More than 400 cases involving hackers have been solved by Chinese police, who have arrested more than 900 suspects as part of a nationwide campaign, said a statement by the Ministry of Public Security on Thursday, Nov. 12.
The ministry's campaign includes crackdowns against cybercrimes and a series of efforts to combat illegal online activity in an increasingly digital world wherein the public is more susceptible to such crimes, said the ministry's statement.
For the six-month campaign, Chinese police fought illegal Internet activity, such as stealing websites, making viruses, stealing from online banks and fraudulent activity.
The campaign also involves public security bureaus that have increased their efforts in handling electronic evidence, including the setting up of over 300 laboratories across the country for such purpose.
"We'll continue putting high pressure on online crimes to keep cyberspace in order and protect the public's interests," said an insider from the ministry, who added that some cases in the campaign were solved with the cooperation of other countries.
For example, a company in Zibo, Shandong Province, reported to the local police in April that it did not receive payment for its goods from a buyer in Vietnam. The police discovered that the company had been a victim of fraud, with the money going to a different bank account.
Hackers had stolen information from the company in Zibo and the company in Vietnam. They then posed as the Chinese company using a fake email address and asked the Vietnamese company for payment, according to the ministry's statement.
Zibo police were able to crack down on the hackers, thanks to international cooperation, capturing five suspects, three of whom being foreigners.
According to Li Yuxiao, chief of the Internet Management and Law Research Center of Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, the campaign indicates that China has become responsible in the fight against online crime, taking action against illegal Internet activity.
"China, as a responsible country, has strong determination to fight those destroying cyberspace, no matter where they are from," said Li. "We've cracked down on online crime with legislation and supervision."