Chinese courts on Friday sentenced 163 defendants to prison terms ranging from 10 months to life imprisonment, as the country intensified efforts to crack down on criminal organisations using online platforms and coercive tactics to commit crimes.
The verdicts were delivered by courts in Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Shanghai, Anhui, Jiangxi, Shandong, Hubei, Guizhou and Yunnan, which convicted members of 12 criminal organizations.
These cases highlighted authorities’ focus on organised criminal groups involved in illegal lending and debt collection and other offenses carried out through internet platforms and coercive tactics known as “soft violence,” as well as groups acting as local bullies and those exploiting or harming minors.
Among the 12 cases, a typical one was heard by the Jizhou District People’s Court in Tianjin Municipality in north China. Defendant Li and others were found to have made high-interest loans to unspecified members of the public over an extended period and using illegal means to collect debts. Their tactics included beatings, online insults, sending humiliating photographs and spraying insulting messages on victims’ properties.
More than 10 victims suffered harm to their personal and property safety, while the group’s activities caused fear among local residents and had a serious adverse social impact. Li, identified as the organizer, was sentenced to four years and 10 months in prison.
China launched a year-long special campaign in July to address organized crime and gang-related offenses that have drawn strong public concern, and to rectify and regulate disorder in industries that breed such criminal activities. These operations have involved law enforcement and judicial agencies.
