跨境电商货代爆雷：一纸合同沉底，责任浮不上岸

Core Viewpoint - The logistics trust crisis in the cross-border e-commerce sector has been highlighted by the sudden disappearance of Shenzhen-based Tianhui Supply Chain, affecting numerous companies and revealing systemic risks in the industry [3][9][34]. Group 1: Incident Overview - Tianhui Supply Chain, a logistics service provider, suddenly went missing in August 2024, leaving several million yuan in prepayments unaccounted for and multiple shipments to the U.S. without updates [1][2][6]. - The company had been a reliable partner for many businesses in the cross-border e-commerce logistics sector, but its abrupt disappearance has led to significant financial losses for over 46 companies, with debts exceeding 1.6 billion yuan [7][33]. - The incident has triggered a broader discussion about the lack of regulatory oversight and the prevalence of low-cost, high-risk business practices in the logistics industry [4][9]. Group 2: Industry Context - The cross-border e-commerce sector in China has seen explosive growth, with the total import and export volume reaching 2.63 trillion yuan in 2024, more than doubling since 2018 [11]. - However, the rapid expansion has led to a significant increase in the number of logistics companies, resulting in a competitive environment characterized by low pricing strategies that can jeopardize financial stability [14][16]. - In 2023, 44,600 logistics companies were deregistered, marking a 10.4% increase from 2022, indicating a trend of industry consolidation and heightened operational risks [14][16]. Group 3: Fraud Mechanism - Tianhui employed a "killing pig" scam strategy, initially attracting clients with significantly lower prices than the market average, then creating a façade of reliability through successful small shipments [22][24]. - The company collected advance payments while delaying payments to upstream service providers, creating a cash flow pool that ultimately collapsed when it ceased operations [25][28]. - The lack of clear contractual obligations and the mixing of funds across various accounts complicated the legal recourse for affected companies, making it difficult to trace and recover lost funds [26][50]. Group 4: Legal and Regulatory Challenges - The legal framework surrounding the logistics industry is weak, with many contracts lacking clear compensation standards, making it challenging for victims to assert their rights [44][50]. - Despite being legally registered, Tianhui's status as a "surviving" company complicates efforts to freeze assets or initiate legal actions, as many companies struggle to provide the necessary evidence for claims [46][49]. - The incident underscores the urgent need for improved compliance and regulatory measures within the logistics sector to protect businesses from similar fraudulent activities in the future [55][56].