Xianyu accused of funneling users into sex trade
SingTao · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Chinese second-hand trading platform Xianyu has again come under scrutiny after media investigations alleged that listings on the site were being used to divert users into an off-platform sex trade network. The reports said some listings were disguised as home model shoots, in-home fitness and swimming lessons, and that investigators encountered claims that minors, including a 14-year-old girl, could be “booked” for 20,000 to 30,000 yuan.
Key Points
- Hebei Television’s Today Investigation said sellers posted listings under labels such as model shoots, in-home fitness and swimming lessons, using women’s photos to attract inquiries
- One so-called swimming lesson shop was described as selling traffic-driving videos that told users to scan a code, join groups and then pay a 99-yuan deposit
- After joining, investigators said they saw profile cards for women allegedly available nationwide, while customer service quoted 20,000 to 30,000 yuan for minors, with the youngest said to be 14.
- on.cc reported some customer-service profiles carried the phrase “virgin treasure available by appointment”, while Xianyu later said that wording appeared in enterprise WeChat profiles, not on its platform
- Xianyu said on Monday it had formed a special task force, traced screenshots mentioned in the reports, removed risky listings and accounts, and blocked related items from public view
Why It Matters
For Hong Kong readers who regularly use cross-border online platforms, the case underscores how ordinary service listings can be used as gateways to illegal off-platform activity that is harder to monitor once conversations move to private channels. It also points to likely tougher enforcement and closer police-platform cooperation where suspected exploitation of minors is involved.