CCTV 3.15 Exposes Seven Major Industry Chaos; Involves These A-Share Companies! Market Regulator Takes Swift Action

On the evening of March 15th, CCTV’s “3.15” Consumer Rights Day Gala aired as scheduled.

This year’s “3.15” Gala centered on the theme “Trustworthy Consumption, Quality Life,” focusing on illegal activities that infringe on consumer rights in areas such as food safety, public safety, financial security, and advertising markets.

Zhang Qiang, the chief director of the 36th “3.15” Gala, explained that over the past 36 years, the event has witnessed China’s high-quality economic development and the continuous expansion and upgrading of the consumer market. This year, the Gala continues to focus on food safety, exposing illegal businesses that evade regulation and harm consumer rights; monitoring new digital consumption scenarios to warn of potential traps; revealing illegal acts that threaten public safety; and showcasing scams that endanger people’s financial investment security.

The “3.15” Gala is committed to uncovering consumption traps and illegal infringements in relevant industries, strengthening consumer rights protection, boosting consumption, and driving quality upgrades. Zhang expressed hope that by reinforcing consumer rights protection and continuously improving the consumption environment, consumer potential can be fully unleashed, enabling consumers to choose and spend with confidence.

This year, the “3.15” Gala mainly exposed the following issues:

1. Disgusting production conditions of internet celebrity chicken feet

2. The so-called “miracle drug” exosomes are actually unapproved products

3. Height increase scams and reckless profiteering by height enhancement clinics

4. Private domain marketing with 5x profit margins targeting the elderly

5. The rapid rise of rental electric bikes

6. Industry chain of AI poisoning

7. Stock recommendation agencies turning into scam sites for forced sell-offs

In response to illegal activities such as “bleached chicken feet” and “height increase marketing tricks” exposed by the CCTV “3.15” Gala, the State Administration for Market Regulation has swiftly activated an emergency response mechanism, deploying law enforcement actions. The results of these investigations will be announced to the public in a timely manner.

First case: Bleached Chicken Feet

Various chicken feet sold on the market are mostly white and plump, looking appetizing, but a detail worth noting is the price. A 500-gram portion of chicken feet can often be sold for as low as 15 yuan.

According to investigations by “3.15” Gala reporters in the bustling chicken feet markets of Sichuan and Chongqing, they found that in Chengdu Mingyang Food Production Workshop—where chicken feet for Shufu Xiang Food Co., Ltd. are processed—people can easily enter without health certificates, health checks, or sanitation procedures.

At the scene, reporters observed that the processing workshop was filled with foul odors from soaking, trimming, and sorting areas, with a nauseating fishy smell. The environment was filthy: the floor was long stained with murky wastewater, plastic baskets were haphazardly piled, and machinery surfaces were heavily stained with grease and dirt. Large quantities of chicken feet were directly piled on damp, dirty floors, with cleaning tools like brooms and shovels randomly placed on top. Workers casually stepped on the chicken feet, then picked them up and returned them to the processing baskets without any regard for hygiene or safety.

As the investigation deepened, a key piece of information was uncovered: despite the dirty environment, the final chicken feet appeared white and attractive because the factory performed a crucial “bleaching” process. Staff admitted, “They are bleached with hydrogen peroxide.”

Second case: The “Universal Miracle Drug” Exosomes

Recently, exosomes have become a popular product in the medical aesthetics market. Marketed by internet celebrities as a miraculous substance, exosomes are biologically active materials secreted during stem cell cultivation. However, their mechanisms, clinical testing, and other medical procedures are still not clearly defined in the medical and academic communities, remaining mostly in research and theoretical stages.

Based on consumer reports, “3.15” Gala reporters found a product called “Qingcheng” marketed as exosomes. The manufacturer, Haolin (Tianjin) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., claimed that their product’s main component was “exosomes,” but to evade market regulation, they used a license for collagen. This illegal practice of license fraud, illegal addition, and illegal sales is just one aspect of the chaos surrounding exosomes. Some companies also engage in false advertising, claiming their exosomes can beautify, anti-age, or even treat various diseases.

In a city in Southwest China, the head of Jieposai’er Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Mr. Tan, claimed they used exosomes to treat diseases. He said that conditions like epilepsy, arthritis, and diabetes could be solved by injecting exosomes. When questioned skeptically, Mr. Tan showed a frozen “medical-grade” exosome solution, which had no product information and was clearly a “three-no” product (no label, no approval, no certification). Disguised as “technical services,” these unapproved exosomes entered the market. Mr. Tan also admitted that because their company lacked medical qualifications, injections could only be done through medical institutions, a practice known as “borrowing a platform.” These so-called “exosomes” without approval, clinical trials, or efficacy data are being packaged as “panacea” drugs and injected into patients, with high profits.

Mr. Tan revealed: “The first dose is 150 billion particles, the second 200 billion, the third 250 billion, totaling 600 billion particles for 60,000 yuan.” Meanwhile, online complaints about “exosome anti-aging” are rampant, with reports of infections, severe acne, allergic reactions, and little to no effect.

According to Tianyancha, Haolin (Tianjin) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., established in June 2019 and based in Binhai New Area, specializes in biological materials R&D and has medical device operation licenses and cosmetic registration approvals.

Jieposai’er Biotechnology Co., Ltd., founded on May 9, 2024, focuses on cell technology R&D and applications, including human stem cell technology. The company is active and ongoing.

Third case: Height Increase Scams

Online, various merchants claim they can install “accelerators” in children’s bones. While this business is booming, “3.15” Gala reporters received multiple complaints from consumers claiming they were scammed. Visiting a chain called “Anlishen Youth Physical Height Increase,” they found that all branches promised contract guarantees and full refunds if ineffective.

Not only does Anlishen deceive consumers, but another nationwide chain, Dejiru Youth Height Increase, offers similar services with the same pricing and refund promises. These clinics target teenagers but also claim they can help adults with closed growth plates. The head of Dejiru admitted, “For adults, we just straighten the bones, not make them grow.” Despite knowing that once growth plates close, natural height increase is impossible, some centers like Yingruike claim they can defy science, offering “closure height increase” through physiological, psychological, and even metaphysical methods, with no scientific basis or clinical validation. They charge high fees, promising “high-tech” and “patented techniques,” deceiving consumers for profit.

As of the end of investigation, these clinics continue to expand. Dejiru has over 70 stores across more than ten provinces; Anlishen has over 60; Yingruike has over 30. They use false claims of advanced technology and patents to lure consumers and make huge profits.

Tianyancha shows that Hangzhou Anlishen Health Management Co., Ltd., established in April 2024 with a capital of 1 million yuan, is involved in health consulting, remote management, and fitness activities, holding multiple trademarks and patents related to leg exercises.

Suzhou Yingruike Health Management Co., Ltd., founded in September 2024 with 500,000 yuan registered capital, claims to help children grow taller without injections or medication. It has 15 affiliated companies, including Suzhou Yeda Ke and Suzhou Yingxiao Ke.

Wenzhou Dejiru Health Management Co., Ltd., established in June 2018 with 100,000 yuan, offers sports health services, health consulting, wholesale sports equipment, and genetic diagnosis. Notably, it was fined last year for infringing on Yi Yangqianxi’s rights and was ordered to issue a public apology.

Fourth case: Private Domain Marketing

In late January 2026, “3.15” Gala reporters attended an internal industry exchange in Central China, where representatives from “online video production” companies discussed partnerships. These companies buy products from pharmaceutical or health supplement firms at low prices, then produce health lectures and sell these videos to private domain marketing firms. These firms direct consumers to social media private scenes, play courses, and promote products.

The products purchased are often low-cost medicines or supplements, but sold at highly inflated prices—sometimes nearly five times the market value. To uncover the truth, reporters visited “Dahong International,” where Manager Liu explained that they produce fake courses and sell high-priced medicines to deceive the elderly. He said they are cautious now, fearing exposure during “3.15,” and that their industry is called the “pharmaceutical circle,” with “3.15” as a barometer.

Who makes these videos? With insider help, reporters found Shengwei Cultural Media Co., Ltd., in Northeast China. Manager Zhong said the key to whether a video can sell products is the “medical experts” featured. These titles—“national medical disciples,” “society presidents,” “expert committee members”—are mostly bought with money. The reporters also contacted some of these so-called expert lecturers, who refused to meet.

Tianyancha shows that Dalian Shengwei Cultural Media Co., Ltd., founded in March 2010 with 1.5 million yuan, operates in business services and is active.

Fifth case: Rapidly Rising Rental Electric Bikes

In 2025, the new national standard for electric bikes limits top speed to 25 km/h, with batteries not exceeding 48V and motors under 400W. Yet, during “3.15” investigations, reporters found many rental bikes exceeding these limits. Some bikes reached speeds of 80 km/h, posing serious safety risks.

Many rental shops, including major brands like Hellobike, openly promote bikes capable of 75 km/h. Manager Mi from Hellobike explained that before the new standards, some dealers used unapproved bikes with old certificates to bypass speed limits, and some even used electric motorcycles with fake license plates bought cheaply.

Officially, Hellobike states it provides urban mobility services with over 8 million users and plans to go public in 2025. Their bikes are supposed to comply with national standards, but in practice, some are heavily modified or illegally equipped.

Sixth case: AI “Poisoning” via “Toxic” Large Models

Industry insiders reveal that some service providers claim they can manipulate AI large models through “GEO” technology, injecting false or harmful information to influence AI outputs. They help clients rank higher in AI search results or insert “private messages” into AI responses.

One such provider, Dalian Shengwei Cultural Media, offers “GEO optimization systems” that can “feed” or “poison” AI models by posting大量稿件，操控搜索排名，甚至投放虚假信息，达到商业目的。负责人李总表示，GEO业务的核心在于“发稿”，通过在互联网账号上发布内容，影响AI模型的推荐和抓取。他说：“比如手机品牌，有五个位置，最多十个位置，怎么操作？一年几亿广告费，投几百万做点‘毒’，没问题。” 这些公司长期承揽发稿业务，成为“投毒”AI模型的重要环节。

Tianyancha显示，广州力擎智服科技有限公司成立于2025年6月，注册资本100万元，位于广东广州，主营计算机软硬件及外围设备、设计、咨询、租赁等。

Seventh case: Stock Recommendation Fraud with Profit Sharing

At the beginning of 2026, the “3.15” Gala received multiple tips: a stock investment scheme called “stock tips with profit sharing, 50-50 split” attracted many investors. Industry insiders warn that many of these so-called “profit-sharing stock recommendations” are illegal scams impersonating legitimate financial institutions. When stocks profit, scammers demand a share; when they fall, they disappear, using the excuse of “covering losses” to lure victims.

The reporters contacted several organizations offering “profit-sharing stock tips,” including one called Tian Shun Investment. Their customer service recommended buying 2,000 shares at 18.82 yuan each. However, over the next half month, the stock declined sharply, and the reporter had to sell at an 8% loss. During a video call with customer service, the wall behind the agent displayed the large characters “Xinbenke Information Consulting Co., Ltd.” Further investigation revealed that this company is located in Zunyi, has no financial qualifications, and recruits telemarketers. The reporter then applied for a telemarketing position there.

The company’s business manager, Mr. He, explained that their work involves calling potential investors daily, using prepared scripts to persuade them to buy specific stocks. He assured, “Rest assured, we prioritize risk control and profit second. Our stock picks are based on joint research with multiple institutions, not random.” However, he showed no concern for client losses. When asked what happens if clients lose money, he simply replied, “That’s their problem.” Tianbenke’s so-called “institutional research tickets” are just a pretext; the stocks they recommend are actually chosen by the boss. The company relies on randomly selected stocks, trading with clients’ funds, and sharing profits when stocks rise, disappearing when they fall—creating a “sure-win” scam.

Tianyancha shows that Zunyi Xinbenke Information Consulting Co., Ltd., was established in September 2025, with a registered capital of 500,000 yuan, located in Zunyi, Guizhou, with Lin Haizai as legal representative, and has changed address in December 2025.