3 detained over alleged abuse at unlicensed training academy in Zhejiang

Three people have been placed under criminal detention on suspicion of abusing people under their care at an unlicensed training institution in Xinchang county, Zhejiang province, where students were beaten, subjected to corporal punishment and had their personal freedom restricted, local authorities said on Sunday.

Rushi Shuyuan, which was marketed as an academy for traditional Chinese culture and family education, has been shut down, and all students enrolled in its programs have returned home, according to a statement released by a joint investigation team on Sunday.

The investigation was launched after media reports emerged in early August, with several students alleging that they had been beaten, slapped and struck with rulers at the academy, with such practices being justified as strict discipline.

Investigators confirmed that beating, corporal punishment and restrictions on personal freedom had occurred at the academy. The head of the academy surnamed Lai, along with two other suspects surnamed Cheng and Xie, was placed under criminal detention on Aug 7 on suspicion of abusing people under his care.

Investigators found that the academy had been operating without the required registrations or qualifications. Under the guise of providing training in traditional Chinese culture and etiquette, it offered closed training programs through long- and short-term courses and lectures.

The academy's premises were subleased in 2016 by Lai. Its operations were mainly conducted through six companies associated with Lai and his relatives. The companies' registered business scopes included cultural activities, enrollment support, health consulting and education consulting.

Lai, born in 1968, was previously sentenced to two years in prison and fined 500,000 yuan ($74,100) by a court in Beihai, Guangxi Zhuang autonomous region, in 2002 for illegal business operations.

Police also uncovered other suspected violations and crimes, which remain under investigation.

Authorities said the case exposed shortcomings in oversight by relevant local departments. Xinchang has pledged to rectify regulatory problems, hold responsible officials accountable, investigate similar institutions and strengthen regular supervision to protect the public's legitimate rights and interests.