China black market emerges for leaks on Xi Jinping purges

A black market for privileged political information has emerged in China, centered around rumors and leaks regarding officials targeted by President Xi Jinping’s long-running anti-corruption campaign. An investigation by Banyuetan, a magazine linked to the official Xinhua news agency, has exposed a digital underworld where users pay for clues and supposed leaks about Communist Party cadres under investigation.

These transactions primarily occur within private groups on social media platforms like WeChat. The cost of entry varies based on exclusivity, with modest groups costing a few dozen yuan while more exclusive chats can reach 400 yuan (approximately 50 euros).

Authorities in Beijing are particularly concerned by the potential presence of “moles” within the government system who may be providing early information before official announcements are made. To evade strict internet censorship, administrators frequently move members between different chat groups in a digital “guerrilla warfare” tactic.