In recent years, according to a commentary from the Chinese Communist Party’s official media, some self-media accounts have been using methods like “publishing officials’ resumes” to suggest in advance that certain officials may be under investigation. They profit from this by generating traffic and operating paid subscription groups, thus forming a “black-gray industry chain” centered around the hype of corruption-related information about officials.
According to a recent investigative report published by Xinhua-affiliated magazine “Semi-Monthly Talk”, the source of such information often originates from within the system, leaked by some public servants in violation of regulations. This leaked information is then sold through various network groups, with some “whistleblower” public accounts charging subscribers fees ranging from tens to 399 Chinese yuan.
The report reveals that some self-media accounts release hints to the public by publishing officials’ resumes, job changes, and other related information. While these contents appear to be compiled from publicly available data, the publishers often convey additional information through strategic timing, specific wording, or subtle suggestions.
For example, on July 6, 2025, a WeChat public account released a detailed resume of Zhou Xianwang, a former Party member and vice chairman of the Hubei Provincial Political Consultative Conference. Two days later, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection announced that Zhou was under investigation. Such instances of “preparing the ground in advance” are not isolated incidents on the internet.
In addition to hinting at officials being investigated, some accounts also indulge in creating sensational content after officials are removed from office.
“Sem-Monthly Talk” mentioned that a WeChat account published an article with titles like “raising male pets” after a female department-level official in Guiyang was taken down, associating several female officials in a sensational and vulgar manner.
The report mentions that after WeChat accounts are shut down, some operators move to short video platforms. On April 24 this year, an account on a short video platform disseminated news about Tu Yan, former chairwoman of the Guizhou Provincial Women’s Federation, through comics and text. Five days later, the Guizhou Provincial Commission for Discipline Inspection announced Tu Yan’s investigation.
The investigation also involves cases where some system insiders are involved.
The report discloses that since August 2025, Duan, a first-level director at a bureau in Guiyang City, colluded with six relatives to operate multiple WeChat public accounts. They hinted at cadre promotions, transfers, or removals through the release of “official resumes,” and profited from it.
Furthermore, a staff member from a bureau in a western city was also accused of operating related accounts to spark discussions by releasing content related to officials.
According to the report, such related information spreads through social networks like WeChat groups.
Investigators stated that after news of officials being investigated or transferred leaks out, it spreads in some chat groups on certain software, and new members have to pay a fee to join. “Behind each public account, there are 3 to 4 groups. The entry fee for these primary groups is relatively low, only tens of yuan, while the fee for joining new groups is higher, some costing 399 yuan.”
It is worth noting that “Semi-Monthly Talk” mentioned in its report that legally determining the behavior of some who subtly release “official resumes” presents certain difficulties.
The report notes that the phenomenon of “predicting official downfall” thrives due to the limited information available to the public regarding official appointments, investigations, and the voyeuristic nature of dissemination in the online environment.
When there is a time gap between the formal release of information and some individuals attempt to exploit their informational advantage to create the effect of being “in the know” in advance, a gray market revolving around power information easily emerges.