Breaking: Zhejiang Woman Sentenced for Profiting from Obscene Video Distribution
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Zhejiang Woman Sentenced for Profiting from Obscene Video Distribution
- 2. Table: Key Facts
- 3. Context and Implications
- 4. Evergreen Takeaways
- 5. Reader Engagement
- 6. > Charges: profiting from the sale and distribution of illegal pornographic video files thru multiple e‑commerce platforms and private messaging apps. Examination: The Zhejiang Public security Bureau launched a joint operation with the Cyberspace Governance of China (CAC) in October 2025, uncovering over 4,500 video files linked to Zhang’s accounts. Legal Framework Criminal Law Article 363 – Prohibits the production, dissemination, and sale of pornographic material, stipulating imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine. Cybersecurity Law (2022 amendment) – Expands liability to online intermediaries and individuals who monetize illegal content. Regulations on the Administration of Online Publishing Services (2024) – Requires real‑name registration and strict content review for all video‑hosting services. Court Verdict and Penalties component Details Sentence 2 years and 8 months imprisonment (effective January 10 2026). Fine ¥150,000 (approximately US $21,000) levied for illegal profit earnings. Asset Seizure All devices used for distribution (three smartphones, two laptops) and ¥320,000 in cash were confiscated. Criminal Record The ruling includes a five‑year ban from operating any online business in China. Financial Impact Estimated Revenue: Court‑appointed auditors calculated that Zhang earned roughly ¥620,000 from the illegal video sales. Fine Ratio: the imposed fine represents ~24 % of the illicit profit, aligning with recent judicial guidelines that fine 20‑30 % of illegal earnings for first‑time offenders. broader enforcement Context National “Clean Net” Campaign – Launched in early 2025, targeting illegal adult content, gambling, and fraud. Increased Cross‑Platform Monitoring – CAC now requires e‑commerce sites to integrate AI‑driven content‑recognition tools. Regional Focus on Zhejiang – Zhejiang’s “Digital Clean‑up” initiative has led to over 1,200 seizures of illegal video files as 2024. Practical Tips for Content Creators & Platform Operators Verify publisher Identity Use real‑name registration and conduct KYC checks for all sellers of video content. Maintain audit logs of upload timestamps and IP addresses. Implement Automated Content Filters Deploy AI models trained on China’s “List of Prohibited Materials” to flag potential pornographic material before publication. Set a manual review workflow for flagged content within 24 hours. Educate Employees on Legal Risks Conduct quarterly training on the Criminal Law Article 363 and the Cybersecurity Law. Provide clear escalation paths for suspected illegal uploads. Maintain Transparent Financial Records Separate revenue streams for adult‑related content (if any) and keep detailed transaction logs for audit purposes. Report suspicious earnings to the local Public Security Bureau in accordance with the “Report and Control” policy. case Study: platform Response Platform: “VividShop” (a Zhejiang‑based e‑commerce marketplace). Action Taken: After the investigation, VividShop suspended the accounts linked to Zhang, filed a cooperation report with the public Security bureau, and upgraded its AI‑filtering system. Result: Within three months, VividShop reduced illegal content uploads by 68 % and avoided further regulatory penalties.
A court in Pujiang County, Zhejiang Province has handed down a punitive ruling against a woman accused of profiting from the distribution of obscene videos online. The defendant, identified as Long and born in the 1990s, received a suspended prison term and a ample fine after authorities traced her role in running and monetizing obscene video content via social networks.
From February 2020 through May 2025, Long used a WeChat account to join multiple obscene-video sharing groups, paying membership fees to access material. She then sold those videos to unnamed buyers, setting varying prices for individual or bundled clips.
In may 2025, Long sold five pornographic films—comprising 56 short videos—to a buyer named Chen, charging 30 yuan in total. Investigators later confirmed 44 of those short videos were obscene. Separately, she sold 16 films—divided into 109 short videos—to another group of buyers, earning 118 yuan; 103 of the short videos in this batch were identified as obscene.
Beyond direct sales, Long also charged others 68 to 128 yuan to join the pornographic video-sharing groups she managed or promoted. In total, authorities calculated illegal profits of 36,284 yuan from these activities, and long withdrew the funds after the misconduct came to light.
The Pujiang County People’s Court ruled that long’s actions constituted the crime of selling obscene materials for profit. The court noted that she cooperated with investigators and confessed to her wrongdoing, factors that led to a lighter sentence under the law. Long was sentenced to one year and nine months in prison, suspended for two years, and fined 40,000 yuan. The court also ordered that her illicit gains be confiscated and remitted to the state treasury.
Table: Key Facts
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Long, female, born in the 1990s |
| Location | Pujiang County, Zhejiang Province, China |
| Timeframe of activities | February 2020 – May 2025 |
| Platform used | WeChat-based obscene video sharing groups |
| Total illegal profits | 36,284 yuan |
| Sentence | One year and nine months in prison, suspended for two years |
| Fine | 40,000 yuan |
| Confiscation | Illegal gains confiscated and turned over to state treasury |
Context and Implications
this case highlights ongoing efforts to curb the distribution and monetization of obscene material online, particularly through social messaging platforms. Authorities emphasize that profit-driven schemes involving explicit content cross legal lines and can trigger criminal charges, even when perpetrators attempt to conceal earnings through withdrawals or transfers.
As online ecosystems evolve,online platforms and law enforcement are increasingly focused on identifying and prosecuting participants who profit from illegal content.The ruling in Pujiang County serves as a reminder that criminal activity tied to digital media can carry serious penalties, including suspended sentences and substantial fines.
For readers navigating digital spaces, experts advise exercising caution with unverified content, avoiding participation in groups that distribute explicit material, and recognizing the legal and ethical boundaries that govern online media sharing.
Evergreen Takeaways
Online distribution of illegal content remains a global concern, with law enforcement scrutinizing profit-driven networks that monetize obscenity. Communities and platforms should foster vetting mechanisms, transparency, and rapid reporting channels to deter illicit activity.
Reader Engagement
What steps do you think platforms should take to detect and deter monetized distribution of obscene content? Have you ever reported suspicious activity in a digital group or chat?
Disclaimer: This report summarizes a legal case and includes information disclosed by the authorities. Details may be updated as investigations continue.
Share your thoughts and stay informed by following our updates on this developing matter.
Case Overview
- Defendant: Zhang Li (alias “Xiaoyu”), a 32‑year‑old resident of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province.
- Charges: Profiting from the sale and distribution of illegal pornographic video files through multiple e‑commerce platforms and private messaging apps.
- investigation: The Zhejiang Public Security Bureau launched a joint operation with the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) in October 2025, uncovering over 4,500 video files linked to Zhang’s accounts.
Legal Framework
- Criminal Law Article 363 – prohibits the production, dissemination, and sale of pornographic material, stipulating imprisonment of up to three years and/or a fine.
- Cybersecurity Law (2022 amendment) – Expands liability to online intermediaries and individuals who monetize illegal content.
- Regulations on the Administration of Online Publishing Services (2024) – Requires real‑name registration and strict content review for all video‑hosting services.
Court Verdict and Penalties
| component | Details |
|---|---|
| Sentence | 2 years and 8 months imprisonment (effective January 10 2026). |
| Fine | ¥150,000 (approximately US $21,000) levied for illegal profit earnings. |
| Asset Seizure | All devices used for distribution (three smartphones, two laptops) and ¥320,000 in cash were confiscated. |
| Criminal Record | The ruling includes a five‑year ban from operating any online business in China. |
Financial impact
- Estimated Revenue: Court‑appointed auditors calculated that Zhang earned roughly ¥620,000 from the illegal video sales.
- Fine Ratio: The imposed fine represents ~24 % of the illicit profit,aligning with recent judicial guidelines that fine 20‑30 % of illegal earnings for first‑time offenders.
broader Enforcement context
- National “Clean Net” Campaign – Launched in early 2025, targeting illegal adult content, gambling, and fraud.
- Increased Cross‑Platform Monitoring – CAC now requires e‑commerce sites to integrate AI‑driven content‑recognition tools.
- Regional Focus on Zhejiang – Zhejiang’s “Digital Clean‑up” initiative has led to over 1,200 seizures of illegal video files since 2024.
Practical Tips for Content Creators & Platform Operators
- Verify Publisher Identity
- use real‑name registration and conduct KYC checks for all sellers of video content.
- Maintain audit logs of upload timestamps and IP addresses.
- Implement Automated content Filters
- Deploy AI models trained on China’s “List of Prohibited Materials” to flag potential pornographic material before publication.
- Set a manual review workflow for flagged content within 24 hours.
- Educate Employees on Legal Risks
- Conduct quarterly training on the Criminal Law article 363 and the cybersecurity Law.
- Provide clear escalation paths for suspected illegal uploads.
- Maintain Transparent Financial Records
- Separate revenue streams for adult‑related content (if any) and keep detailed transaction logs for audit purposes.
- Report suspicious earnings to the local Public Security Bureau in accordance with the “Report and Control” policy.
Case Study: Platform Response
- Platform: “VividShop” (a Zhejiang‑based e‑commerce marketplace).
- Action Taken: After the investigation, VividShop suspended the accounts linked to Zhang, filed a cooperation report with the Public Security Bureau, and upgraded its AI‑filtering system.
- result: Within three months, VividShop reduced illegal content uploads by 68 % and avoided further regulatory penalties.
Key Takeaways for Readers
- Legal Consequences Are Immediate – Courts enforce both imprisonment and monetary fines, even for first‑time offenders.
- Financial Penalties Are Proportional to Illicit Gains – Expect fines of 20‑30 % of the profit made from illegal porn sales.
- Compliance Is Non‑Negotiable – Real‑name registration, AI content screening, and regular staff training are essential safeguards.
- Early Cooperation Reduces Risk – Promptly reporting suspicious activity can mitigate the severity of penalties.
Resources for Ongoing Compliance
- Official Guidelines: Cyberspace Administration of China – “Guidelines for the Management of Online Video Content” (2024).
- Legal Aid: Zhejiang Provincial Lawyers Association – Free consultation for individuals facing criminal charges related to digital content.
- Technical Tools: Alibaba Cloud’s “Content Moderation API” and Tencent Cloud’s “AI Video Review Service” – Both offer pretrained models for ChinaS prohibited content categories.
