women.
The local Centre for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed on July 8 that they had become involved in the case and were prepared to offer health screenings to anyone concerned. However, citing privacy laws, officials declined to confirm whether Jiao carries any infectious diseases.
Legal experts have weighed in, noting that under Chinese criminal law, individuals knowingly exposing others to communicable diseases through unprotected sex can face three to ten years in prison. Additionally, disseminating obscene material may result in up to two years behind bars. Jiao could also face further charges for violating individuals’ privacy and personal image rights.
The incident has raised broader questions about online safety, consent, and public health, with many netizens and influencers—including a Nanjing police officer with over 5 million followers—expressing disbelief and urging caution in the digital age. — SCMP
Image—Sure Boh
