On January 26, Chinese outlet 163 reported that Zhao Wei shared a statement originally published by her older brother Zhao Jian, strongly denying claims that she was linked to illegal money laundering networks or human trafficking rings operating in Southeast Asia.
Rumors began circulating on Weibo that Zhao Wei, her ex-husband Huang Youlong and TV host Li Xiang were part of the same criminal network engaged in illegal financial activities and human trafficking in scam compounds in Myanmar. Some posts even went so far as to accuse Zhao Wei of using overseas real estate purchases and alcohol-related businesses as tools to launder illicit funds, while also claiming that several companies registered under her and her ex-husband’s names were simply shell companies.
Zhao Jian strongly refuted these allegations, stating that the articles deliberately targeted his sister with fabricated information. He pointed out that Zhao Wei, as a public figure, has been particularly vulnerable to harmful rumors and violence online. According to him, the family has already reported the matter to the 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 his brother’s statement and personally responded in the comments, explaining that the 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,” he wrote.
Zhao Wei has faced continuous negative speculation since she was suddenly blacklisted by the Chinese entertainment industry in August 2021, after which numerous rumors have emerged attempting to explain the reasons for her ban.
On December 28, 2024, Zhao Wei publicly confirmed that she had divorced Huang Youlong several years earlier, making it clear that she no longer has any relationship with him and does not wish to be involved in his alleged financial matters. Chinese media interpreted this revelation as an attempt to distance herself from the ongoing controversies surrounding her ex-husband.
Earlier this month, Zhao Wei was again implicated in online allegations linking her to telecom fraud and human trafficking networks in Myanmar. Reports claimed that Huang Youlong’s cousin Che Kailuan had a criminal record and was involved in luring Chinese citizens into scam operations in Thailand and Myanmar. It was further stated that Che Kailuan was arrested by Thai police in 2022. Some media outlets speculated that Huang Youlong himself had links to these operations, suggesting that Zhao Wei was aware of or complicit in his activities during their marriage.
Sources: K14
