Three HIV cases found among those who participated in the 'Uncle Red' scandal.
A disturbing case out of Nanjing, China, has drawn national attention and public outrage after it was revealed that a man, known online by the alias “Red Sister,” deceived hundreds of men into sexual encounters while posing as a woman.
The suspect, a 38-year-old man surnamed Jiao, allegedly used makeup, wigs, and women’s clothing to convincingly portray a female persona on various social media platforms. Under this identity, he reportedly lured over 1,600 heterosexual men into meeting him, often arranging private encounters that were secretly recorded without consent.
Authorities say that many of these videos were later distributed online for profit, leading to widespread circulation of explicit content involving unsuspecting individuals. The scandal escalated quickly once victims began identifying themselves in the leaked footage, sparking an outcry on Chinese social media platforms and raising serious legal and ethical concerns.
In the aftermath of the exposure, it was confirmed that at least three men who came forward to authorities have tested positive for HIV. Although it has not been established whether their infections are directly linked to Jiao, the Nanjing Center for Disease Control has offered free HIV and STI testing for anyone who may have been exposed.
The psychological and social impact has been severe. Some victims were only made aware of their involvement after videos surfaced online, resulting in embarrassment, reputational damage, and in some cases, harassment from others. The sheer number of reported encounters and the covert nature of the recordings have raised alarm across the country.
Jiao is currently in police custody, facing charges related to the production and distribution of obscene material. Legal experts indicate that if a direct link between the suspect and HIV transmission is confirmed, more serious charges could follow, including intentional harm or endangerment.
The case has also triggered a broader discussion about online safety, sexual consent, and the legal challenges posed by deceptive identities and unauthorized content sharing in the digital age. Many are calling for stricter laws on the distribution of intimate media, better protections for victims, and stronger public health measures in response to such large-scale incidents.
As the investigation continues, the “Red Sister” case stands as one of the most alarming examples of online deception leading to real-world consequences, forcing authorities, health officials, and the public to confront uncomfortable truths about vulnerability, identity, and accountability in the internet era.