Influential Car Reviewer Chen Zhen Fined Over 2.47 Million Yuan for Tax Evasion, Multiple Social Media Accounts Suspended

On December 5, it was reported that the Third Inspection Bureau of the Beijing Municipal Taxation Bureau under China's State Taxation Administration had investigated and penalized online car reviewer Chen Zhen for tax evasion.

The investigation revealed that from 2021 to 2023, Chen Zhen underreported his personal income tax by 1.1867 million yuan through methods such as concealing income, altering income classification, and filing false declarations. In November 2025, the bureau imposed penalties in accordance with China's Tax Collection and Administration Law, Individual Income Tax Law, and Administrative Penalty Law, ordering Chen to repay the evaded taxes along with late fees and fines totaling 2.4748 million yuan. All penalties have since been fully settled.

Between December 4 and 5, multiple social media accounts belonging to Chen Zhen were suspended. On December 5, Chen posted a video via an alternate account, "Chen Zhen's Classmate," acknowledging the situation: "It was unexpected, but I have no excuses—I brought this on myself. I need to reflect and strive to spread positivity rather than controversy. This is a lesson learned." However, this backup account was also suspended shortly after the video's release.

Chen Zhen is a prominent figure in China's automotive media sphere, with over 10 million followers each on Weibo and Douyin under the handle "Chen Zhen's Classmate." His combined following across platforms like Bilibili and Xiaohongshu exceeds 24 million.

Platforms cited varying reasons for the suspensions. Weibo stated the account "violated relevant laws," while Kuaishou referenced "community guidelines violations."

Prior to the suspensions, Chen had sparked debates with remarks about Xiaomi Corp.. On December 4, he shared a viral video titled "Sweet Potato Seller Defeats 7,000 Legal Staff," seen as a veiled jab at Xiaomi's legal actions against an agricultural influencer who mimicked CEO Lei Jun's presentation style. Earlier, on November 27, Chen questioned Xiaomi's motives after the company donated HK$10 million for Hong Kong fire relief, linking it to controversies over car deposit refunds and lawsuits.

Chen's polarizing persona has drawn repeated scrutiny. In October, he faced backlash after a Rolls-Royce traffic violation where he emphasized having only basic insurance and relying on driver-assist features. In January, his team leaked a review of Lynk & Co's unreleased model, resulting in a 5-million-yuan settlement for breaching confidentiality.

Public records show Chen, once known as "Second Ring Road's 13-Minute Man" for a 2006 speeding arrest, was dismissed from Autohome in 2014 before launching his independent media career.