Summary of the News in Plain Language
This report discusses the resumption of a one-year campaign to intensify the fight against organized crime in China after a five-year hiatus. Just 40 days into the campaign, the public security, procuratorial, and judicial systems have already announced significant achievements, with 342 individuals involved in criminal activities arrested and over 1,000 criminal groups dismantled. This campaign is distinctly different from the traditional approach of merely engaging in physical violence and collecting protection fees on the streets. The targets this time are new types of criminal activities that have disguised themselves under different forms. For example, some use social media to fabricate negative information to extort film and television companies, others submit malicious reviews to ruin online businesses, and still others monopolize local industries, such as the bamboo shoot industry. These issues were often overlooked as mere minor civil disputes or petty conflicts.
The main reason for intensifying the crackdown is that organized crime has shifted to online platforms, employing softer forms of violence, and has become more concealed within industry chains. The traditional approach, where different departments worked independently, can no longer keep up with the rapid evolution of these crimes. Therefore, a cross-departmental collaborative effort has been launched to address these shortcomings. The authorities have also made it clear that they will not lower the standards for conviction and that there will be no arbitrary or arbitrary enforcement of the law.
Detailed Explanation of the News
1. Why intensify the fight against crime when public safety has improved?
Many people may wonder why efforts to combat crime are being increased when crime rates and homicide rates are at their lowest levels in decades. The reason is that criminals have evolved their tactics. Traditional forms of organized crime were more overt, making them easy to identify and eliminate. However, the new types of crime operate on the fringes of the legal system—online bullying falls under the jurisdiction of the telecommunications department, labor disputes under the labor bureau, and consumer complaints under the market supervision department. Each of these actions alone may not constitute a serious crime, but when combined, they can form organized criminal activities that make it difficult for individuals to survive.
2. The new definition of organized crime
The targets of this campaign include various forms of online and offline misconduct that were previously overlooked. For instance, some people register media companies with large followings to spread false information about popular dramas or stars in exchange for money. Others create fake reviews to damage online businesses. In some regions, such as Sichuan, where the gaming industry is prominent, there are gangs that extort money from gamers through online bullying. In Leshan, Sichuan, gangs monopolize the bamboo shoot market, squeezing out local farmers. These activities are not just minor offenses; they are organized crimes that exploit existing industry structures.
3. How does "soft violence" qualify as organized crime?
Although these acts do not involve physical violence, they are still considered criminal. The logic is simple: the harm caused by psychological pressure is just as severe as that caused by physical violence. For example, if someone harasses you, sends negative messages, or posts embarrassing information about you, it can be just as detrimental to your well-being as a physical attack. Such groups often have the backing of more aggressive forces and can easily extort money through intimidation. Many victims of online bullying have suffered mental distress or even attempted suicide.
4. This campaign is not a "campaign-style crackdown"
There is no concern that ordinary online arguments or legitimate criticism will be misinterpreted as criminal activities. The authorities have clarified that the legal standards for conviction will not change. The criteria for determining whether an act is criminal are based on two key factors: whether there is a clear organization behind the actions, and whether the behavior is used to control an industry or to make illegal profits. The focus of this campaign is to coordinate the efforts of various departments to address these new forms of crime more effectively.
5. The benefits of the campaign
The ultimate beneficiaries of this campaign are ordinary people who work hard and conduct legitimate business. If online businesses are harassed or extorted, it becomes difficult for them to operate. If filmmakers face extortion, it discourages investment in the industry. If farmers are exploited in the bamboo shoot market, it undermines their livelihoods. By eliminating these criminal activities, the business environment and the safety of ordinary people are improved, creating a more stable and fair society.