In July 2025, a disturbing video surfaced on social media, shocking netizens around the world. This video, which originated from a CCTV footage taken in China, depicted an elderly man dressed in a red outfit, complete with makeup and heels, accompanied by a visibly uncomfortable young boy. The footage, though silent, exuded an air of discomfort and tension, immediately raising suspicions of abuse. Despite the absence of context or names, the video quickly went viral, spreading across various social media platforms like DOIN, Weibo, and X, and even reaching the Philippines.
This seemingly innocent clip was just the beginning of a scandal that would unravel a much darker truth. Soon after, the man was identified as “Red Uncle” due to his striking red attire and the unsettling aura captured in the footage. However, the true origin of the scandal began with a personal incident that would set off a criminal investigation.
Before the video went viral, a man, who became the key figure in this case, had seen himself in a private, intimate video that was shared without his consent. He stumbled upon this footage in a private group chat that had a few select members. Shocked and humiliated, he immediately reported the incident to the police, and this single act would unravel the chain of events that led to the viral video. What was once a viral sensation quickly morphed into a criminal investigation.
Digital forensic investigators from Shandong Province traced the video back to Shujie, the man behind the camera, revealing that he had been operating under various online personas. One of the most effective was his creation of “Sister Hong,” a fake housewife persona he used on dating apps. Under this guise, Shujie lured unsuspecting men into intimate encounters, promising fun without charging any money, but asking for small gifts in return, like cooking oil, fruit, or even kitchen appliances. This method made it appear as though these interactions were not commercial transactions, despite the fact that they were entirely based on manipulation.
Shujie had been secretly recording his sexual encounters, with hidden cameras in his home, motels, and various secluded spots. Authorities revealed that more than 35 men had been unknowingly recorded, most of whom did not consent to being filmed during their intimate moments. While homosexuality is not illegal in China, the non-consensual recording and sharing of such material is a clear violation of privacy laws. As the investigation deepened, Shujie was removed from social media platforms and his devices were seized for further analysis. The public outcry in the Philippines was swift, with local creators sharing reaction videos and providing blind item-style commentary on the case.
The investigation revealed shocking details. The digital footprint of Shujie’s activities was extensive. Authorities uncovered thousands of videos, photos, and chat logs documenting his sexual encounters with men between 2022 and 2025. One particularly harrowing discovery was the staggering number of men involved—1,691 individuals, and this was only the tip of the iceberg. It was estimated that many more men were likely involved but had not been documented or saved in his records.
These videos were not for Shujie’s personal satisfaction; they were intended for exploitation. He had set up a private online group, where members could pay to access the videos. As expected, nothing on the internet stays hidden for long, and some of the videos were leaked to larger adult platforms, allowing the disturbing content to spread even further.
The victims in this case were ordinary men—students, gym staff, office workers, and even foreign expats—many of whom had no idea that they were being recorded in such compromising situations. Some of them may have unknowingly been exposed to serious health risks, as rumors began circulating that Shujie was HIV positive, a detail he allegedly knew about for some time. According to sources and online discussions, some speculated that his actions were driven by resentment and a twisted sense of revenge.
Shujie’s anger, it seemed, was no longer about sexual thrill. It was a methodical act of retribution. He specifically targeted men who were unaware of his condition—straight men, those curious about his female persona, and those who never suspected they were being manipulated. With every encounter, Shujie’s vendetta seemed to deepen, and the potential health risks for his victims escalated.
The implications of this discovery were dire. If Shujie’s HIV status was indeed true, the public health ramifications were catastrophic. The men he had lured into his trap may have unknowingly carried a life-threatening disease back to their families, partners, and communities. The disturbing possibility that many more men could have been affected was not lost on the authorities, and the investigation continued to unfold with chilling revelations.
On July 6, 2025, Shujie was arrested. He was removed from all online platforms, and authorities began piecing together the full extent of his digital and personal activities. He now faces multiple charges, including invasion of privacy, illegal distribution of obscene material, and non-consensual video recording. But before he could face trial, the damage had already been done. The public had already passed judgment, and his personal information spread like wildfire across social media. The anger was palpable, but so was the call for due process.
In the wake of this scandal, questions were raised not just about Shujie’s actions but also about the vulnerabilities of modern digital platforms. The trust that people had once placed in these platforms was shattered. There was an undeniable fear among men who realized they might have been caught up in this web of exploitation and may still be unaware. What’s more concerning is the possibility that there are other individuals like Shujie—hidden behind fake personas—waiting to strike.
Red Uncle’s story is no longer just a viral scandal. It’s a terrifying glimpse into the dark underbelly of the digital world, where exploitation, consent, and public health risks are intertwined in the most disturbing ways. With the rise of online personas, the lines between reality and manipulation have blurred. In this age of technological advancement, no one is safe if the threat knows how to hide behind a screen. Red Uncle’s case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers lurking in the digital age.
