Following the recent case of Chinese nationals cheating on the TOEIC test, which erupted in Japan, more details are being revealed. An investigation has uncovered unscrupulous thugs in mainland China, who have long operated as professional “test cheating agencies.” Beyond the TOEIC, these individuals have now turned their attention to the TOEFL, another global English proficiency certification. These operators not only provide detailed cheating procedures, but they also offer “cheating packages to Japan” for tens of thousands of RMB.
According to an undercover investigation by reporters from Japan’s Weekly Post, several Chinese “agencies” claim to be able to obtain multiple versions of the upcoming TOEFL exam questions and standard answers five to seven hours before the test. It requires test-takers to memorize the information received within a short time frame. The speaking part of the exam is also organized by providing targeted instructions in advance.
The operators primarily promote their services through the Chinese social media platform “Xiaohongshu” or “Little Red Book,” directing clients to contact them through WeChat to avoid being blocked. During the actual communication, an agent called “Mr. Wang” expertly inquired about the prospective clients, their target scores, the test location, and the time. She also recommended a “cheating trip to Japan,” with accommodation arranged by the agency, and a travel option at the end.
According to the reporter’s investigation, the cost to participate in this kind of program is approximately 40,000 RMB, with some operators quoting prices as high as 80,000 RMB. The fee varies depending on the service speed and accuracy. Even more outrageously, the operators also offer to take a “Big Selfie” (referring to test-takers) and guarantee high scores. Exams are arranged in Dubai, Oman, or Africa, and they claim to have “contracts” with local invigilators, making them virtually impossible to detect. This program can cost between 180,000 and 200,000 RMB.
When asked if they could arrange for someone to take the test in Japan, the operator responded: “We don’t have any cooperating test center staff in Japan, so we can’t provide this service.”
Chinese agent arrested again for using high-tech cheating equipment on Japanese TOEIC exams
According to Japanese media reports, a total of 10 Chinese men and women were caught cheating in the TOEIC test held on June 7. Among the tools seized by the police were spherical earphones only 3mm in size. After being inserted into the ears, they slid into the ear canal and were completely invisible from the outside, making it difficult for the authorities to detect.
On March 22, 2025, Wang Likun, a 27-year-old Chinese master’s student at Kyoto University, was arrested by the police. Wang is suspected of installing a micro-microphone inside his mask and revealing his answers to a Chinese man and a woman wearing Mili headphones during the exam. This is believed to be his first time involved in such a case.
Wang confessed that last winter, he received a message in Chinese promising a reward for taking the exam, which prompted him to take the risk. Police are currently investigating the Chinese group behind the scheme. An inquiry revealed that over 800 TOEIC test-takers, believed to be all Chinese, have cheated in the past two years, and their scores have been invalidated.
Translated by Chua and edited by Laura Cozzolino
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