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| Nanjing Man Disguised as Woman Tricked 1,600 Men in Major Privacy Breach (Pics: Weibo) |
Nanjing man’s shocking deception sparks national uproar, memes, and privacy concerns
A 38-year-old man in China has been arrested after pulling off one of the most outrageous identity scams in recent memory — pretending to be a woman online, meeting over 1,600 men, and secretly filming their private encounters for distribution on shady platforms.
Known across the internet as “Hong Jie” (literally “Sister Hong”) or “Ah Hong from Nanjing,” the man, whose real surname is Jiao, was taken into criminal detention by local police on 5 July, according to official statements. His case is now under serious investigation, with public concern spreading across China — and beyond.
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| China Investigates Massive Privacy Breach Involving 1,691 Victims |
A Clever Disguise: Wigs, Filters, and "Free Services"
Jiao allegedly used wigs, makeup, voice changers, and camera filters to fully commit to a convincing online female persona. Masquerading as a warm-hearted, soft-spoken woman offering “free company,” he invited men — mostly strangers met online — to his place under the guise of friendship or casual fun, never once asking for money.
Instead, he asked them to bring small gifts like fruit, milk, or cooking oil, which only deepened the illusion of him being a modest, kind woman who wasn't after material gain.
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Shocking Numbers: Over 1,600 Victims?
What made jaws drop across social media was the staggering scale of it all. Chinese media outlet The Cover reported that up to 1,691 men were involved — including married men, gym instructors, university athletes, and even foreigners.
Though Nanjing police have not confirmed the final number, they stated that investigations are still underway. Authorities are also conducting health contact tracing, encouraging any affected individuals to come forward for medical testing — though the suspect’s personal health status remains undisclosed.
Hidden Cameras and Paid Platforms
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It was later uncovered that many of the encounters were secretly recorded, with the content reportedly uploaded and sold through paywalled platforms. The victims allegedly had no idea they were being filmed — or that they were part of a growing underground distribution network.
Even more disturbing, police confirmed that some men knew Jiao was male, but continued meeting him regardless — adding a complex layer to the case around desire, shame, and identity. One man even became a meme online for appearing in videos across all four seasons — earning him the nickname “Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter”.
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Internet Reacts: From Memes to Moral Outrage
As expected, the internet exploded. While many expressed shock and sympathy for the victims, others responded with humour and satire, spawning memes and viral filters based on Jiao’s infamous bedroom.
The most talked-about filter, called “Mysterious Room,” recreates the look of his flat with Thai writing on the wall, and has gone viral in Thailand, Taiwan, and Chinese Weibo, with thousands of people joining the “HongJie filter challenge.”
But not everyone found it funny. A growing number of netizens have spoken up, warning against making light of a serious privacy violation. One post summed it up bluntly: “Behind all the memes, don’t forget — over a thousand people had their dignity stripped away.”
What Happens Next?
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Police are now investigating possible charges beyond illegal recording and distribution, including public endangerment. If it's proven that Jiao knowingly put others at health risk, he could face severe penalties under Chinese law — ranging from 3 years in prison to, in extreme cases, life imprisonment or the death penalty.
For now, authorities are asking anyone who may have interacted with “Hong Jie” to seek medical testing and come forward confidentially. Meanwhile, legal experts are calling the case a wake-up call for online safety, especially around identity, consent, and privacy in digital spaces.