A case so bizarre that it reads like the plot of a satirical thriller has rocked China’s digital landscape in recent days. A 38-year-old man from Nanjing named Jiao created a character that was so emotionally resonant and convincingly feminine that he drew more than 1,600 men into what seemed to be intimate, consensual relationships. Amazingly successful in his approach, Jiao went by the name “Irma Hong,” a subtle but captivating pseudonym that concealed one of the most calculating seduction schemes in modern history.
Jiao used online dating apps to portray himself as a married woman looking for extramarital gratification, a fantasy that, surprisingly, hundreds of people found appealing. His meetings were filmed without his permission and occurred in a meticulously prepared bedroom. Interestingly, a symbolic gift—a box of fruit, a small home appliance, or even half a barrel of peanut oil—was the only prerequisite for admission. At first glance, the plan appeared approachable and innocent due to this tactic, which was surprisingly inexpensive for many.
When clips started to circulate on various platforms and eventually reached thousands of shares, the scope of the operation became especially apparent. Viewers recognized faces, so these interactions weren’t merely anonymous. In one of the tapes, a woman recognized her fiancé and allegedly made a divorce demand. Coworkers, classmates, and even people you met online started pointing after whispering. What was first thought to be a strange internet rumor turned into a major national scandal.
Biographical and Professional Table
| Name | Irma Hong (Alias) / Jiao (Real Name) |
|---|---|
| Birth Year | 1987 (approx.) |
| Age | 38 (as of 2025) |
| Location | Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China |
| Occupation (Claimed) | Unknown; involved in illicit video production |
| Known For | Disguising as a woman (“Sister Hong”) to deceive men |
| Number of Alleged Victims | Over 1,600 (unconfirmed) |
| Legal Charges | Producing and distributing obscene materials |
| Date of Arrest | July 6, 2025 |
| Online Persona | “Sister Hong” (红姐 / Hóng Jiě, “Red Sister”) |
| Viral Impact | #1 on Weibo, hundreds of millions of views, massive memes |
| Reference | Wikipedia – Irmã Hong Incident |
Jiao did more than simply crossdress; he created a role that emotionally connected with his targets through psychological framing and strategic mimicry. He didn’t have an over-the-top or clownish look, with his straight-cut wig, floral top, and quiet voice. Rather, it was intended to arouse realism. When that realism was shown to be untrue, it caused a significant emotional and social upheaval. This case highlights important issues regarding vulnerability, performance, and trust in the context of digital intimacy.
Early in July, the investigation began, and Jiao was arrested on suspicion of creating and disseminating pornographic materials. The illegal videos were taken down by the authorities, who also asked people to refrain from sharing them. Notably, they clarified that the 1,691 victims that have been reported may be overstated. However, even a small portion of that figure is concerning. Health issues soon followed, with unsubstantiated reports that Jiao had HIV and had infected multiple partners. In a prompt response, the Nanjing CDC called for public discretion and provided anonymous STI testing.
Reactions over the past week have varied from outrage to pure satire. Memes and AI-generated parodies went viral on social media. In just a few hours, the Instagram filter known as the “Sister Hong Mystery Room Filter” received thousands of uses. A character based on Irma Hong was even introduced in one Vietnamese theater production, and her brief appearance drew thunderous applause. The scandal’s highly personal and legal repercussions were concealed by its viral momentum, which turned it into a social comedy of errors.
This phenomenon is especially innovative because of how fast it became a cultural brand. “Sister Hong starter packs,” which included neutral-toned masks and black skirts, were made available by wig vendors. Influencers made jokes about copying Jiao’s style in order to “become the next Red Sister.” The scandal has influenced fashion, theater, social discourse, and criminal law, resulting in a unique fusion of courtroom reality and meme culture.
However, the trauma lingers for many. Unaware of the fraud, some men reportedly made repeated visits because they were attracted to Irma Hong’s persona. Descriptions of participants as “small fresh meat”—slang for young, attractive males—and “high-quality straight men” were among the most unsettling features. The use of these labels in media coverage reflects a fascination with masculinity and physical appearance that has been complicated by the discovery of dishonesty.
This incident challenged preconceived notions about digital romance by fusing performance art elements with unsettling reality. A comparison can be made to international tales of romantic fraud, such as the notorious case of Simon Leviev, also known as the “Tinder Swindler.” However, Jiao employed empathy and role-play, which may have made his strategies even more psychologically complex than Leviev’s use of luxury and charm. His approach was driven by more than just money. It had to do with documentation, performance, and control.
Although precise revenue figures were not revealed during the investigation, Jiao allegedly charged about 150 yuan ($21) for access to his private video group. Even though it was modest in single-unit pricing, that monetization had the potential to be significant at scale. His alleged pattern of unprotected interactions with some of his guests was especially unsettling and sparked conversations about public health as well as law.
Public education initiatives regarding online safety and consent have significantly improved since the videos were made public. Chinese digital platforms have begun enforcing more stringent verification procedures for video uploads in response to public outcry. Even if these changes result in widespread pain and embarrassment, the internet might still become a little safer as a result of the lessons learned from this scandal.
All of this makes one think about how easily identities can be created—and destroyed—online. Even the most self-assured men were duped by Jiao’s elaborate performance, which was more than just a practical joke. He exposed the frailty of contemporary connection by employing relatable storytelling and emotional nuance.
Although Irma Hong’s story is still developing, its wider ramifications are very evident. It challenges traditional gender stereotypes, makes people reevaluate authenticity, and reveals how easily trust can be manipulated when outward appearances seem sincere. This is a painful but effective case study for early discussions about online safety. When society is forced to choose between ethics and entertainment, it must make a decision.
