In the digital age, it’s not just the spread of fake news or online scams that we need to worry about. In July 2025, the world was shocked by a scandal that would not only uncover a dark side of the internet but also expose a disturbing reality about privacy, exploitation, and the dangers lurking in online spaces. A man, posing as a woman, had deceived and manipulated hundreds of young men into intimate encounters, secretly recording their moments of vulnerability. This is the haunting story of Red Uncle, a man whose dark past and twisted motives led to an online frenzy that raised alarm bells around the globe.

The scandal began innocently enough, with a video posted on social media that immediately captivated viewers. The video, which was taken from a CCTV camera, depicted an elderly man dressed in a striking red outfit, complete with makeup and heels, walking with a visibly uncomfortable young boy. The footage, despite being silent, conveyed an eerie sense of discomfort. It was clear to anyone watching that something disturbing was happening, but without context or explanation, the video quickly went viral.

The man in the video, identified as “Red Uncle” by netizens, became an instant sensation. His strange attire and unsettling presence in the footage sparked curiosity, and soon the video spread across popular social media platforms like Weibo, DOIN, and X. However, this viral clip was just the tip of the iceberg, and what followed was far more sinister.

The true story behind the video was much darker than anyone could have imagined. The catalyst for the viral video was an intimate recording that one man discovered, a video he had no idea existed. The man, horrified, found himself in a video he never consented to being a part of, in an intimate encounter with Red Uncle. The video had been secretly filmed and shared in a private group chat, and when the man discovered it, he immediately contacted the authorities. This would set off a chain of events that would unravel a much larger criminal case.

The investigation into this shocking case led authorities to discover the true identity of Red Uncle: a man named Shujie, who had been operating under various online personas. One of the most notable of these was “Sister Hong,” a fake female character Shujie used to lure men into intimate encounters. Through this persona, Shujie convinced men to engage in sexual activities under the guise of fun, offering no money in exchange but asking for small gifts such as kitchen appliances, fruit, or even cooking oil. His charm and manipulation made it appear as though these interactions were harmless, when in fact, they were part of a scheme designed to exploit and control.

Shujie’s actions were not limited to creating fake profiles. He had secretly recorded nearly every intimate encounter, using hidden cameras in his home, motels, and even in more secluded locations. Authorities would later reveal that more than 35 men were filmed without their consent, many of whom were unaware that their privacy had been violated. These recordings weren’t for personal satisfaction; they were part of a larger plan to profit from the exploitation of his victims. Shujie had established a private online group where members could pay a fee to access these videos, and some of them were leaked onto adult platforms, causing the videos to go viral.

As the investigation deepened, digital forensic experts uncovered an even more disturbing reality. Thousands of videos, photos, and chat logs were found on Shujie’s devices, documenting his sexual encounters with men. In total, investigators uncovered 1,691 recorded instances between 2022 and 2025, but this was just the beginning. Many more encounters had likely taken place, with no record or documentation.

What made this case even more terrifying was the revelation that Shujie was allegedly HIV-positive, a detail that he had known for some time. This shocking discovery raised new fears that he had intentionally exposed his victims to the virus. The possibility that the men he lured into his trap could have been unknowingly infected with a life-threatening disease sent shockwaves through the public. If these rumors were true, it would mean that Shujie’s actions weren’t just motivated by a twisted desire for control or pleasure—they were an act of malice, a form of revenge against those he had targeted.

Shujie’s motives were slowly becoming clearer. His actions were not just about sexual thrill or personal gain. They appeared to be a calculated effort to punish others, to expose innocent men to a deadly disease as a form of revenge. Some theories suggested that his own diagnosis of HIV fueled his bitterness and anger, pushing him to use these intimate encounters as a way to strike back at those he deemed responsible for his situation. The men who were targeted were often straight, unsuspecting individuals who had no idea they were being manipulated or filmed. Many were unaware that they had been exposed to a virus that could change their lives forever.

Authorities, now fully aware of the scale of the operation, continued their investigation, working tirelessly to uncover the full extent of Shujie’s activities. On July 6, 2025, Shujie was arrested, and his access to all online platforms was revoked. He now faced charges of invasion of privacy, illegal distribution of obscene material, and non-consensual video recording. However, despite his arrest, the damage had already been done. Shujie’s personal information was leaked online, and the public response was swift and harsh. The case sparked widespread outrage, and many demanded justice for the victims of Shujie’s exploitation. Others, however, cautioned that the case should not overshadow the need for due process and fair legal proceedings.

The scandal had far-reaching consequences, sending ripples through the online community and causing widespread panic among men who realized they may have been unknowingly involved in Shujie’s scheme. The fear that they too had been filmed and exposed to the virus was palpable, and many questioned how such a violation of privacy could have happened in the first place. The story of Red Uncle had gone from being a viral sensation to a cautionary tale about the dangers of digital exploitation and the vulnerability of individuals in a world where privacy is no longer guaranteed.

The case also highlighted the need for stronger regulations and protections surrounding digital privacy. As technology continues to advance and online personas become more prevalent, it is crucial that individuals remain vigilant about the risks of online interactions. Shujie’s case is a stark reminder that behind every online profile, there may be a predator waiting to exploit others for personal gain.

The story of Red Uncle is not just about a man who deceived hundreds of young men into intimate encounters. It is a cautionary tale about the dangers of living in a digital world where privacy is no longer a given and where the exploitation of others can happen in the blink of an eye. As this case continues to unfold, it serves as a chilling reminder of the need for greater awareness and protection in the digital age.