The “white mafia” are gentle and understanding, making them adept at managing sensitive personal matters for their clients. - Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
BEIJING: An increasing number of young women in China are enlisting the services of the so-called “white mafia” to assist them in dealing with troublesome ex-boyfriends or dishonest landlords.
These individuals act as bodyguards, and although they may appear tough, they are gentle and understanding, making them well-suited to handle sensitive personal issues for their clients.
This group, known as the “Professional Bodyguard Team”, has quickly gained popularity on mainland social media, boasting 160,000 followers on Douyin.
Dressed in black and sporting fierce looks, the members are labelled “mafia-like” by netizens, who express that they would not dare to cross them.
They employ various methods that vaguely resemble “intimidation” and “persuasion” to address issues such as domestic violence and bullying.
Unlike real underground criminal gangs, they refer to themselves as “female guardians” of justice, earning the nickname “white mafia” from netizens.
A team member, Lei, told the mainland media outlet Vista Hydrogen Business that their group comprises retired military officers, business owners, and even female boxers.
Lei noted that the team was initially established in 2018 to provide security for celebrities and public figures.
“By 2022, more individuals approached us for help with personal issues. Due to gaps in the law, some problems could not be resolved through traditional means, so we began helping vulnerable groups in our own ways,” he explained.
Lei mentioned that 70 per cent of their clients are women aged 25 to 35, who reach out to them via the Douyin platform.
The team charges based on the type and duration of services, with prices ranging from a few thousand to over 10,000 yuan (US$1,400). Some services may take only a few hours, while others can last up to a year.
Lei recounted an incident where a female client, accompanied by team members, went to court to divorce her abusive husband, who was resisting the divorce.
“As soon as she exited the court, the man threw sulphuric acid at her in retaliation. Fortunately, one of our team members shielded her with an umbrella,” he said.
In another case, a young woman sought to break up with her boyfriend, who was physically and verbally abusive and even threatened to leak her intimate photos.
She contacted Lei’s team and spent about 20,000 yuan (US$2,800) to safely end the relationship with their help.
The team has also escorted children who were victims of school bullying, providing security and deterring the bullies. They have also helped tenants recover overdue deposits from landlords.
He stressed that their services “are always fully compliant with the law.”
The team consistently guides and assists clients in contacting the police when necessary or seeking legal help.
Videos on Douyin show that they regularly conduct legal education and training in physical and security skills.
The “white mafia” services have garnered considerable attention on mainland social media.
One online observer commented on Douyin: “This is a true ‘civilian police station’, where the ‘big brothers’ use legal means to protect vulnerable groups caught in the legal grey area.”
“Looking fierce is an advantage. I suggest bringing a professional lawyer along for every mission. I hope your team continues to grow bigger and stronger!” said another.
Similar “white mafia” organisations have been reported worldwide.
In the US, Bikers Against Child Abuse, formed to combat child abuse, consists of strong, muscular individuals who ride Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Its members include judges, truck drivers, and women. - South China Morning Post
