On January 26, Chinese outlet 163 reported that Zhao Wei shared a statement originally posted by her older brother Zhao Jian, firmly denying claims that she was connected to illegal money laundering networks or human trafficking rings operating in Southeast Asia.
The rumors began circulating on Weibo, alleging that Zhao Wei, her ex-husband Huang Youlong, and television host Li Xiang were part of the same criminal network engaged in illegal financial activities and the trafficking of people into scam compounds in Myanmar. Some posts went as far as accusing Zhao Wei of using overseas real estate purchases and alcohol-related businesses as tools to launder illicit funds, while also claiming that multiple companies registered under her and her ex-husband’s names were merely shell corporations.
Zhao Jian strongly refuted these accusations, stating that the articles were deliberately targeting his sister with fabricated information. He emphasized that Zhao Wei, as a public figure, has been especially vulnerable to malicious rumors and online violence. According to him, the family has already reported the matter to authorities and initiated legal proceedings in Beijing and Shanghai.
“In the face of cyber violence, Zhao Wei is the truly vulnerable one,” Zhao Jian said. “These self-media accounts fabricate, distort, insult, and defame under the protection of corporate legal entities, spreading harmful rumors at virtually no cost.”
Zhao Wei later reposted her brother’s statement and personally responded in the comments, explaining that legal action is ongoing but moving slowly due to procedural timelines. “The lawsuits are still being processed, but it takes time for cases to be accepted and handled. I ask for your understanding and patience,” she wrote.
Zhao Wei has faced persistent negative speculation since she was abruptly blacklisted from the Chinese entertainment industry in August 2021, after which numerous rumors emerged attempting to explain the reasons behind her ban.
On December 28, 2024, Zhao Wei publicly confirmed that she had divorced Huang Youlong several years earlier, clarifying that she no longer has any relationship with him and does not wish to be entangled in his alleged financial issues. Chinese media interpreted this disclosure as an effort to distance herself from ongoing controversies surrounding her former husband.
Earlier this month, Zhao Wei was again implicated by online claims linking her to telecom fraud and human trafficking networks in Myanmar. Reports alleged that Huang Youlong’s cousin, Che Kailuan, had a criminal record and was involved in luring Chinese nationals into scam operations across Thailand and Myanmar. It was further claimed that Che Kailuan was arrested by Thai police in 2022. Some media outlets speculated that Huang Youlong himself had connections to these operations, suggesting Zhao Wei was aware of or complicit in his activities during their marriage.
Sources: K14
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