Italian Prosecutors Complete Probe Into Network Accused of Tracking Li Ying

What changed

Italian prosecutors have completed an investigation into a network they say tracked and intimidated Li Ying, known as “Teacher Li,” a prominent critic of Beijing who lives in Italy and runs the @whyyoutouzhele X account.

Ten suspects, eight Chinese nationals and two Italian citizens, were notified on October 23 that the investigation had concluded. They now have a final chance to respond before prosecutors decide whether the case should proceed toward trial.

Why it matters

Li’s account, followed by 2.2 million people, publishes videos, photographs and firsthand accounts from inside China, including protests and other politically sensitive events. Prosecutors allege that the effort against him was designed to stop dissidents from communicating and exercising their freedom of expression.

The alleged campaign was unusually detailed. Investigators say suspects repeatedly visited homes where Li was thought to live, photographed entrances, watched buildings from nearby cafés, searched rubbish bins, gathered information from residents and tracked his movements. One suspect allegedly collected more than 4,000 photographs and 35 videos.

The investigation began after Li filmed a man spray-painting “stupro,” Italian for “rape,” beside his Turin flat in October 2024. Prosecutors also cite death threats sent by email and social media, including messages threatening to cut off his head and images of guns and a bayonet.

Two alleged ringleaders are accused of acting for Chinese police while maintaining contacts with Chinese diplomats and members of the Communist Party’s United Front Work Department. Prosecutors say one suspect recruited followers and another offered €100 a day to help locate Li. The alleged criminal-association charge carries up to seven years in prison under Italian law.

China’s Foreign Ministry rejects the idea of “transnational repression” and says China protects the lawful rights and interests of its citizens abroad.

The allegations have not been tested in court. The next meaningful step is whether Italian prosecutors bring charges; the investigation’s completion does not establish that anyone will be tried or convicted.