In a determined effort to combat telecom fraud, China has witnessed a notable decline in both the number of cases and property losses since August, with figures showing a 24% year-on-year reduction in cases and a 20.5% decrease in property losses. This announcement was made by Wang Zhizhong, Vice Minister of Public Security, during a press conference on Tuesday. Wang emphasized that China is steadfast in its resolve to curb the prevalence of telecom fraud crimes.
Though progress has been made, Wang pointed out that the situation regarding telecom network fraud remains a pressing concern. He stated that public security agencies across the country will remain vigilant and adapt to new developments in telecom fraud, continually elevating their efforts to combat related crimes.
The Beijing Municipal Public Security Bureau reported that since the launch of a public security crackdown on June 25, they have successfully addressed over 16,000 cases, cracking down on more than 4,500 cases of telecommunications and internet fraud, and dismantling over 60 criminal operations. A particularly significant achievement was the return of 132 suspects involved in nude chat extortion and telecom fraud, sending a strong message to potential wrongdoers.
Since the beginning of 2023, the rise in telecom fraud cases linked to false investment and financial management schemes has raised concerns in China. In response, China and several Southeast Asian nations have launched joint operations to protect citizens from fraudulent schemes related to gambling.
To tackle cross-border telecom fraud, law enforcement agencies in China, Thailand, Myanmar, and Laos have initiated a special joint operation aimed at combatting telecommunications fraud and online gambling crimes.
Efforts have led to the successful capture of 2,317 telecom fraud suspects from northern Myanmar, including key individuals such as “financial backers,” organizational leaders, and core members, along with the apprehension of 94 fugitives listed online.
Chinese public security authorities remain committed to thoroughly investigating all available evidence, cracking down on fraud, and disrupting related crimes within domestic markets to ensure comprehensive action and strict legal penalties.
The sustained pressure on cross-border crimes, specifically telecom fraud, has significantly curtailed opportunities for overseas fraudulent activities, resulting in a clear decline in the number of telecom and internet fraud cases in China.
Since 2022, China’s procuratorial organs have diligently prosecuted individuals involved in telecommunications fraud and border crossings, leading to the prosecution of over 50,000 people for telecommunications fraud and over 30,000 people for illegal border crossings.
Additionally, public security agencies employ an early warning system that disseminates 310 million early warning instructions across the country to maximize fraud prevention efforts and protect the property safety of the public.