In a case that has left many stunned and uneasy, the story of “Red Uncle,” or Hồng Tỷ, has unfolded like a chilling nightmare. What began as a viral video quickly escalated into a complex investigation revealing disturbing truths about deception, non-consensual exploitation, and the dark side of the digital world. As authorities continue to uncover the layers of manipulation and abuse, the question remains: how many more people are still falling into this trap, and why does this exploitation continue despite the growing awareness?

It all started in July 2025, when a CCTV clip surfaced online. The footage showed an elderly man in a striking red outfit, complete with makeup and heels, walking alongside a visibly uncomfortable young boy. The lack of sound in the video did not diminish the discomfort that viewers felt—the body language and atmosphere suggested something far more sinister was happening. The video quickly went viral across major platforms like Weibo, DOIN, and X, sparking intense online debates. Netizens soon dubbed him “Red Uncle” because of his red attire, but little did they know, the disturbing truth about his actions was just beginning to unfold.

The video’s unsettling nature triggered a deeper investigation. Behind the viral sensation lay a far darker story, rooted in exploitation, manipulation, and abuse. The young boy in the video was not the only victim of Red Uncle’s predatory tactics. In fact, the boy’s encounter was only the tip of the iceberg of a larger web of deceit. What followed was a shocking revelation of the man behind the red outfit—Shujie, who had been deceiving and exploiting hundreds of young men for years.

Shujie had been operating under multiple online personas, with his most notorious being “Sister Hong.” Posing as a lonely housewife, he lured unsuspecting men into private encounters. These men, many of whom were straight or curious, had no idea that they were being manipulated. Shujie, disguised as a woman, promised these men harmless fun, asking only for small, innocuous gifts in return—items like cooking oil, fruits, or other household goods. What seemed like an innocent exchange was, in fact, a carefully crafted trap designed for exploitation.

The disturbing truth didn’t stop there. As the investigation continued, authorities discovered that Shujie had been secretly recording every encounter with his victims. Hidden cameras placed in homes, motels, and secluded areas captured moments of intimacy, all without the consent of the participants. Over time, Shujie had documented more than 1,600 encounters. The most chilling part of this discovery? He was not doing it for personal satisfaction; he was exploiting these men for profit.

Shujie had set up a private, paid-access group where members could watch the videos of these intimate encounters. Some of the footage had been leaked onto adult websites, furthering the spread of his malicious content. What started as an isolated incident quickly grew into a widespread scandal, not just about privacy violations but also about the exploitation and manipulation of vulnerable individuals. These videos, taken without consent, were being shared without remorse, tarnishing the lives of those who had been deceived.

But the horror didn’t stop with the videos. A more terrifying revelation came to light—Shujie was reportedly HIV positive. Although he had known about his condition for some time, he continued to exploit men, many of whom had no idea of the risks they were taking. Shujie’s potential exposure of these men to HIV has raised critical questions about public health and safety. Were these men unknowingly infected, and how many of them might have unknowingly spread the virus to others in their lives?

Authorities have been working tirelessly to piece together the full extent of Shujie’s actions, but the damage has already been done. The fear among men who were unknowingly involved in his scheme is palpable. Many of the victims were unsuspecting men who were lured into a trap by Shujie’s female persona. These individuals were tricked into intimate encounters, only to find out later that they were filmed and possibly exposed to a life-threatening disease. And what’s even more horrifying is that some of these men are still unaware that they were exploited and potentially exposed to HIV.

Despite the increasing awareness and the arrest of Shujie, the question remains: why are people still falling into these traps? The answer lies in the increasingly sophisticated nature of online manipulation. Shujie’s use of fake personas, charm, and manipulation tactics highlights just how vulnerable people are in the digital age. The anonymity of the internet makes it easy for predators to hide behind fake profiles and deceive others.

But it’s not just the digital deception that’s concerning—it’s also the systemic nature of this type of exploitation. Shujie is not the only one using fake online personas to deceive and manipulate people. This type of digital exploitation is not new, and yet, many continue to fall victim to these schemes. Why is it so difficult to break the cycle? The answer may lie in the human desire for connection and the growing prevalence of online dating and interactions. As more people seek relationships and companionship through digital platforms, the opportunities for predators like Shujie to exploit their vulnerabilities multiply.

So what can be done to stop this? First and foremost, there needs to be greater awareness and education about the risks of online interactions. Individuals must be more cautious about who they engage with online and be aware of the signs of manipulation. Additionally, there needs to be stronger regulations and enforcement around privacy and digital exploitation. While Shujie’s case has sparked public outrage, it has also highlighted the shortcomings of current digital privacy laws and the need for more robust protections for individuals.

In the end, the case of Red Uncle serves as a powerful reminder that even in the digital age, nothing is truly private. The dangers of online manipulation and exploitation are real, and they are more widespread than many of us realize. It is a warning that we must be vigilant about who we trust online and that we must demand better protection of our privacy and safety in the digital world. The disturbing tale of Red Uncle is just one of many such stories—until we take stronger action, more people will continue to fall into these traps, unaware of the dangers lurking just beneath the surface of their screens.