The detention of popular Sichuan-based Douyin personality “Little Fourth Master” has sparked widespread discussion on Chinese social media. The 24-year-old influencer, known for his humorous rural sketches and boasting over 813,000 followers, was reportedly taken into custody by Jiangsu police in connection with a transnational fraud case.
Allegations of Human Trafficking and Fraud
Online reports suggest that “Little Fourth Master” (real name undisclosed) was involved in luring at least eight Chinese nationals to Myanmar under false pretenses. Tragically, one individual is suspected to have died, while five others remain stranded in the region. Two victims were reportedly rescued after their families paid ransoms.
Authorities allege that the influencer received a reward of 120,000 yuan (approximately $16,500) per person successfully trafficked. The case gained significant traction on Sina Weibo on June 27, with many netizens expressing shock at the stark contrast between his online persona and the serious criminal accusations.
Abrupt End to Online Presence
“Little Fourth Master,” a native of Yunlian County in Sichuan’s Yibin City, was known for his lighthearted rural comedy content. His last video, posted on April 15, featured a humorous makeover skit. Since then, his accounts have remained inactive—a silence now linked to his legal troubles.
Ironically, in October 2024, he uploaded a video promoting anti-fraud awareness, a move that has drawn sharp criticism given the current allegations.
Official Response
Local authorities in Yunlian confirmed that Jiangsu police are handling the case, with no involvement from Sichuan law enforcement. Officials declined to provide further details, citing ongoing investigations.
The case has reignited concerns over online influencers exploiting their fame for illegal activities, prompting calls for stricter oversight of social media personalities.
