Taiyuan authorities crack down on illicit online network involving adult content and scams

Home » Taiyuan authorities crack down on illicit online network involving adult content and scams
Taiyuan authorities crack down on illicit online network involving adult content and scams

In Taiyuan, Shanxi province, law enforcement officers have successfully taken down a syndicate that was managing an array of websites featuring pornographic material, promoting foreign gambling platforms, and conducting fraudulent telecommunications activities. This crackdown led to the closure of over 50 websites and the apprehension of five suspects.

The ringleader, Xie, who holds a degree from a computer vocational school, initiated his unlawful operations in 2019 with a movie website which he later converted into a hub for explicit videos named “66se,” where illegal content was systematically downloaded and uploaded.

To draw in users and monetize the operation, Xie broadened his enterprise to include 53 websites under the “66se” brand. He is said to have solicited advertising fees ranging from 5,000 to 9,000 yuan ($700 to $1,260) per advertisement, pushing gambling and adult streaming services based abroad.

Xie’s illicit endeavors went beyond adult content distribution. In 2022, he created and marketed specialized instant messaging software tailored for illegitimate uses, amassing profits exceeding 200,000 yuan. Subsequently, he collaborated with Yan, another individual, to orchestrate a telecom fraud operation that deceived internet users via sham e-commerce sites and feigned romantic connections.

The criminal activities were exposed in December 2022 when cybersecurity forces in Taiyuan stumbled upon the “66se” website. After a meticulous five-month probe, the team tracked down and captured the five culprits on April 6, 2023, leading to the shutdown of all associated pornographic websites.

Xie, Yan, and their co-conspirators are now indicted for earning profits from the distribution of pornographic materials and committing fraud. The court proceedings are pending.

Leave a Reply