Second-hand Goods Sellers Allegedly Using Coded Language for Illicit Services on Online Platform
Individuals using online platforms for criminal purposes. Coded language is used to disguise unlawful services. Xianyu's response and commitment to improving the review processes
According to reports, individuals may be using Alibaba's second-hand goods and services portal Xianyu to acquire and provide sexual services while selling seemingly benign commodities such as air conditioners. Users on the Chinese platform Weibo have pointed out the usage of coded language, such as terms like "second-hand air conditioners," "coins," "Apple SIM card ejector," and "Giant bike," which are thought to be veiled references to sexual services.
Chinese internet users have mocked the platform, known as Xianyu, as "yellow fish" because the adjective "yellow" is connected with obscenity in Chinese culture. The platform's customer support staff has acknowledged the problem and promised to improve its review methods to prevent similar fraudulent transactions.
Trading sexual services is banned in China, as it violates the country's public morality and social order legislation. The use of online platforms to support such operations raises worries about the exploitation of legitimate groups for criminal goals.
A snapshot uploaded on social media displayed a Xianyu listing for a second-hand air conditioner that appeared to be in decent shape, with suggestive photographs of ladies in the background. The prices for these things ranged from RMB 50 to RMB 600 ($7 to $83), with dealers able to modify prices after the purchase.
Another example shown in a Weibo video was a one-cent coin priced exorbitantly, with the coin's creation year reportedly representing the age of a sex worker. Similarly, product descriptions, such as the Apple SIM card remover, were implied to have secret meanings beyond their obvious utility.
Furthermore, talks between users trying to buy a second-hand Giant bicycle on Xianyu took an unexpected turn, with conversations hinting the length of a sexual service depending on the bike's riding time.
Xianyu has reported a daily Gross Merchandise Volume (GMV) of more than one billion RMB ($138 million), with over 100 million users placing products for sale on the site in the last year. The site has featured a diverse range of categories, including digital products, ACG (anime, comic, game) merchandise, tickets, transportation equipment, and clothes, among others.
Individuals exploiting online platforms for illicit activities
Coded language used to conceal illegal services
Xianyu's response and commitment to enhancing review processes
Source: TECHNODE