China Trade Fair Accused of Fraud: Foreigners Hired as Fake Buyers, Exhibitors Demand Refunds

Hundreds of exhibitors at the "2026 Shenzhen Foreign Trade Import and Export Fair" are demanding refunds after accusing organizers of fabricating attendance. The fair, held from June 16 to 18 at the Shenzhen Futian Convention and Exhibition Center, reportedly hired individuals, including foreigners, to pose as buyers and create a false impression of business activity.

Exhibitors claim that very few genuine buyers attended, leaving many booths empty. Frustrated by the lack of business and the alleged deception, hundreds of participants protested on June 17. They demanded refunds from the organizing company, BoXiang Exhibition Service (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd., for their participation fees, which reportedly cost around 20,000 yuan (approximately $2,750 USD).

The situation escalated when organizers deployed a large number of security personnel, described as "armed," to maintain order and confront the protesting exhibitors. Videos circulating online show these personnel, equipped with shields and tridents, forming a human wall. One exhibitor from Shandong province told Epoch Times that the entire event was filled with "plants" and that hired foreigners were paid 500 yuan (about $69 USD) each to simulate interest.

Further anger erupted on June 18 when, according to reports, some exhibitors began destroying their own displays and other facilities as their refund demands remained unaddressed. These exhibitors, having invested significant amounts in booth fees, transportation, and accommodation, faced substantial losses with virtually no orders secured.

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The entire exhibition was filled with plants, not a single person. They brought a carload of 'foreigners' there to check names and give them money, 500 yuan per person, and then told them to be seen and caught red-handed.