There are a number of young and well-qualified 'public interest' lawyers and also law professors who might relish an opportunity to look at the business of English language education

Many moons back, while taking a fill in job in Hangzhou, they tried the usual bait and switch trick, and to force me into servitude. My then GF's friend who happened to be a recent law graduate spoke to the boss of said school. The change in attitude from the smug boss and his assistant was astonishing. Instead of berating me for every little thing, they were nice and polite, and wanted to do anything from keep me having this guy poke around read: expose anything corrupt or untoward in the business.

Law is a new concept in China, at least based on statutes. People in China seem to fear authority/laws/and anyone who has the means/power to implement them. Your post is very interesting that the actual laws on education seem to be flouted and subverted all the time, perhaps due to corruption.

If these training centre bosses deem it fit to threaten FT's with lawsuits/torts, then you know what...it is a two way roundabout, I am sure some ambulance chasing lawyers as we call them in the West, would help you out for mininimal/no fees.