Popular Chinese content creators Mr. and Mrs. Gao, who boast over 6.7 million subscribers, have been detained by Chinese authorities and handed a staggering $50 million fine.
On February 20th, a whistleblower within China’s public security system revealed that nearly 40 YouTube content creators have already been penalized as part of a massive crackdown. According to the insider, a significant budget shortfall has prompted police to target YouTubers under new international revenue tax regulations and internet security laws.
One district reportedly set a target of collecting 6 billion yuan within three months, with commissions offered to officers who meet quotas and job reassignments threatened for those who fail.
A leaked administrative punishment document from Dalian’s public security bureau identified the accused as a person named Gao, born in 1981, with current residency in Singapore. The document claims that from November 2014 to January 2026, this YouTuber used VPN software to create content on YouTube, sold merchandise, charged membership fees, and engaged in advertising. The authorities allege he illegally earned $5.77 million and ordered him to pay a fine worth 415 million RMB (approximately $50 million USD) by March 31st, 2026, with a 3% daily penalty for late payment.
Many observers have questioned the legal basis for such taxation. One commenter asked why a Chinese national must pay taxes to their household registration location for income earned abroad, particularly when residing in Singapore. Critics noted that even if the YouTubers maintained Chinese nationality, Singapore doesn’t tax overseas income, which was reportedly a key reason for their relocation from Japan.
Several inconsistencies emerged in the punishment document, including formatting errors, references to unapproved laws, and mistakes in the ID number. Some analysts believe the document may have been deliberately flawed to create confusion and plausible deniability.
On February 22nd, Mr. Gao’s YouTube channel posted a statement denying the rumors: “Recently, there have been serious and false rumors about me, such as divorce and fines. These are all fabrications. Please ignore them. Thank you for your concern. We’re doing fine.”
However, experienced analysts suggest this statement was likely posted under pressure from Chinese authorities, noting that Mr. Gao announced an indefinite hiatus last October and has only uploaded four videos since, none showing him on camera.
The situation has revealed a pattern of financial pressure tactics. Another whistleblower explained that over 200 Chinese YouTubers from various platforms are being targeted, with authorities using family members as leverage for those living abroad. Foreign companies and anyone earning money internationally are also facing scrutiny through compliance checks, tax investigations, and threats of frozen accounts and lengthy prison sentences.
