背债苦命人成了银行“炸弹”

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the alarming growth of the "debt-back" industry in China, where individuals take on significant debts through intermediaries, often leading to severe personal and legal consequences. The industry exploits vulnerable individuals, creating a cycle of fraud and financial distress [6][14][60]. Group 1: Debt-Back Process - Individuals like Zhao Qian take on debts of up to 20 million yuan, receiving only a fraction of that amount in cash, while their personal information is manipulated by intermediaries [3][5]. - The process of becoming a "professional debtor" involves a rapid and deceptive setup, where intermediaries handle all documentation and even accompany individuals to banks [5][9]. - The debtors face severe restrictions post-debt, including being labeled as "dishonest individuals," which limits their financial activities and social mobility [7][9]. Group 2: Industry Growth and Statistics - The financial black and gray market in China surpassed 280 billion yuan in early 2025, showing a 40% increase from 2023, with an estimated 8 million people involved in these activities [14]. - The number of loan fraud attacks captured in 2024 reached 4.14 million, with a 51% increase in perpetrators compared to the first half of the year [14]. Group 3: Intermediary Operations - Intermediaries categorize potential debtors into four groups based on their creditworthiness, with "clean" individuals being the most sought after for larger loans [18][21]. - The intermediaries often mislead debtors about the risks involved, focusing solely on extracting value from their credit [9][36]. - The financial benefits from loans are primarily divided among intermediaries and operators, with debtors receiving only a small percentage of the total loan amount [34][35]. Group 4: Legal and Ethical Implications - The article discusses the legal ramifications for debtors, including potential imprisonment for loan fraud, which many individuals underestimate [11][66]. - The banking sector faces challenges in managing risks associated with intermediaries, as the pressure to maintain loan volumes can lead to ethical compromises [15][50]. - The systemic issues within the banking and intermediary relationships contribute to a growing cycle of fraud, making it difficult for banks to effectively mitigate risks [60][62].