16/07/2025
A big part of the “Red Uncle” scandal in China was that tons of rumors went viral online that were either false, exaggerated, or unverified.
Even Chinese police had to issue official clarifications to calm public panic.
Here are some of the main incorrect rumors:
1. “He is 60 years old”
✅ FALSE.
Reality: Police confirmed the suspect is 38. Rumors on social media exaggerated his age to make it sound even creepier or more scandalous.
2. “He filmed 1,691 victims”
✅ FALSE / unconfirmed.
Reality: Police said the number of victims is under investigation. The 1,691 figure was an unverified rumor that spread on Weibo. Police never confirmed that high a number. Serious media reports suggest the actual number is probably in the hundreds, still large, but not 1,600+.
Official statement: “The figure circulating online is inaccurate.”
3. “He infected victims with HIV”
✅ FALSE / no evidence.
Reality: Some posts claimed he deliberately spread HIV. Police said they have no evidence he is HIV positive. No mass HIV transmission confirmed. This rumor spread panic about “HIV outbreaks” in Nanjing.
Police urged the public not to believe or spread these fearmongering claims.
4. “He forced all encounters”
✅ Misleading.
Reality: The encounters were deceptive (he pretended to be a woman). But they were arranged as consensual hookups in the sense that the men thought they were consenting to s*x with a woman.
The actual crime is fraud and non-consensual recording, not forced physical assault in the typical sense.
Important nuance: Victims were tricked but not physically overpowered. It’s s*xual deception (sometimes called “rape by deception” in other jurisdictions).
5. “He paid the men for s*x”
✅ FALSE.
Reality: He did not pay them. He offered free s*x to lure them. That was part of the bait—“no strings attached” made them trust him.
6. “Every victim had full penetrative s*x”
✅ Overstated / varies.
Reality: Many encounters were partial or non-penetrative (oral s*x, mutual touching). He controlled lighting and positions to avoid exposing his own anatomy. Some victims realized mid-way and stopped.
This explains how the deception worked in person.
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✅ Police clarifications
Chinese police specifically addressed these rumors:
“There is no evidence he is 60.”
“There is no evidence of 1,691 victims.”
“No confirmation of HIV infection.”
“Case is still under investigation.”
They also warned people against spreading false, sensational claims that add panic and hurt victims even more.
📌 Disclaimer: This post is for awareness and discussion only. Information is based on available news sources and police statements as of July 2025. Details may evolve as investigations continue. Please avoid spreading unverified claims or shaming victims.
Sources: IndiaTimes, China Daily, police reports (July 2025)
