China cracks 294,000 telecom fraud cases in sweeping campaign

BEIJING -- In a sweeping nationwide campaign against telecom and online fraud, Chinese police cracked 294,000 cases in 2024, apprehending a large number of suspects, including more than 570 ringleaders, financiers, and key operatives behind the schemes.

Police targeted criminal networks providing illicit support to overseas scam operations. According to the Ministry of Public Security, these groups offered a range of services, including online promotion, money laundering, technical development, and facilitation of illegal border crossings.

Since the start of 2024, China's national anti-fraud center has intensified efforts in early warnings and technical countermeasures, issuing 1.8 million alerts.

In coordination with other agencies, the center intercepted nearly 4.7 billion scam calls and 3.4 billion fraudulent text messages, while blocking 315 billion yuan (about $43.9 billion) in suspected illicit funds.

Simultaneously, the government has intensified public awareness efforts by launching themed initiatives and broadcasting television programs on fraud prevention, aiming to boost public vigilance and strengthen the ability to guard against scams.