Anti-rumor campaign picks up speed

Just like many other boys of his age, Qin Zhihui had always dreamt of becoming famous.

More determined than most but as clueless as many, he tried a myriad of ways to get into the spotlight. He peddled along Subway Line 10 in Beijing to promote his Sina Weibo account. Nicknamed Qin Huohuo, he even danced awkwardly on the street. These moves met with limited success, but then he hit upon a new idea - spreading rumors.

Qin, together with the founder of his company, Yang Xiuyu, were accused of engaging in illegal business operations after the police said they had illegally profited from their rumor-spreading actions.

The two were also charged with "provoking trouble," as thousands of followers reposted their rumors about the Red Cross Society of China and the Wenzhou train crash of 2011.

Figures such as the hero soldier Lei Feng and major-general of the People's Liberation Army Luo Yuan, were also targeted by Qin. He claimed that Luo was a deserter and his family were presently living in the US as well as saying that Lei Feng had never been a model soldier and had in fact led a lavish life.

When Qin was detained, authorities warned that "opinion leaders" involved may soon follow. These comments did indeed herald the beginning of an anti-rumor campaign by the Ministry of Public Security of unprecedented scale. Two others were detained for similar reasons on the same day as Qin and Yang were put into criminal detention.

One day later, a Shenzhen resident was detained, and on August 23, Liu Hu, a journalist with the Guangzhou-based newspaper New Express, was detained in Chongqing for fabricating rumors.

Zhou Lubao, a self-proclaimed whistle-blower, was also arrested for allegedly publishing negative reports online and then extorting those involved, according to a statement from the Ministry of Public Security on Sunday. Shanghai Police also reported that they had arrested a rumor-monger.

Motivation speculation

According to the official Weibo of the Beijing police, several accusations made by Qin were reposted, including his latest that said Lei Feng wore a leather jacket and leather shoes. These would have cost 90 yuan ($14.7) in 1959 when Lei's monthly income was 6 yuan, creating a huge contrast with the traditional image of Lei Feng as thrifty and hardworking.

Other people accused of fabricating rumors have targeted officials. This has given rise to questions as to whether these rumors have a political motive.

Sima Nan, a renowned Maoist scholar, said he believes Qin was part of an organization that has political intentions and seeks to attack Chinese mainstream values.