Authorities in Leshan, Sichuan province, have taken criminal action against a group of livestreamers accused of fabricating tragic stories to gain sympathy and increase sales of agricultural products, Red Star News reported on Sunday.

The livestreamers, operating an account under the username "Brother Xian Helping Farmers in Action," allegedly staged scenarios of hardship in their videos, which attracted viewers and led to millions of yuan in sales. Police said the group, composed of three to seven members, promoted seasonal fruits while claiming to help struggling farmers, amassing over two million followers in the process.

The team is suspected of false advertising, with the total amount involved in the scheme exceeding 4 million yuan ($564,000), and commissions estimated at 450,000 yuan. According to local authorities, the group traveled across the country during peak fruit seasons, producing scripted videos to maximize engagement and drive live-streamed product sales.

The primary suspect, identified by the surname Xian, registered multiple accounts on popular Chinese platforms, including Douyin, Kuaishou, and WeChat Video, to amplify the reach of the operation.

Officials underscored that China's Advertising Law mandates authenticity in advertisements, holding those who create and distribute content accountable. Police said the team's videos intentionally exploited viewers' goodwill, spreading misleading information.

Three suspects have been placed under criminal coercive measures, and authorities warned that livestreamers are responsible for the products they endorse, cautioning them against misleading advertisements and consumer exploitation.